Story at a glance:
- The latest product line provided by National Gypsum responds directly to shifting environmental demands—combining lighter weight, reduced emissions, and enhanced jobsite performance in one sustainable solution.
- With EVOLVE smarter design begins at the source—where streamlined manufacturing and transportation efficiency help reduce carbon impact before the board even reaches the wall.
- Environmental responsibility meets real-world performance, delivering benefits that compound over time—for partners, end-users, and the built environment.
Founded in 1925 and based in Charlotte, North Carolina, National Gypsum has been a leading innovator in building products for more than a century—delivering high-performance solutions that advance construction quality, sustainability, and design flexibility.
In recent years the company has deepened its focus on sustainability. By aligning product development with various sustainability goals, National Gypsum is committed on reducing waste, conserving resources, and improving transparency across its manufacturing operations.
This foundation is what led to the launch of the new EVOLVE™ product line in 2025, bringing the company’s environmental values front and center with a family of products engineered to reduce carbon emissions, conserve water, and lower energy use.
What is EVOLVE?
Photo courtesy of National Gypsum Company
Manufactured by Gold Bond Building Products, the EVOLVE line is a major advancement in gypsum board technology, emphasizing lighter weight, enhanced performance, and reduced environmental impact.
The line includes three new products—EVOLVE 30, EVOLVE X, and EVOLVE XP—all significantly lighter than traditional 5/8” Fire-Shield products, according to National Gypsum. Each gypsum board is encased in 100% recycled paper and delivers fire-resistant performance, while EVOLVE XP adds mold and moisture resistance, making it ideal in high moisture areas.
Building on Greatness
National Gypsum recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, and that milestone speaks not only to the legacy of the company’s products but to the people who’ve powered the company across generations.
“It’s part of our business strategy through a principle we call ‘building futures,'” says Chris Whitmire, director of product marketing at National Gypsum. “That ultimately means meeting today’s needs without compromising the needs of future generations. It drives everything from product development to operational practices.”
Values in Action
Photo courtesy of National Gypsum Company
Sustainability, transparency, and continuous improvement are a part of the company’s fabric. What’s changing now is how those values intersect with customer demand.
“Sustainability has long been top of mind for the architectural community, but in the last three to four years we’ve seen a sharp increase in requests for product transparency documents—EPDs, HPDs, GREENGUARD certifications, you name it. We welcome those conversations,” Whitmire says. “That engagement, along with a focus on sustainable product innovation, helped spark the inspiration for EVOLVE.”
In addition to products that are lighter in weight, reduce water and energy use during manufacturing, and lower overall carbon emissions, Whitmire says transportation efficiency is also built into the EVOLVE line. “More units per truck means fewer trips, less fuel, and reduced emissions,” he says. “Those benefits add up to significant gains over time—not only for the environment but for partners and end-users.”
We’re building products for a better future. It’s a core part of who we are.
For a company that just marked its 100th year, that kind of innovation doesn’t happen by accident. “Our people are not only product experts; they understand the sustainability considerations that matter to customers. They can walk onto a jobsite or into an architecture firm and be a resource. Whether it’s addressing questions related to fire-rated assemblies, performance specs, or other technical questions, that level of trust and knowledge is what helps sets us apart.”
It also positions National Gypsum as an industry leader—a designation Whitmire assures they don’t take likely. “We’re building products for a better future. It’s a core part of who we are. Whether we’re talking to architects, contractors, or distributors, we want them to know we’re genuine in our commitments. You can feel when a company is sincere, and we’ve been focused on this for a long time.”
The EVOLVE family of products was recently named Global Gypsum Product of the Year at the annual Global Gypsum Awards, with participation from more than 45 countries.
Next-Level Impact
As National Gypsum steps into its second century, the company’s sense of purpose feels sharper than ever. “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished but even more excited about what’s next,” Whitmire says. “We’re not just trying to keep pace; we want to set the pace.”
Such forward momentum is driven by a long-standing culture of innovation, reinforced by a company-wide commitment to resilience, sustainability, and performance. “Whether it’s refining product formulations, reducing embodied carbon, or supporting customers through robust transparency documentation, National Gypsum is positioning itself as a solutions partner,” Whitmire says.
The goal is to continue offering real, measurable benefits. “From reducing environmental impact to improving indoor air quality—or simplifying the system with single-source reliability—these are products that perform.”
It’s a vision anchored by the EVOLVE line of products, designed to meet the demands of a changing built environment. “EVOLVE is a statement,” Whitmire says. “It represents everything we believe in—responsibility, innovation, and a shared commitment to a better future. We believe in what it stands for, and we’re even more excited about what it makes possible.”
