eco-INSTITUT edited and updated the testing criteria of eco-INSTITUT-Label. The criteria are effective from now on.

Since the last update new limit values – amongst other things – have been published making the adjustments necessary.

Only via this the growing demands on low-pollutant and low-emission construction and furnishing products and the high quality of eco-INSTITUT-Label can be guaranteed.

Overview of the changes:

Volatile organic compounds (VOC)
As the emissions requirements of eco-INSTITUT-Label consider the respective valid indoor air guiding values of Federal Environment Agency propanediol was added with a limit value of 60 µg/m³. Emissions limit value for nitrosamines have been reduced to 0,1 µg/m³.

Plasticiser
The limit value total for plasticiser was reduced to 100 mg/kg. The substitute plasticiser DINCH is not-approved for products to be eco-INSTITUT-Labelled. (Limit value amounts to 100 mg/kg)

Organotin compounds
From now on organotin compounds are additionally considered at all eco-INSTITUT-Label testings of parquet, laminates, panels (if applicable) and sealants.

Floor covering adhesives and further laying products
The criteria for floor covering adhesives and further laying products are suspended till the next editing of eco-INSTITUT-Label criteria. In the first half of the new year we want to evaluate in how far floor covering adhesives may work without the addition of organotin compounds and plasticisers.

Isothiazolinone
From now on content analysis for isothiazolinones are performed during testing of painting and coating materials. The limit values amount to 0,1 mg/kg for CIT and 10 mg/kg for MIT and BIT. In relation to this novelty positive findings of BIT and OIT will also lead to a devaluation in the context of emissions testing.

Under downloads you find all new criteria as PDF documents.

If you have further questions or need more infos on the update of eco-INSTITUT-Label you may M.Sc. Environmental Science Vanessa Laumann at Vanessa.Laumann@eco-institut.de.