The Blue Angel was initiated by the German government and awarded by an independent Jury to products that are environmentally friendlier than others serving the same use. It promotes the concerns of both environmental protection and consumer protection. Therefore it is awarded to products and services which are particularly beneficial for the environment in an all-round consideration and which also fulfill high standards of occupational health and safety and fitness for use.
EC1 Plus EMICODE is an eco-label and classification system that certifies flooring installation products, adhesives, and building materials based on their emissions. It follows standards like DIN EN ISO 16000-1, CEN/TS 16516, and ISO/TC 146 on air quality. Products bearing the EMICODE label are certified as having very low emissions, adhering to the strictest limits, and are continuously monitored by independent inspection bodies. This ensures clean indoor air and promotes a healthy environment.
EU Regulation 1935/2004 covers all food contact materials and articles which are intended to come into contact with food. The regulation ensures that food contact materials do not threaten human health, or change the composition, odor, or taste of the food product.
The Indoor Air Comfort and Indoor Air Comfort GOLD certifications provide strong assurance that a product meets stringent low-emission standards. These certifications highlight a brand's commitment to quality and its role in promoting a healthy indoor environment. The "Indoor Air Comfort GOLD - certified product" represents the highest level of certification, indicating that the product not only meets mandatory low-emission requirements but also aligns with the voluntary standards set by leading ecolabels and sustainable building certifications in the EU. As a result, these certified products are considered top-tier in terms of low emissions, contributing to excellent indoor air quality.
The Product Health Declaration (PHD) certificate is similar to HPD (Health Product Declaration) and a comprehensive tool designed to provide transparent, detailed information about the health impacts of products, particularly in the green building industry. This certification is crucial for ensuring that products meet specific health and environmental standards, offering a benchmark for safety and sustainability. Currently, a Global GreenTag PHD has formal WELL™ Building Standard Equivalencies recognised globally for core product-related Features and the tool is also compliant with the LEED® program, used in 168 countries that has significantly upgraded its criteria for materials transparency and optimisation.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a group of substances from various chemical classes that readily evaporate at room temperature. Examples include benzene, styrene, toluene, trichloroethylene, as well as highly volatile substances like formaldehyde and acetaldehyde.
In countries such as France, construction, decoration, and furnishing products are classified under the “VOC Emissions dans l'air intérieur” label, based on VOC emissions tests. This label rates products on their emissions of volatile substances, which may pose a toxic risk when inhaled indoors. The scale ranges from A+ (very low emissions) to C (high emissions).
ISEGA certification refers to products that meet the standards set by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung), which focuses on ensuring consumer safety and product quality. This certification is particularly relevant for products that come into contact with food, assessing potential risks to human health. Based on these evaluations, the product’s quality is determined. Similar to other environmental labels and certifications, ISEGA aims to provide clear and reliable information to consumers regarding product safety.
The KOMO certificate is a quality mark for the construction and infrastructure sector. It guarantees quality, sustainability and reliability through objective testing carried out by an independent certification body. This product complies with established technical specifications and requirements, including within specifically tested processes.
This certificate is only available in DUTCH.
The Nordic Swan Ecolabel can be awarded to small homes, apartment buildings, as well as preschools and schools. This label is designed to eliminate unnecessary construction chemicals, prioritizing both environmental and human health. By following Nordic Ecolabelling’s guidelines and expertise, manufacturers can construct energy-efficient, high-quality buildings free from harmful chemicals. For homebuyers, this certification ensures that their new home is not only resource-efficient but also provides a healthy indoor environment.
M1 is a classification system for building materials focused on emissions. Materials that are M1-certified release very low levels of compounds into indoor environments. The purpose of the M1 classification is to encourage the production and use of building materials and furniture with minimal emissions. This system sets specific limits for the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, and ammonia. Additionally, M1 evaluates the acceptability of the material’s odor.