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Safe building products for better health

Responsible sealing with certified SABA systems

The air quality in our homes and buildings is influenced by different factors. This could include ventilation, the use of a stove, cleaning agents and building products. Recently-applied paints, adhesives, sealing systems and other building materials can emit hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs), even days after they have been applied! VOCs are organic substances that easily evaporate at room temperatures. These substances can be released from various products that are often used in homes, such as cleaning agents, paints and building materials. Both short-term and long-term exposure to VOCs can cause health problems. For example, long-term exposure to high concentrations of solvents can lead to permanent damage to brain functions. It is therefore important that low-emission building and renovation products are developed and used.

Henry Veneman
Author Henry Veneman Technical Product Manager

The EMICODE® classification system

In the construction industry, emissions from products are often classified with the EMICODE® label. The EMICODE® classification system makes it possible to compare and evaluate the emission characteristics of building products and at the same time provides an incentive to further improve the products. It has three classes, in descending order of emission levels: EMICODE® EC2, EC1 and EC1 PLUS. Only products that comply with the most stringent emission requirements are classified in the highest category: EMICODE® EC1 PLUS.

Low-emission sealants

EMICODE® is a product classification system and also an Eco-label. Products are subjected to a strict certification procedure in which the volumes of VOCs emitted are investigated. The Emicode classification is not assigned to products containing solvents or carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic (CMR) ingredients. A large number of SABA products are very low-emission products. This is shown by the Emicode EC1 PLUS mark on the label. These sealants have very low emissions, carry no hazard symbols and can consequently be applied without risk. This is because we continually work to improve our products with a view to reducing their impact on humankind and the environment.

Building in accordance with BREEAM and LEED

Sustainable building is becoming more and more important. The BREEAM sustainability certification system has therefore become an integral part of the global construction world. World-wide, more than 100,000 buildings are BREEAM-certified. Products with an EC1 PLUS classification are recognized by BREAAM and LEED and can consequently be processed in such projects without problems. LEED is the American counterpart of BREEAM, but also appears regularly in Europe.

Would you like to know more about the benefits of SABA for your project?

Make an appointment via +31 (0)315 658999 or building@saba-adhesives.com.