Using products that contribute to healthier indoor air quality is of growing importance to architects, building owners and graphics installers. Over the years, 3M has relentlessly pursued the creation of leading-edge, more sustainable products that make a positive impact for businesses looking to go greener. This commitment includes the development of 3M™ Envision™ Graphic Films and Overlaminates, ten of which recently received GREENGUARD Gold Certification.
GREENGUARD Gold Certification requires that products meet some of the world’s most rigorous, third-party testing standards for low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into indoor environments. The Gold certification includes additional factors to account for sensitive individuals (such as children and the elderly) and helps ensure that a product is acceptable for use in environments like schools and healthcare facilities. UL Environment, a unit of Underwriters Laboratories, administers the certification.
3M products now covered by GREENGUARD Gold Certification include:
* 3M™ Envision™ Print Wrap Films LX480Cv3 and SV480Cv3
* 3M™ Envision™ Wrap Overlaminates 8548G and 8549L
* 3M™ Envision™ Print Films 48-20, 48-20R, 48C-20 and 48C-20R
* 3M™ Envision™ Overlaminates 8048G and 8050M
These ten Envision branded films and overlaminates are all non-PVC materials, meaning they are made without using polyvinyl chloride.
“Receiving the GREENGUARD Gold Certification is a very exciting step for us, as it recognizes 3M’s commitment to provide better products for the environment and for our customers,” said Maureen Tholen, sustainability director for 3M. “UL is a prominent organization with values that align with what we care about here at 3M. We hope these products will be the first of many to receive this prestigious certification.”
GREENGUARD Gold Certified products must comply with strict emissions levels for more than 360 VOCs and total chemical emissions, and meet numerous other technical requirements. (A summary of the allowable emission limits for GREENGUARD Certification and GREENGUARD Gold Certification can be found here.) Periodic testing and recertification are required to demonstrate ongoing compliance even after the initial certification. Certified products qualify as low-emitting materials under the LEEDv4 standard, and can help contribute to LEED credits.
“3M is proud to be a leader in meeting the world’s growing need for sustainable solutions,” said Cordell Hardy, technical director for 3M Commercial Solutions. “We are honored to be recognized with the GREENGUARD Gold Certification for our range of more sustainably produced 3M™ Envision™ Graphic Films and Overlaminates, and we will continue to look for ways to develop and use greener products and business practices within our industry.”
The 3M Envision brand, which includes the ten products now certified under GREENGUARD Gold as well as other high-performance products with a sustainability edge, offers graphics manufacturers and installers a dynamic portfolio of colored and printable films, wrap films, substrates and overlaminates in a broad range of finishes and textures. These leading-edge, versatile products are suitable for applications on vehicles, walls, windows, floors, illuminated signs, smooth and textured surfaces, and more.
For more information on GREENGUARD Gold Certification, visit UL’s Certification Program page. For more information on 3M Envision Graphic Films and Overlaminates, visit www.3M.com/Graphics.
