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Overview
Tarkett, a global leader in flooring solutions, partnered with Airmid Healthgroup to scientifically validate the health benefits of their FiberFloor® product line. Through comprehensive biomedical and aerobiological studies, FiberFloor® earned certification from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) for its performance in promoting healthier indoor air. This certification applies to both loose-lay and glue-down applications, marking a significant milestone in the flooring industry.
Background
About Tarkett:
Tarkett is a global flooring manufacturer known for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and creating products that improve indoor environments. FiberFloor®, part of Tarkett’s resilient flooring line, was designed with health-conscious consumers in mind.
About Airmid Healthgroup:
Airmid Healthgroup specializes in environmental research and testing for products in the built environment. By combining biomedical and aerobiological expertise, Airmid helps manufacturers validate claims about allergens, VOC emissions, and indoor air quality (IAQ) impacts.
The Challenge
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical factor affecting public health. Poor IAQ is associated with increased asthma and allergy symptoms, especially in a population where over 60 million Americans are affected by these conditions. Flooring materials play a significant role in IAQ, as they can:
- Emit VOCs: Contribute to chemical exposure indoors.
- Retain Allergens: Trap particles like dust mites, pollen, and pet dander.
- Irritate Sensitive Individuals: Aggravate asthma and allergy symptoms if materials are not carefully designed.
Tarkett sought independent validation of FiberFloor®’s health claims to ensure it met the highest standards for IAQ and allergen resistance.
Goals
- Primary Goal: Secure AAFA certification for FiberFloor® to enhance consumer confidence in its health benefits.
- Secondary Goal: Demonstrate that FiberFloor® supports healthy indoor air through low VOC emissions and allergen resistance.
Solution/Approach
Airmid Healthgroup conducted a series of rigorous evaluations to assess the health performance of FiberFloor®:
Chemical Testing for VOC Emissions:
- Products were tested to ensure they emitted VOCs within the limits required for certification.
- Testing aligned with recognized IAQ standards, focusing on minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals.
Physical Testing for Allergen Retention:
- Airmid evaluated FiberFloor®’s capacity to retain allergens such as dust mites and pollen.
- The product’s ability to release trapped allergens during cleaning processes was also tested to ensure effective removal.
Environmental Test Chamber Studies:
- Controlled environmental simulations were conducted to mimic real-world indoor conditions.
- Both loose-lay and glue-down installations were assessed to validate health performance across applications.
Allergen Removal Validation:
- Studies focused on how effectively FiberFloor® allowed allergens to be removed through cleaning, ensuring it contributed to healthier indoor environments.
Implementation Process
Step 1: Testing Preparation
- Tarkett provided product samples for both loose-lay and glue-down applications.
- Airmid reviewed product composition to ensure there were no inherent risks, such as high VOC-emitting materials.
Step 2: VOC Emissions Testing
- FiberFloor® was tested for volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions using internationally recognized standards.
- Both short-term and long-term emissions were measured to ensure sustained compliance with health benchmarks.
Step 3: Allergen Resistance and Removal Testing
- The flooring was subjected to real-world conditions in Airmid’s climate-controlled environmental test chambers.
- Tests included measuring allergen retention on the surface and evaluating how easily allergens could be removed through cleaning.
Step 4: Certification Support
- Airmid provided detailed testing reports and data analysis to support Tarkett’s certification application with AAFA.
Key Results
- Low VOC Emissions: FiberFloor® met stringent indoor air quality standards, confirming it did not emit harmful levels of VOCs.
- Minimal Allergen Retention: The product demonstrated a low capacity for retaining allergens, contributing to healthier indoor environments.
- Effective Allergen Removal: Cleaning processes were shown to effectively remove any allergens present on the flooring surface.
- Dual Application Certification: FiberFloor® achieved AAFA certification for both loose-lay and glue-down applications, setting a new benchmark in the flooring industry.
Impact
Consumer Trust: FiberFloor®’s certification reassured consumers that it supports healthier indoor air, a critical consideration for people impacted by asthma and allergies.
Market Differentiation: By earning AAFA certification, Tarkett positioned itself as a leader in health-focused flooring solutions.
Public Health Contribution: The product contributes to reducing asthma and allergy triggers, addressing a growing need in an era where Americans spend over 90% of their time indoors.
Lessons Learned
- Third-Party Validation Matters: Independent testing and certification are crucial for establishing credibility in health claims.
- Real-World Simulations Provide Valuable Insights: Environmental test chambers allowed for accurate assessment of FiberFloor®’s impact in realistic conditions.
- Consumer Health Drives Innovation: Products that align with consumer health priorities, such as improved IAQ, can achieve a competitive advantage.
Conclusion
Tarkett’s collaboration with Airmid Healthgroup demonstrates the value of rigorous scientific testing in achieving certifications that matter to consumers. FiberFloor®’s AAFA certification underscores its role in supporting healthier indoor air, setting a new standard for the flooring industry.
Contact Airmid Healthgroup
Are you looking to validate your product’s health and safety claims? Contact Airmid Healthgroup today to learn more about our testing and certification support services.
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