When selecting flooring for commercial spaces, certification is one of the most important factors to consider. SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) flooring has become a popular choice due to its durability, water-resistance (up to 72 hours), and aesthetic appeal. However, to ensure that you’re getting a high-quality product that meets performance, safety, and environmental standards, it’s essential to understand the key certifications that apply to commercial-grade SPC flooring. In this article, we will explore the most important certifications and what they mean for businesses choosing SPC flooring.

What Is SPC Flooring?

SPC flooring is a type of rigid core vinyl flooring that features a multi-layer structure, with a stone-based core that provides superior stability. This makes SPC flooring ideal for high-traffic commercial environments. SPC is known for its strength, durability, and water resistance, making it a top choice for spaces like offices, retail stores, and healthcare facilities.

For commercial-grade SPC flooring to meet the highest standards, it must adhere to specific industry certifications that ensure performance, safety, and environmental responsibility.

Key Certifications for SPC Flooring

1. FloorScore® Certification

FloorScore® is one of the most recognized indoor air quality (IAQ) certification programs for hard surface flooring materials, adhesives, and underlayments. Products bearing the FloorScore® label meet strict IAQ emissions criteria, ensuring that they do not release harmful chemicals into the air. This certification is essential for ensuring the health and safety of employees, customers, and other building occupants.

FloorScore® certified products are recognized by programs like LEED, CHPS, and the Green Guide for Healthcare, which makes this certification a crucial factor for businesses looking to create healthier indoor environments.

For example, products such as those in the Cascade Collection SPC flooring meet FloorScore® standards, providing peace of mind regarding indoor air quality in commercial spaces.

2. Greenguard and Greenguard GOLD Certification

Greenguard Certification ensures that flooring products meet some of the world’s most stringent standards for chemical emissions. Greenguard GOLD goes a step further, ensuring that the product meets additional standards for use in sensitive environments like schools and healthcare facilities. Flooring with these certifications contributes to cleaner air quality by reducing the amount of chemicals emitted into the indoor environment.

The Greenguard GOLD certification is particularly relevant for SPC flooring used in commercial settings such as offices, retail stores, and public spaces where indoor air quality is critical. Products that carry this certification are scientifically proven to meet strict chemical emissions standards, ensuring a safer and healthier environment for both employees and customers.

If you’re looking for SPC flooring that meets these environmental standards, check out the Golden Elegance Collection SPC flooring, which carries the Greenguard GOLD certification.

3. CARB Compliant

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) enforces formaldehyde emissions standards to limit exposure to harmful chemicals that can affect indoor air quality. CARB Compliant flooring ensures that the product has met these stringent requirements, which are critical in commercial applications, particularly in California and other regions with strict air quality regulations.

By choosing CARB Compliant SPC flooring, businesses can ensure they are complying with environmental and health standards that help create a healthier indoor environment.

For CARB Compliant options, look for certified SPC flooring, such as the Riviera Collection SPC flooring, which meets these regulations to promote safe and sustainable building practices.

4. Phthalate-Free Certification

Phthalates are a group of chemical compounds commonly used in flooring products to make them more flexible. However, some phthalates have been linked to health concerns. Phthalate-Free certification ensures that SPC flooring products do not contain these harmful plasticizers. Choosing phthalate-free flooring is particularly important in environments where safety and health are a priority, such as hospitals, schools, or daycare centers.

SPC flooring that is phthalate-free helps reduce the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals and ensures a healthier environment for employees and visitors alike. The Lighthouse Collection SPC flooring is one such option that offers a phthalate-free guarantee, making it suitable for commercial spaces focused on health and safety.

5. ASSURE Certified

The ASSURE Certification is specific to SPC and WPC flooring. It ensures that the flooring meets indoor air quality requirements and contains low levels of heavy metals and ortho-phthalates. The ASSURE Certification evaluates both the performance and environmental impact of flooring products, making it a reliable certification for businesses that want to ensure their floors are safe, durable, and eco-friendly.

For ASSURE Certified SPC flooring, consider products like the Golden Elegance Collection SPC flooring, which meets these rigorous standards for both performance and environmental impact.

Environmental and Health Considerations

As the demand for sustainable flooring solutions grows, many SPC flooring manufacturers are focusing on minimizing their products’ environmental footprint. Several certifications, like FloorScore® and Greenguard GOLD, ensure that the flooring meets high standards for indoor air quality, reducing the impact of harmful chemicals in the built environment.

Additionally, the use of recycled materials in SPC flooring production is becoming more common. Many manufacturers are incorporating recycled PVC and other eco-friendly materials into their flooring, reducing waste and conserving natural resources.

Fire Safety and Performance Standards

In addition to environmental certifications, fire resistance is a critical safety consideration for commercial-grade flooring. SPC flooring must meet specific fire ratings such as EN 13501-1 or ASTM E84, which measure the material’s ability to withstand fire and prevent the spread of flames. These standards ensure that SPC flooring can be safely used in commercial spaces, providing peace of mind for business owners and tenants alike.

Key Takeaways

When selecting SPC flooring for commercial spaces, it’s crucial to ensure that the product meets the required certifications. Certifications like FloorScore®, Greenguard GOLD, and CARB Compliance guarantee that the flooring meets high standards for indoor air quality, environmental impact, and performance.For businesses prioritizing health, safety, and sustainability, choosing certified SPC flooring is essential for creating a safe, durable, and eco-friendly environment. By investing in high-quality, certified SPC flooring, companies can ensure they are making responsible, informed decisions for their spaces.