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Strengthening the international use of EPDs across the U.S., European, and Asian markets

EPD Networks, a U.S.-based EPD program, and EPD Hub, an EPD program operator based in the Netherlands, are moving forward with a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) to expand the international use of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).

The proposed MRA aims to establish a cooperative framework for the mutual recognition and cross-publication of Type III Environmental Product Declarations issued or recognized by the two organizations. The cooperation is expected to be based on key international standards, including ISO 14025, ISO 21930, and EN 15804+A2, supporting the broader use of EPDs for construction products and other product categories in global markets.

This collaboration is particularly meaningful as it is expected to strengthen the practical use of EPDs across the United States, Europe, and Asia. EPD Networks is expanding its international cooperation network as a U.S.-based EPD program, while EPD Hub provides EPD verification and publication services through its digital platform, primarily serving the European and global markets.

Through the MRA, the two organizations plan to discuss the mutual recognition of various types of EPDs, including product-specific EPDs, product-average EPDs, and sector or industry EPDs. They also intend to cooperate so that supplementary environmental information required in different markets can be practically reflected. For example, the cooperation may support the inclusion of supplementary environmental impact information based on the TRACI methodology for the U.S. market, as well as additional information required under European EPD program guidelines.

The parties also plan to clarify administrative procedures, cross-publication arrangements, document formatting, and the handling of supplementary information to help companies use EPDs more efficiently across international markets.

A representative of EPD Networks stated, “This cooperation is an important step for EPD Networks to strengthen its international credibility and market accessibility as a global EPD program. Through the MRA with EPD Hub, we aim to expand a practical foundation for the use of EPDs across the U.S., European, and Asian markets.”

A representative of EPD Hub stated, “Cooperation with EPD Networks is meaningful in improving the accessibility and practical use of EPDs in international markets. By combining the program operation experience of both organizations with digital verification capabilities, we look forward to supporting companies in issuing and using EPDs more efficiently.”

The two organizations will continue to finalize the detailed terms and operational procedures of the MRA and further develop follow-up cooperation activities.