Bend, OR – November 2025 – EP Climbing has added eucalyptus-based panels to its climbing wall lineup, giving facility owners and developers a sustainable alternative to traditional birch that delivers equivalent performance at competitive pricing.
The move comes as the climbing industry continues to grapple with timber supply chain challenges that began with 2022 European sanctions on Russian and Belarusian wood. Rather than pursuing short-term substitutes, EP invested in developing a material that meets both performance and sustainability requirements.
“This isn’t about reacting to supply chain disruptions,” said JoAnne Carilli-Stevenson, Business Development Director at EP Climbing. “It’s about building for the long term. We’re giving our customers a sustainable alternative that performs just as well as what they’re used to, with the added benefit of supporting responsible forestry practices.”
Performance Matches Birch Standards
EP’s R&D team spent several years developing and testing eucalyptus panels before bringing them to market. Testing per EN 12572-1/2/3 standards confirmed the material delivers equivalent mechanical strength, impact resistance, and structural stability to birch.
Key performance metrics include 7.2 kN vertical traction resistance without deformation and impact resistance from a 22 kg mass dropped from 1.5 meters without cracking. Facility managers at early installation sites also report excellent dimensional stability over time, even with significant humidity fluctuations.
Three European Facilities Provide Real-World Validation
Saint-André-les-Alpes in France became the first 100% eucalyptus climbing gym, operating since 2024. Climbers have praised the texture and visual quality, while gym management reports strong performance under intensive use.
South Bloc Parc in France installed a mixed eucalyptus and birch wall to create an immersive “forest” atmosphere in its children’s area, demonstrating the material’s aesthetic versatility and compatibility with other wood species.
The sports hall in Zermatt, Switzerland, features 100% eucalyptus panels and has provided valuable data on performance in alpine conditions with significant climatic variations.
Sourcing Meets Strict Standards
All eucalyptus panels carry FSC® certification from sustainably managed forests. As part of the ABEO Group, EP maintains rigorous purchasing protocols including a signed Code of Conduct aligned with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards, plus ethical price indexing to prevent unauthorized wood from entering the supply chain.
The eucalyptus option is available now for new projects worldwide. EP continues to offer birch panels, recognizing that different facilities have different material priorities and budget considerations.
About EP Climbing
Founded in 1985, EP Climbing is a pioneer in climbing wall design and manufacturing, having built more than 8,000 walls worldwide. From local gyms to world stages, EP is trusted for quality, innovation, and deep expertise in the sport. The company served as the official supplier for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and is a long-standing partner of the IFSC . For more information, visit www.epclimbing.com.
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