VSL International products and EPD coverage, in brief
VSL International is a global specialist in post‑tensioning, stay cables, and ground engineering. They sell systems that make bridges lighter, towers taller, and excavations safer. Buyers increasingly ask for environmental declarations alongside structural approvals. Here is how VSL’s portfolio stacks up today on EPDs, where coverage is strong, and where strategic gaps could leave specs on the table. See their sustainability stance here: [We are responsible & committed](https://vsl.com/home/why-trust-us/we-are-responsible-committed/).
Who VSL is and what they make
VSL International, part of Bouygues Construction, focuses on post‑tensioning systems, stay‑cable technology, ground anchors, heavy lifting, and structural repair across transport, buildings, and energy. Their core play is engineering plus proprietary hardware that gets installed by VSL crews, not just catalog parts (Bouygues Construction, 2025).
Product families and rough breadth
Think in families rather than single SKUs. VSL’s offer spans multi‑strand and monostrand post‑tensioning systems, duct and anchorage accessories, SSI stay‑cable systems and stay pipes, and strand or bar‑type ground anchors. Variants by diameter, protection level, and application stack up to dozens per family, likely hundreds overall. The stay‑pipe line alone lists 16 standardized sizes in current documentation (EPD International, 2025).
What VSL has published as EPDs today
Two product‑specific EPDs cover VSL’s multi‑strand post‑tensioning system, including the PT‑PLUS duct and anchorage type GC, both valid to November 30, 2028 (EPD International, 2023). In 2025 VSL also published EPDs for white and coloured stay pipes that shield cable stays, each valid to June 20, 2030, with 16 pipe diameters included (EPD International, 2025).
Where coverage looks thin
We could not locate publicly available, current EPDs for VSL’s monostrand slab systems, full stay‑cable kits as installed on bridges, or for strand and bar ground anchors as distinct products. That matters commercially. LEED v5 is now ratified, and EPDs remain a straightforward path to meet materials transparency expectations in many owner programs (USGBC, 2025). When a specifier must choose between two equivalent systems, the product with a third‑party verified EPD often avoids conservative default factors that can penalize a bid.
A likely best‑seller without an EPD, and who covers it
Monostrand systems for buildings and parking structures are a staple of post‑tensioned slabs. If a project team insists on EPD‑backed choices, they can pivot to competitors whose components are already documented. Examples include PC strand EPDs from Sumiden Wire valid to October 1, 2029 for uncoated and epoxy‑coated strand, frequently used in monostrand tendons (EPD International, 2024). For bar‑based strengthening and anchors, DYWIDAG’s threadbar family carries a current EPD valid to October 16, 2030 (EPD International, 2025). That is enough to tip specification decisions on EPD‑aware projects.
Competitive set you will meet in bids
Expect DYWIDAG, Freyssinet, and BBR on like‑kind post‑tensioning and stay work. Macalloy is a common alternative where bar systems can substitute for strand, especially on hangers and roof stays. Material suppliers such as Bekaert, Sumiden Wire, and Insteel surface in tendons and stay components. The mix varies by country and by whether the scope is slab‑on‑ground, segmental bridges, or ground engineering.
Practical next steps to close the EPD gap
Target three quick wins. First, publish monostrand kit EPDs for building slabs, since these drive volume and recurring specs. Second, issue component EPDs for anchorages and ducts where they influence totals and can be re‑used across many jobs. Third, cover ground anchors, starting with the highest‑runner bar and strand assemblies. A good LCA partner will map which PCRs peers used, pick operators your customers recognize, and make data collection feel like a guided handoff rather than homework. Dont let your engineers become part‑time data clerks.
Why it also fits the parent company agenda
Bouygues Construction’s SBTi‑validated targets call for a 40% cut in scopes 1 and 2 by 2030 and a 30% reduction in scope 3 construction‑phase emissions intensity, compared to 2021. Publishing more product‑specific EPDs aligns with that push by surfacing hotspots and enabling lower‑carbon selections at bid time (Bouygues Construction, 2025).
The takeaway for spec‑driven growth
VSL already has credible EPD coverage for multi‑strand post‑tensioning and for stay‑pipe components. The commercial upside sits in broadening coverage to monostrand slab systems and anchor families, where day‑to‑day project decisions happen. Teams that make EPDs easy to generate and maintain will win the boring but decisive moments in submittals and procurement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does VSL have an EPD for its multi‑strand post‑tensioning system and duct?
Yes. VSL’s multi‑strand post‑tensioning system, including PT‑PLUS duct and anchorage type GC, is covered by EPDs valid until November 30, 2028. (EPD International, 2023) (EPD International, 2023).
Are VSL’s stay‑cable products covered by EPDs?
Partially. VSL published 2025 EPDs for white and coloured stay pipes that protect the free length of cable stays, valid through June 20, 2030, covering 16 diameters. Full stay‑cable system EPDs were not found. (EPD International, 2025) (EPD International, 2025).
If a project mandates EPDs for post‑tensioned slabs, what alternatives might specifiers consider if a monostrand kit EPD is unavailable?
Specifiers often look for tendon component EPDs. Public EPDs exist for PC strand from Sumiden Wire, valid to October 1, 2029, and for DYWIDAG threadbars, valid to October 16, 2030, which can influence selection. (EPD International, 2024) (EPD International, 2024); (EPD International, 2025) (EPD International, 2025).
Why does LEED v5 matter here?
LEED v5, ratified by USGBC members on March 28, 2025, continues to reward credible product EPDs. Missing EPDs can force teams to model with conservative factors, which reduces the chance of being selected. (USGBC, 2025) (USGBC, 2025).
Where can I find VSL’s sustainability commitments?
See VSL’s overview and Bouygues Construction’s climate strategy with SBTi‑validated 2030 targets. (Bouygues Construction, 2025) (Bouygues Construction, 2025).
About the Author
With a passion for sustainability and a love for complex data, Toby helps manufacturers efficiently collect data from across their organization and get their EPDs done right. He’s especially interested in how AI can support human expertise, helping R&D and factory teams work faster, smarter, and with less friction.
