EMICODE? I’ve heard of that...

What is EMICODE^®?

EMICODE^® is a globally recognised classification system that assess the emission properties of construction products such as adhesives, sealants, primers and putties. The goal of EMICODE^® is to improve the quality of indoor air by labelling products that are particularly low-emission. The system was developed by the “Gemeinschaft Emissionskontrollierte Verlegewerkstoffe, Klebstoffe und Bauprodukte e.V.” (Association for the Control of Emissions in Products for Flooring Installation, Adhesives and Building Materials) (GEV), an independent organisation that specialises in the testing and certification of construction products for interior use. 

Why is EMICODE^® important?

We spend up to 90 % of our time indoors. Harmful substances that are released by construction materials and products can negatively impact the room air quality and cause health complaints such as headaches, allergies or respiratory diseases. EMICODE^® offers consumers, tradesmen and planners a reliable orientation aid for selecting products that do not adversely pollute room air. With regard to hazardous substances and pollutant content, all EMICODE^® products are subject to strict restrictions.

The EMICODE^® classes

Products are divided into three main classes in the EMICODE^® system according to their emission behaviour:

1. EMICODE^® EC1^PLUS – very low emission (premium class):
   These products meet the strictest requirements and are particularly suited for sensitive areas such as children’s rooms, hospitals or schools.
2. EMICODE^® EC1 – very low emission:
   These products also offer a high standard, but with slightly higher emissions than EC1^PLUS products.
3. EMICODE^® EC2 – low emission:
   Products of this class have higher emissions but still meet the basic requirements for low-emission materials.

Products that do not meet the EMICODE^® standards are not certified.

How does certification take place?

The certification of a product according to EMICODE^® occurs through independent laboratories that test the product for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful substances. The emission behaviour is simulated here under realistic conditions. Only products that meet the strict requirements receive the EMICODE^® label.

The validity of the certification is checked regularly. Manufacturers are obligated to allow annual sampling to ensure that the product continues to meet the requirements. As part of the process, products are sampled from the market by independent experts and tested at independent testing institutes that have demonstrated their competence in proficiency tests.

Advantages of EMICODE^® for consumers and manufacturers

Advantages for consumers:

• Health protection: Consumers can be certain that certified products only emit minimal harmful substances.
• Orientation aid: The label makes it easier to select environmentally friendly and healthy products.
• Transparency: The independent test guarantees high reliability of the specifications.

Advantages for manufacturers:

• Trust: An EMICODE^® certificate strengthens the customer’s trust in the brand.
• Market advantages: An increasing number of construction projects require the use of low-emission products.
• Sustainability: Manufacturers that offer EMICODE^®-certified products make an active contribution to improving room air quality.

(This article is computer generated.)