Protec International: temporary protection and the EPD gap
Protec International Ltd makes the stuff that keeps finished surfaces safe while buildings come to life. Think Proplex boards, films, tapes, and site signage that stop knocks, scuffs, and dust from turning into delays. Here’s where their portfolio shines, where it’s broad, and where Environmental Product Declarations currently fall short for spec‑hungry projects.
Who Protec is and where they play
Protec International Ltd is a UK specialist in temporary site protection and compliant site signage. Their catalog spans common construction settings like commercial, housebuilding, and fit‑out. They are a focused manufacturer in this niche rather than a generalist building‑materials giant.
Product ranges at a glance
From the public catalog, Protec covers internal and external protection across doors, windows, floors, stairs, kitchens, and bathrooms, plus tapes, access gear, barriers, and signage. Flagship lines include Proplex polypropylene boards and ImpactBoard FR sheets for heavy duty jobs, alongside peelable window films and padded door covers. It is a wide footprint for one brand.
How many categories and SKUs
Protec appears to serve a dozen‑plus product categories with variants by thickness, sheet size, roll length, and flame‑retardant rating. That translates into hundreds of individual SKUs, even before color and accessory options. Exact counts shift as assortments update, so treat these numbers as directional, not forensic accounting.
EPD coverage today
Protec previously published multiple EPDs for Proplex ranges under The International EPD System. Those declarations are shown as expired on 6 October 2025, for example ProplexRE and Proplex Standard, which means no current EPD coverage for the boards today as of November 21, 2025 (EPD International, 2025) (EPD International, 2025, EPD International, 2025).
Why that matters for getting specified
Many project teams track EPDs to hit materials credits and internal policies. Under LEED v4.1, one common path asks for 20 qualifying products from at least five manufacturers to earn the Environmental Product Declarations credit, with product‑specific Type III EPDs valued higher in calculations (USGBC, 2025) (USGBC, 2025). If a protection board is competing in a bundle of materials where EPDs are tallied, not having one can quietly push it off the shortlist.
A likely bestseller without a current EPD
Proplex Standard and ProplexRE boards are go‑to choices for floor and wall protection on busy sites. Both had published EPDs that are now listed as expired on 6 October 2025, removing them from many compliance checklists that require current declarations (EPD International, 2025).
Where competitors may slip in with an EPD
Direct like‑for‑like EPDs for temporary protection boards are still rare. Yet spec teams can sometimes pivot to alternates that satisfy the same site protection intent, especially in interiors. One example is using commodity wood‑based boards with active EPDs, such as MDF or HDF panels, which are widely documented under EN 15804 and can double as sacrificial floor protection on certain projects. Recent MDF/HDF EPDs remain valid into 2029, providing a clean audit trail for documentation (EPD International, 2024) (EPD International, 2024).
Window protection is another niche where EPD‑backed alternates exist. Architectural window films from established brands are covered by current EPDs across dozens of SKUs in multiple regions, which can satisfy project documentation when protective films are kept in place as part of the permanent fit‑out rather than purely temporary use (EPD International, 2023) (EPD International, 2023).
The competitive set you’ll see on jobs
On protection boards and films, buyers often compare Protec with Ram Board, Antinox, Proguard, Correx by Corplex, Swiftguard, and Surface Shields in the US. Some of these emphasize recycled content or FSC claims. As of today, we could not locate a current third‑party EPD for several well known board brands, which means the first mover with a fresh, product‑specific EPD gains outsized visibility in bid documents.
What changed in the rulebook
The EN 15804 A2 construction‑products PCR that many legacy EPDs used was updated in 2025. Version 1.3.4 reached its end date on June 20, 2025, with a new version 2.0.0 published April 7, 2025. Any renewal now needs to align to the newer program guidance and data reporting rules, which is manageable with a good LCA plan (EPD International PCR 2019:14, 2025).
Speed‑friendly path to relaunching EPDs
Teams that have produced EPDs before can often reuse data structures and bills of materials, then refresh the reference year, utilities, transport, and end‑of‑life assumptions. The heavy lift is wrangling site energy, scrap, and returns at scale. A strong LCA partner will make the data collection painless and map the right PCR, operator, and verification routes so you publish quickly and confidently rather than chasing spreadsheets for months.
Where to read Protec’s sustainability stance
Protec publishes details about recycling loops and governance on their Sustainability page, useful for prequal and vendor audits. See their current overview here: Sustainability / ESG.
What this means for commercial teams
Temporary protection may feel small next to steel or glazing, yet it shows up on a surprising number of submittal lists. A current EPD turns a “nice to have” into a box that is simply ticked, which keeps procurement from swapping you out at the last meter. If you sell boards or films that are definately common on interiors packages, a fresh, verified EPD can be the quiet tiebreaker that keeps your product in the spec.
Frequently Asked Questions
What products from Protec previously had EPDs and what is their status now?
Protec’s Proplex ranges, including Proplex Standard and ProplexRE, were covered by EPDs under The International EPD System. These are shown as expired as of 6 October 2025. See examples for ProplexRE and Proplex Standard. (EPD International, 2025) (EPD International, 2025, EPD International, 2025).
Which PCR version applies if Protec renews its EPDs in late 2025 or 2026?
The prior PCR 2019:14 v1.3.4 reached its end date on June 20, 2025. Version 2.0.0 was published April 7, 2025, so renewals should align with the updated rules and GPI guidance. (EPD International PCR 2019:14, 2025).
What are credible EPD‑backed alternates if a project asks for documented protection materials?
For some interiors, MDF or HDF boards with active EPDs can serve as sacrificial protection and keep documentation clean through 2029. Window films used as permanent performance upgrades are also covered by current EPDs from well known brands. (EPD International, 2024) (EPD International, 2024), (EPD International, 2023) (EPD International, 2023).
How do EPDs contribute to LEED v4.1?
Projects often target 20 qualifying products from at least five manufacturers for the EPD credit path, with product‑specific Type III EPDs receiving higher valuation in the count. Language varies by rating system, so always confirm the project’s exact credit form. (USGBC, 2025) (USGBC, 2025).
About the Author
Walker Ryan is a climate-tech entrepreneur focused on driving industrial decarbonization through better data. As the founder and CEO of Parq, he helps manufacturers generate high-quality, third-party–verified carbon disclosures at scale—accelerating a traditionally slow and expensive process. Before starting Parq, Walker led over $200 million in sustainability-focused investments as VP of Strategy & Growth at ReStream Solutions, following earlier experience in investment banking at Deutsche Bank. He brings a rare mix of capital markets expertise and hands-on sustainability knowledge to tackling the infrastructure of industrial emissions.
