Armstrong World Industries Pty Ltd

Transcription

1 Lic No.: ARM Standard: GECA Furniture and Fittings Initial Verification Conformance Date: 12 October 2007 Armstrong World Industries Pty Ltd Good Environmental Choice - Australia

2 Armstrong World Industries Pty Ltd is a reputable commercial importer and distributor of Ceiling Systems products with various applications. These include general applications, designer/accent ceilings and special performance needs. Armstrong World Industries incorporated in Australia in 1960 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Armstrong World Industries Inc. USA, the largest global manufacturer of mineral fibre ceilings systems. The main markets for Armstrong ceiling products are office towers, business parks, hospitals and educational buildings Australiawide. 1. Description of Company and Production Company: Products: Address: Armstrong World Industries Pty Ltd Fine Fissured, Fine Fissured High Acoustic, Dune, Dune Max (a.k.a Sabbia), Ultima, Prima Fine Fissured, Prima Sahara, Bioguard Acoustic, Textura, Dune Second Look, Fine Fissured Second Look, Ceramaguard NSW 99 Derby Street Silverwater NSW 2128 Ph/ (612) or Fax/ (612) Victoria Mills Road Braeside, Victoria, 3195 Ph/ (613) or Fax/ (613) Queensland 40 Fox Road, Acacia Ridge, Qld, 4110 Ph/ (617) or Fax/ (617) Web: scentre@armstrong.com Armstrong supplies a broad range of acoustical ceiling panels to the commercial property industry and is backed by a 30 year manufacturer s performance warranty in conjunction with its suspension system. GECA has considered a number of key performance tests in their review of Armstrong products.

3 The production line has an established quality assurance system of which regular sample testing and product development is carried out as a matter of policy. The on-site testing facility was assessed by GECA and measurement calibration capacity was established for a range of key final product performance tests. All seven Armstrong plants supplying material to the Australian market have in place a quality management program that ensures continuous process improvement. Both the Pontarlier plant in France and the Munster plant in Germany are certified to ISO 14001:2003 EMS and 9001:2000 Quality Management systems assurance. 2. Description of the Verification. The Good Environmental Choice Label is the national product life cycle independent environmental declaration in Australia ( The organisation is an independent non-profit environmental research and certification organisation recognised as the Australian member of an international network of ecolabelling schemes under the Global Ecolabelling Network. Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) Ltd. manages the Good Environmental Choice Mark of Conformity in conformance to ISO International Standard for Third Party Environmental Labelling and Declaration. Following an independent audit against the recognition requirements of the Australian Ecolabel Program the range of Armstrong products have been awarded the "Good Environmental Choice" label for the Australian market. The Ecolabel is awarded to those products that meet or exceed voluntary standards of environmental performance. The verification procedure is managed via a Documented Quality Management System and Certification Program Manual which have made significant use of the ISO series. The objectives of the program are to: a) Provide incentives for suppliers to reduce the environmental impacts of products sold in Australia; b) Provide a clear, credible and independent guide to consumers wishing to take account of environmental factors in their purchasing decisions; c) Encourage consumers to purchase products which have lower environmental impacts; d) Recognize genuine moves by companies to reduce the adverse environmental impacts of their products; e) Aim ultimately to improve the quality of the environment and to encourage the sustainable management of resources.

4 3. The Products The following Armstrong World Industries products have been awarded the Good Environmental Choice Declaration: Fine Fissured Dune Ultima Prima Sahara Textura Fine Fissured Second Look Fine Fissured High Acoustic Dune Max (a.k.a Sabbia) Prima Fine Fissured Bioguard Acoustic Dune Second Look Ceramaguard Ultima Combining the exceptional impact and scratch-resistant DuraBrite membrane surface, with high sound absorption and light reflectance, in a smooth, non-directional visual that fits a wide variety of grid options. Bioguard Acoustic Bioguard Acoustic is a specialty ceiling panel designed specifically for Clean rooms or environments where a high degree of hygiene control is demanded.

5 Second Look Available in both Fine Fissured and Dune textures and three unique scored visual effects. Textura A contemporary fine textured panel with enhanced durability in available in standard 1200x600 and 600x600 square and tegular profiles. Dune Appealing fine textured surface and non-directional visual offers an upgrade look at a modest price. Dune features enhanced durability and HumiGuard Plus with no sag performance and BioBlock paint to inhibit surface growth of mold and mildew. Dune is stocked in a number of standard sizes, with specials available under the Sahara range. Dune Max In addition to the features of Dune, Armstrong's Dune Max offers enhanced acoustical performance.

