PCR Development in 2025

16 December 2025 | PCR

The PCR Library of the International EPD System has continued to develop and diversify, expanding its coverage across an increasing range of sectors and product types. Reflecting on 2025, we mark another successful year for PCR development and adoption.

Highlights from 2025

The year 2025 marked a major milestone with the publication of version 2.0 of our largest Product Category Rule (PCR), PCR 2019:14 for construction products, released in April. This updated version now supports more than 1,000 Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) registered under version 2.0 alone, contributing to an impressive total of over 15,000 EPDs.

The construction sector continued to evolve throughout the year, with the introduction of new subcategories as complementary PCRs (c-PCRs) to reflect emerging market needs, including PCR 2019:14-c-PCR-034 Road marking systems and PCR 2019:14-c-PCR-035 Desiccant dehumidifiers.

Significant progress was also achieved in the food supply sector with the introduction of the main PCR 2025:03 for food and beverage products. To promote harmonisation, existing stand-alone food and beverage PCRs will be replaced by this main PCR or, where relevant, converted into c-PCRs. A wide range of everyday products, including fruits, vegetables, oils, biscuits, pasta, milk, and soft drinks, are now covered under this framework, enabling aligned EPD development across a broad product group. In addition, EPD development within the agricultural sector was enhanced by the publication of a new PCR 2025:02 for biostimulants.

Electronics also experienced a breakthrough year in the EPD market. Building on the publication of the main PCR 2024:06 for electronics in October 2024, five c-PCRs were introduced in 2025. With the release of PCR 2024:06-c-PCR-005 Industrial sensors in December, the first non-construction c-PCR was developed under the International EPD System.

The adoption of four Product Specific Rules (PSRs) from PEP Ecopassport as c-PCRs was enabled by the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with PEP Ecopassport, which has facilitated more standardised environmental declarations in this rapidly expanding sector. The adopted c-PCRs include subcategories such as PCR 2024:06-c-PCR-003 Electric vehicle charging infrastructures and PCR 2024:06-c-PCR-004 Wires, cables and accessories, except construction products.

PCR in Numbers for 2025

New PCRs and c-PCRs: 9
Newly adopted PCRs: 4
Updated PCRs and c-PCRs: 9

Note: Details of PCR development 2025 are provided below.

Top PCRs for EPDs published in 2025 (except construction products):

Basic aluminium products and special alloys – 34 new EPDs
Electronics – 34 new EPDs
Bakery products – 21 new EPDs
Apparel, except fur and leather apparel – 19 new EPDs
Basic chemicals – 18 new EPDs

As of today, the largest non-construction PCR is PCR 2012:06 for bakery products (now replaced by PCR 2025:03 for food and beverage products), with 116 EPDs. This is followed closely by PCR 2010:14 for processed paper, which currently has 109 EPDs and is undergoing a major update expected to be published in Q1 of 2026.

Outlook

Looking ahead to 2026, key priorities include continued development and improved harmonisation within the construction, electronics, and food sectors, as well as an increased focus on the US market.

We extend our sincere thanks to all contributors and stakeholders for making 2025 another record-breaking year for PCR development. The Secretariat of the International EPD System looks forward to further expanding and strengthening the PCR Library in 2026.

Details of PCR development in 2025

Construction Products

Construction products PCR | v2.0.1 | Update
Cement and building lime c-PCR | v1.0.0 | Update | CEN
Road marking systems c-PCR | v1.0.0 | New
Desiccant dehumidifiers c-PCR | v1.0.0 | New
Tables PCR | v1 | External
Storage PCR | v1 | External
Seating PCR | v4 | External
Office Furniture PCR | v2 | External
Lifts (elevators) c-PCR | v2.0.0 | Update

Non-Construction Products

Events and tourism services PCR | v1.0.0 | New
Biostimulants PCR | v1.0.0 | New
Cleaning trolleys for professional use PCR | v4.0.0 | Update
Fertilisers PCR | v4.0.0 | Update
Electrical switchgear and control gear c-PCR | v1.0.1 | Adopted | PEP Ecopassport
Fabricated metal products PCR | v2.0.0 | Update
Luminaires c-PCR | v1.0.0 | Adopted | PEP Ecopassport
Electric vehicle charging infrastructure c-PCR | v1.0.0 | Adopted | PEP Ecopassport
Buttons and fasteners PCR | v1.0.0 | New
Wires, cables and accessories c-PCR | v1.0.0 | Adopted | PEP Ecopassport
Granular and micronized stone from quarry PCR | v2.0.0 | Update
Lubricating product PCR | v1.0.1 | New
Hearing protection devices PCR | v1.0.0 | New
AC and DC gear motors for automation systems PCR | v2.0.0 | Update
Food and beverage products PCR | v1.0.1 | New
Basic iron or steel products & special steels PCR | v3.0.0 | Update
Industrial sensors c-PCR | v1.0.0 | New