Blue Angel

German certification for products and services that are environmentally-friendly.

In 2006, noraplan standard floorings were the first resilient floor coverings to be awarded the Blue Angel under the new UZ 120 qualification guidelines. The label protects both the environment and consumers by disclosing important product information. This is a big achievement for flooring, as it comprises a large surface area and has a high potential for polluting interior air.

The Blue Angel is a voluntary German certification for products and services that are environmentally friendly and low in emissions. It is the world’s oldest eco-label. Though governed by the German Federal Ministry for Environment, the criteria are set by the German Federal Environmental Agency. It was developed through a hearing process involving expert representatives from economy, industry and consumer and environmental associations.

The basic prerequisites for attaining this environmental label are the absence of carcinogens and a particularly low level of emissions of organic substances and formaldehyde.

Further criteria for meeting the Blue Angel are:

• No chlorinated or halogenated organic compounds.

• No N-nitrosamines (carcinogenic).

• No raw materials rated as poisonous or very poisonous by EU directives or the German Toxic Substances Act.

• No substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic, hazardous to reproduction or embryo toxic.

• No phthalates (plasticizers).

•Compliance with the quality requirements for the usability of floor coverings.

Blue Angel labels exist for 80 product categories with 3,700 products and services of 800 companies.