The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) has finalized the Product Category Rule (PCR) for Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) rebar, establishing a standardized framework for developing Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) across the industry. This milestone strengthens the credibility and comparability of FRP-rebar sustainability data, supporting broader market adoption of composite reinforcement in infrastructure applications.

With EPDs, manufacturers can clearly communicate the environmental performance of their products, supporting data-driven decision-making and greater confidence among specifiers, designers, and end users.

The Product Category Rule was developed under the guidance of a technical committee of industry experts and subjected to a public comment and review process to ensure transparency, credibility, and alignment with stakeholder and market needs. NSF International functioned as PCR Program Operator for the project. Funding for the PCR development was provided by ACMA s Composites Growth Initiative Fund, recognizing the critical role EPDs play in accelerating market growth for composite infrastructure materials.

Completion of the FRP Rebar Product Category Rule is a major milestone for the composites industry,  said Cindy Squires Esq., President & CEO of ACMA.  By providing a consistent framework for measuring and communicating environmental impacts, we are helping FRP rebar manufacturers meet growing market and regulatory demands for transparency, strengthening the case for composites as a sustainable alternative in infrastructure applications.

With EPDs developed under this new PCR, civil/structural engineers, architects, state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) and other specifying agencies will be able to evaluate environmental impacts alongside cost and performance when selecting rebar materials for reinforced concrete projects. This enables a more holistic assessment of FRP rebar s benefits, including its durability, corrosion resistance, and contribution to longer service life.

The FRP Rebar PCR, NSF-1125-25 Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite Products Rebar or Dowel Bars, is now publicly available in the ACMA Composites Sustainability Library as well as on the NSF International website, serving as the foundation for EPD development across the industry