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Winter 2006 - Article 3

From The Lab
Green Seal Certification

Green Seal is an independent, non-profit organization that strives to achieve a healthier and cleaner environment. They have been around since 1989 and shortly thereafter, began to focus on large purchasers including Federal agencies to accomplish its goals. Green Seal provides assistance in purchasing, operations and facilities management through product evaluations and recommendations, manuals, certification and special projects.

The standard that covers industrial and institutional finishes and strippers is GS-40. GS-40 dictates what the makeup of the “Green” finish and stripper will look like. It states that the product will not contain any carcinogens, mutagens or reproductive toxins. It will not be toxic to people or be a skin sensitizer. The VOC content cannot exceed 7% in the formulation. None of the raw materials can be toxic to aquatic life. Phosphates cannot exceed 0.5% by weight of the total phosphorous. The undiluted products cannot be corrosive to the skin or eyes. And of course, the raw materials used must be biodegradable; the only exception to this is the polymer, resin and waxes in a floor finish. Besides these, there is also a prohibited list of ingredients, a section on flammability and animal testing and packaging.

Green Seal has recognized that even if a product meets all of their standards, the product must work in the real world. Therefore, along with the environmental and health requirements, the products must pass mandatory ASTM performance tests.

We worked very closely with Green Seal in developing our new finish and stripper. Receiving Green Seal approval was a proud achievement for all of us at Essential.