6 Fine Fissured A cost effective non directional ceiling panel with good acoustics and light reflectance and available in a number of sizes and edge profiles. Fine Fissured High Acoustic Nondirectional visual reduces installation time and scrap. Excellent sound absorption and reduces reflected sound effectively. Works as a barrier to airborne sound intrusion between two closed rooms. Ceramaguard The appropriate panel for harsh environments such as over swimming pools or laboratories. 4. Key Environmental Performance Findings by GECA The key environmental performance criterion against which the Armstrong World Industries products were assessed, and the findings by GECA, is provided below. Environmental Requirements Core Environmental Performance Characteristics Fitness for Purpose Certified products should be good performers in their intended application. Certain standards of quality and durability are implicit in the Label. The Armstrong Ceilings product range subject of this EPD meet the requirements of this criterion, based on the information provided and Armstrong s Quality Assurance management program with ongoing internal fitness for purpose testing. The Armstrong Ceiling products are

7 backed by a 30 year manufacturer s performance warranty in conjunction with its suspension system Controversial Sources Wood and other natural materials from sources that are not certified under a recognised certification scheme (e.g. FSC or AFS) as being sustainably managed shall not originate from illegal harvesting, genetically modified organisms, or uncertified high conservation value communities Treatment Wood and natural materials used in furniture and fittings products may not be treated with fungicides and insecticides that are classified due to their hazardous nature by the World Health Organisation as type 1a and Type 1b for storage and/or transportation. Refer to: tions/en/ Air Emissions Products made from wood and other natural products that contain formaldehyde based additives, shall be subject to air emission limits for formaldehyde as measured using the Air Chamber, Desiccator or Perforator test methods Salvaged & Reclaimed Timbers Salvaged or reclaimed timbers may be used in certified furniture and fittings. Salvaged and reclaimed timbers include timbers legally sourced as pre-cut waste timber or deadwood from cityscape, urban and rural gardens, demolition sites, and waste wood from certified tree loppers / doctors Resin Identification Codes To be licensed to carry the Label, appropriate plastics resin identification code promulgated by the Plastics and Chemical Industry Association must be marked on each individual recycled plastic product or components weighing greater than 100g Padding material Synthetic latex and natural latex requirements Latex containing 1.3 butadiene shall be at levels 1mg/kg latex. The total amount of discharges ( measured as COD or TOC) from the production of foam rubber shall be treated and decreased by 90% in on-site or external sewage treatment works prior to emissions into waterways Polyurethane padding requirements Additives CFC, HCFC, HFC or methylene chloride shall not be used as blowing agents. Analine based amines, and pigments and catalysis based on mercury, lead, Armstrong use recycled paper, typically newspaper and other postconsumer fibre in their manufacturing processes for these product lines. GECA has reviewed the paper delivery dockets from each of the manufacturing plants, and has found that there is sufficient evidence of recycled paper content in the manufacturing process. Armstrong use corn starch, a naturally renewable material, as the binder in their ceiling panels. The Armstrong Ceiling product range subject of this report is exempt from meeting the requirements of this criterion since it is not applicable. This criterion of the Standard will be dealt with in the below criterion Formaldehyde Emissions. applicable to the Armstrong Ceiling product range as they are not sourced from salvaged & reclaimed timber. applicable to the Armstrong Ceiling contain plastics. applicable to Armstrong Ceiling contain padding materials. applicable to Armstrong Ceiling contain padding materials.

8 cadmium, and chromium must not be added to the padding material. Tin organic compounds shall not be used in the manufacture of the padding material Fabrics Fabrics must be certified by the Good Environmental Choice Label, the EU Flower label or the Nordic Swan label or satisfy the requirements of the GECA Standard No 19: Textiles Glass Lead glazing, crystal glass, mirror glass, wire reinforced glass and/or laminated glass must not be used in the furniture or fittings Adhesives Adhesives must be certified by the Good Environmental Choice Label, the EU Flower label the New Zealand Environmental Choice Label or the Nordic Swan label or satisfy the requirements of the GECA Standard No 1: Adhesives Overall Loads In order to promote the reduction of pollutant hazards in the disposal, landfill and/or incineration of end of life furniture, the following substances shall not be added to eco-labeled furniture during the production process: Arsenic Cadmium Chromium Copper Lead Mercury Fluorine Chlorine Pentachlorophenol (PCP) Tar oils (benzo(a)pyrene) Formaldehyde Emissions Furniture or fittings that contain formaldehyde based additives or products containing formaldehyde additives, shall be subject to air emission limits for formaldehyde. Furniture or fittings produced from only raw timber or natural materials are exempt from this criterion. applicable to Armstrong Ceiling contain Fabrics. applicable to Armstrong Ceiling contain Glass. applicable to Armstrong Ceiling contain Adhesives. For verification, GECA has reviewed the following documents as evidence of compliance with this criterion: Ingredients list for all the products under assessment. MSDS for all production ingredients. Technical specifications related to the heavy metal purity of the slag. The range of ingredients have been assessed and found compliant to the above chemical restrictions. None of the above prohibited substances are used in the products under assessment. GECA has reviewed a number of tests in relation to formaldehyde emissions for the nominated product range. This criteria is applicable and a requirement of 1 mg./lt is generally applied to panel products. The results indicate levels at around 0.3mg/lt reflecting background cellulose levels and small levels of contaminant. These levels satisfy the Super EO levels for panel products and comply with the requirement s of this criterion Chemical Additives Furniture or fittings shall not contain carcinogenic substances in categories 1, 2A as classed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer at levels which expose the user to emissions greater than 1/20th of the NICNAS recommended limits. Where specific chemicals are identified in other criteria of this standard those emissions levels are relevant for compliance to this standard and this criterion is not relevant for those Silica is used in many of the products under assessment. Despite being classified as a Group 1 Carcinogenic substance (respiratible Silica), Silica is exempt from this criterion because it is bound within the product physical matrix and cannot affect the user. Formaldehyde is used in some of the products, however emission factors

