ANN ARBOR, MICH.—NSF International, an independent global organization that writes public health standards and certifies products for food, water and consumer goods, has qualified the first wallcoverings distributor to the American National Standard for Sustainable Wallcoverings—NSF/ANSI 342. NSF International developed the standard for Sustainable Wallcoverings to help architects, designers, retailers and consumers identify sustainable and environmentally preferable wallcoverings.
NSF/ANSI 342: Sustainability Assessment for Wallcovering Products recognizes the important role distributors play in maintaining the sustainability of wallcovering products throughout their life cycle. In order to qualify and distribute certified sustainable wallcoverings, distributors must demonstrate that they follow environmentally preferable practices. This includes a comprehensive and independent NSF assessment that evaluates the environmental and social impacts of their operations.
TRI-KES, a Dallas-based sustainable commercial interior finishes distributor, is the first distributor to earn qualification under the Sustainable Wallcoverings standard. TRI-KES is qualified at the highest level and may now distribute all levels of certified wallcoverings, including Platinum.
The standard employs an easy-to-use point system to evaluate wallcovering products against performance criteria across the entire product life cycle and quantifiable metrics. Products covered by the standard include textiles, vinyl, vinyl coated, alternative polymer, alternative polymer coated, paper and other natural fiber products. NSF Certification is based on point totals from both the manufacturer and distributor to achieve a Conformant, Silver, Gold or Platinum level.
Assurance of Sustainability
“Purchasing products that are certified to the NSF/ANSI 342 Sustainable Wallcoverings standard from a qualified distributor such as TRI-KES provides assurance to buyers that they are purchasing the most sustainable products and distribution services available in the wallcoverings market,” said Tom Bruursema, general manager of NSF Sustainability. “As the first distributor to earn qualification, TRI-KES has demonstrated considerable environmental leadership and a commitment to helping wallcovering manufacturers bring their sustainable products to the marketplace.”
“We are committed to minimizing the impacts of our operations, making the internal and external built environment healthier, more sustainable and more responsive to the natural environment,” said Ken Salyer, Jr., president of TRI-KES. “Earning NSF/ANSI 342 Sustainable Wallcoverings qualification further supports this mission and demonstrates to our customers that we are their true partners in sustainability.”
The Wallcoverings Association (WA) participated in the development of the standard and is encouraging members to earn certification as soon as possible. The WA is planning for members to showcase their sustainable products certified to the NSF/ANSI 342 standard at the Neocon World Trade Fair in June 2012.
Certified products earn the use of the NSF Sustainability Mark on product packaging and marketing materials, a signal to buyers and consumers of the products’ sustainability. For additional information on the NSF/ANSI 342 Sustainable Wallcoverings certification program, contact Jeanette Halliday at (734) 827-3804 or halliday@nsf.org. Also see www.nsfsustainability.org.
