Since the last update new limit and guide values have been published making these adjustments necessary in order to be able keeping up with the growing demands on healthy living, low-emission and low-pollutant indoor products and to be able to continue guaranteeing the high quality of eco-INSTITUT-Label in the future.

The limit value for formaldehyde from glue-laminated products is now reduced to 36 µg/m3 going concomitant with the harmonisation of the test chamber conditions for wooden and laminate flooring along with the test requirements of German Institute for Structural Engineering (Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik – DIBt).

As the requirements of eco-INSTITUT-Label consider the respective indoor air values,  currently in force, stipulated by Federal Environmental Agency, the substance group of glycol ethers has been implemented into eco-INSTITUT-Label criteria with a limit value per single substance. Further testing on antimony will now be performed during all eco-INSTITUT-Label testings of outer fabrics and the analyses of organotin compounds and softeners have been extended by further substances. The terephthalate DEHT now shows an individual limit value.

Additionally, in orientation at the label programmes for textiles GOTS and Ökotex 100, the pH value for fabrics with skin contact, i.e. bedding and mattresses, has been reduced.

The basic requirements of eco-INSTITUT-Label now stipulate the compliance with the guideline for biocides, the use of chemical biocides in the production of mattresses is  not allowed.

The criteria are valid from now on. When eco-INSTITUT-Label testing had been commissioned before these criteria were published the former criteria can be taken in account.