Innovative materials are opening new possibilities for more sustainable construction. But how can Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) adequately assess their environmental performance? And when do these innovations justify developing new Product Category Rules (PCRs)?

These questions were explored at the International EPD System's International Stakeholder Conference (ISC2026) in India, through a workshop jointly developed by EPD Chile and NIDO, with the support of the International EPD System.

The workshop used NIDO's innovative marine-biobased construction panel as a practical case to explore the methodological challenges that emerging materials can present within existing EPD frameworks.

Beyond developing new rules for innovative materials, it is about advancing environmental assessment methodologies that can adequately recognise the scientifically demonstrated contributions these materials bring. Marine-based biomaterials are a clear example of how current methodologies do not yet fully capture their environmental impacts and benefits, particularly those related to biogenic carbon storage, climate change mitigation, and marine ecosystem regeneration.

The key message: Innovation does not automatically require a new PCR.

Before developing additional rules, it is essential to:

• Assess applicability: Identify the relevant existing PCRs and determine whether they adequately cover the product and its functions.

• Identify methodological gaps: Distinguish between limitations in available data or product-specific evidence and genuine gaps in the existing category rules.

• Determine the appropriate pathway: Apply existing rules, seek clarification or revision, or consider developing complementary PCRs (c-PCRs) where harmonised requirements are needed.

This discussion is particularly relevant for Latin America and other regions, where emerging bio-based materials, alternative resources and locally developed construction solutions offer important opportunities for innovation. Ensuring that these products can be assessed under transparent, scientifically sound and internationally harmonised rules is essential for their credible environmental communication and wider market recognition.

EPD Chile is committed to actively supporting this process, bringing its experience in LCA, EPD verification and PCR development, and accompanying NIDO in its journey towards robust, transparent and internationally recognised environmental assessments.

The NIDO case illustrates how collaboration among innovators, LCA practitioners, EPD programme operators and regional partners can help identify where existing rules are sufficient — and where further methodological development could benefit an entire product category.

Explore the case and the proposed decision-making approach in the workshop presentation:
When Do Emerging Materials Need New PCR Rules? | NIDO Constructech