The Blue Angel award criteria for flooring products includes a variety of environmental and health-related aspects. Some of the key criteria that are evaluated for flooring products include:
- Emissions: The Blue Angel award evaluates the levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by flooring products. VOCs can have negative impacts on indoor air quality and can cause health problems such as headaches, respiratory issues, and eye irritation. The Blue Angel criteria limit the levels of VOCs that can be emitted by flooring products.
- Chemical substances: The Blue Angel criteria also limit the use of certain hazardous chemicals in flooring products, such as heavy metals and phthalates. These substances can have negative impacts on human health and the environment.
- Resource efficiency: The Blue Angel criteria evaluate the resource efficiency of flooring products, including the use of recycled content and the overall resource efficiency of the production process.
- End-of-life disposal: The Blue Angel criteria also consider the end-of-life disposal of flooring products, including requirements for recyclability and biodegradability.
- Durability and performance: The Blue Angel criteria also evaluate the durability and performance of flooring products, including requirements for wear resistance, slip resistance, and scratch resistance.
Overall, the Blue Angel award evaluates flooring products based on their environmental impact, health impact, and overall sustainability. Products that meet the Blue Angel criteria are recognized as being environmentally friendly and can be marketed as such to consumers who are looking for more sustainable flooring options.