From 2026, the EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR) will require manufacturers to provide transparent environmental performance data for their products.
That means:
- Every window, insulation panel, or bucket of paint will need a Digital Product Passport (DPP).
- Customers will expect an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) that shows the environmental footprint of your product.
Without these, products risk being left out of tenders and procurement.
Why it matters
Until now, compliance has focused on safety, durability, and performance. With the updated CPR, sustainability becomes part of performance.
For many manufacturers, this raises tough questions:
- What exactly does the regulation require?
- How do we collect and report the right data efficiently?
- What are the risks if we fail to comply?
- Can this be turned into a business advantage rather than just a cost?
For sustainability managers, this often means handling complex data requests across multiple products and suppliers. For commercial directors, the impact is straightforward: no data, no sales.
Turning compliance into advantage
Meeting CPR requirements isn’t just about avoiding penalties. Manufacturers who provide reliable, transparent data will:
- Be specified more often by architects and contractors
- Build stronger trust with customers
- Differentiate themselves in competitive markets
In short, compliance can be a driver of growth if approached strategically.
Where to start in 2025
You don’t need to solve everything at once, but you do need to prepare. Practical steps include:
- Audit your products: Identify which lines are most exposed to CPR requirements.
- Centralize your data: Replace scattered spreadsheets with a single, reliable system.
- Engage suppliers early: Their data is essential for your environmental footprinting.
- Prioritize high-impact products: Focus on best-sellers or those most scrutinized in tenders.
- Align sales and sustainability teams: Ensure everyone understands that environmental data supports revenue, not just compliance.
Looking ahead
By 2030, having EPDs will no longer be optional — they will be the baseline for doing business in construction. Manufacturers that act now will be well positioned to win specifications, meet customer demands, and strengthen their reputation. Those that wait may find themselves locked out of key projects.
The CPR is not just a regulation. It’s a shift in how construction products are judged, bought, and sold. Preparing now is both a compliance requirement and a business opportunity.