9 particular chemicals. have been addressed for formaldehyde in criterion and therefore formaldehyde is exempt from the requirements of this criterion Prohibited Substances Halogenated organic binding agents, halogenated organic flame retardants, analine based amines, phthalates, aziridine or polyaziridines as well as pigments and additives that contain lead, tin, cadmium VI, mercury or their compounds shall not: a) Be added to individual furniture or fittings parts, b) Be used in the manufacture of timber furniture and fittings, or c) Be used in the manufacture of preparatory agents or agents for the degreasing or surface treatments of furniture and fittings or their components Separability The eco-labeled product shall be easily disassembled making possible the recovery and recycling of materials used Product Custodianship The applicant shall accept their product without additional cost (not including transportation or on site collection costs) for further recycling, or have arrangements with an Australian plastics or steel recycler to accept the product, or have an established product stewardship program Coatings/ Treatments Furniture and fittings products (or components) must not be impregnated, labelled, coated or otherwise treated in a manner which would prevent post consumer recycling. Exemption may be made for products with a long product life where a coating or treatment would further extend the useful life of the product. 3.5 Replacement Parts For those parts of a product which are subject to wear, e.g. hinges, locks and table leaves functionally compatible replacements shall be guaranteed for a period of at least five years. 3.6 Recycled furniture Recycled furniture can be licensed in conformation to this standard provided that the furniture has not been refinished or coated with any materials except for the purpose of cleaning. All other ingredients have been assessed for carcinogens and have been found to be compliant in relation to the overall emission performance requirements of this criterion. GECA inspected all MSDS of ingredients for all production facilities related to this product range. These ingredients are in compliance with this criterion. The Kodaflex 135 containing prohibited Dibutylphthalates has been removed from the production process following a GECA enquiry into its use at the Macon Plant. All manufacturing plants are now compliant with the requirements of this criterion of the Standard. There does not appear to be any technical barrier to the disassembly of the products under this certification from the ceiling matrix which is often made from steel, aluminum or plastic. The Armstrong products subject to this verification do not limit the disassembly and reuse of these supporting structures. The units are designed for replacement. Armstrong has an established commitment for a product take-back policy in Australia in compliance with the requirements of this criterion. This offer shall be made available to the market at the commencement of the GECA licensing and promotion to the Australian market via normal commercial channels. No coating or treatment is applied that will prevent recycling. This criterion of the standard is not applicable to the Armstrong Ceilings product range, as the products do not contain parts that are subject to wear. This criterion of the standard is not applicable to the Armstrong Ceilings product range, as the products do not contain any recycled furniture.

10 5. Environmental and Social Regulatory Obligations: The applicant is required to comply with relevant environmental legislation and government orders at the Local, State and Commonwealth level, if these have been issued. An applicant s compliance with this criterion may be established by undertaking a series of random checks and gathering samples of applicant operational procedures and documents by approved assessors as evidence to support compliance during the verification and /or a statement of self declaration by an executive officer of the applicant organisation. Where an applicant is from an overseas jurisdiction, that jurisdictions environmental regulations apply. For verification, GECA reviewed statements from Executive Officers at Armstrong World Industries, Quality Assurance Policies on Environmental Health and safety, and the latest manufacturing ISO 14002:2004 audit report. GECA reviewed declarations from an Armstrong Ceilings Plant Manager, a sample pay slip, as well as the Armstrong Ceilings OH&S policy. The Armstrong Ceilings product range subject of this verification meets the requirements of this criterion. 6. Additional Information A detailed Verification report is supplied to verified manufacturers regarding the environmental characteristics of their products and evidence of compliance. The verification report can be made available at the sole discretion of the manufacturer. The Australian Ecolabel Program is the national environmental product life cycle labelling program for Australia. Further details of the Australian Ecolabel Program are available from Good Environmental Choice Australia recommends these products to green purchasing officers, specifiers, and every day Australians seeking to purchase products and services on the basis of functional and overall environmental and human health performance. Good Environmental Choice Australia Ltd P.O. Box 4140, Weston Creek (Canberra) ACT, 2606 Phone: (02) Fax: (02) Web Site: office@geca.org.au