Explanation of Certifications

The Home Emission Certificate A+ indicates exceptionally low indoor Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions. As a European standard, particularly in France ("Émissions dans l'air intérieur"), it classifies building materials, paints, and furniture from A+ (minimal emissions) to C (highest emissions).

The A+ rating ensures minimal release of harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and toluene, improving indoor air quality, which is often more polluted than outdoor air. This certification allows consumers to choose products that create safer and healthier living environments.

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The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) is an international, non-profit organization founded in 1993 to promote the responsible management of the world's forests.

Its goal is to ensure that forest management is environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable. The FSC achieves this through a certification system, which includes Forest Management (FM) certification and Chain of Custody (CoC) certification. This allows consumers to identify wood and paper products that come from responsibly managed forests, contributing to the protection of biodiversity, natural resources, and the rights of workers and communities.

The term "Kunststoff frei" is German and means "plastic-free" or "free from plastic."

It is analyzed as follows:

• Kunststoff (pronounced KOOONST-stoff) means plastic or synthetic material.
• Frei (pronounced FRY) means free, exempt, or without.

When you see the indication "Kunststoff frei" on a product, it means that this product does not contain plastic or is made from non-plastic materials. This is particularly important nowadays, as more and more consumers are seeking sustainable and environmentally friendly options.

Virgin vinyl flooring offers many advantages. It's more resistant to wear, scratches, and stains, ensuring a longer lifespan. It has a more stable composition without impurities, which means better resistance to moisture and temperature fluctuations.

Additionally, because it doesn't contain recycled materials of unknown origin, it has lower Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions, contributing to healthier indoor air quality. It's also easier to maintain and offers an authentic aesthetic.

Phthalate-Free Certificate

Phthalate-free vinyl flooring is an exceptionally safer and healthier choice for any space. Traditional vinyl flooring often contains phthalates, which are plasticizers that have been linked to potential health problems, especially in children.

In contrast, phthalate-free versions use alternative, non-toxic plasticizers, ensuring significantly lower Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions. This contributes to better indoor air quality, reducing the risk of respiratory problems and allergies. Beyond the health benefits, they retain the durability, moisture resistance, and easy maintenance of conventional vinyl, while offering peace of mind for residents.

The Natur Produkt (Natural Product) certificate indicates that a product meets specific criteria to be considered natural. 

While the term "natural" isn't always legally protected, generally, a product with a Natur Produkt certificate means that:

• It contains a high percentage of naturally derived ingredients (e.g., plant extracts, oils, minerals).
• Synthetic chemicals are avoided, such as artificial fragrances, colors, preservatives, silicones, petrochemicals or GMOs.
• It has minimal processing of its ingredients.
• Sustainable production and environmental responsibility are pursued.

This certification provides consumers with a guarantee of the authenticity and quality of natural products, helping them make more conscious choices.

The Das Kork Logo (the cork logo) is a mark of quality and origin, primarily for products made from natural cork. It indicates that the product:

• It originates from sustainable harvesting of cork oak trees, which are not cut down; instead, their bark regenerates.
• It is environmentally friendly, as cork is a renewable and biodegradable material.
• It often certifies the high quality and purity of the cork, free from impurities or toxic substances.

Additionally, it indicates characteristics such as natural insulation, elasticity, sound absorption, and warmth. It guarantees the naturalness, ecological consciousness, and authenticity of the material, offering consumers confidence in their choices.

There isn't a single, internationally recognized "Second Life" mark with a specific, standardized definition, like the FSC or organic label. The term "Second Life" is generally used to describe products or materials that have been reused, repurposed, or upcycled, giving them a new use instead of being discarded.

In this particular case, the term "Second Life" refers to:

Upcycling: Transforming discarded materials or products into new, higher-value items (e.g., pallets becoming furniture, plastic bottles becoming fabrics).

The purpose behind the concept of "Second Life" is to reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote the circular economy. 

The term "Blauer Engel" (Blue Angel) refers to Germany's official environmental label, established in 1978. It's one of the oldest and most well-known eco-labels in the world, serving as an independent certification for products and services that are particularly environmentally friendly.

The label is awarded to products that meet strict criteria covering their entire life cycle: from raw material sourcing, production, and use, to disposal or recycling. These criteria are established by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment and are regularly revised. The goal of the Blauer Engel is to promote sustainable consumption and provide a reliable guide for consumers.

PEFC stands for "Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification." It's an international, non-profit organization that promotes sustainable forest management through independent, third-party certification.

When a product bears the PEFC logo, it means that its raw materials (e.g., wood, paper) originate from a forest that has been managed in a responsible manner, taking into account environmental, social, and economic criteria. The certification covers the entire Chain of Custody, ensuring traceability from the forest to the final product. This helps consumers choose products that contribute to forest protection and sustainable development.