M1 Certification

Flowcrete UK has successfully achieved the M1 standard of emissions classification for its Comfort Resins flooring collection.

This certification means that architects, specifiers and facilities managers can choose to install these finishes, safe in the knowledge that the floor will contribute to a healthier indoor environment for the end user.

Finland’s Building Information Foundation RTS developed the M1 emissions classification system to encourage the use of low-emitting building materials. The system includes three categories, with M1 being the lowest emission class that can be achieved.

Maintaining a healthy interior air standard is important for spaces where large numbers of people spend a significant amount of time, such as offices and schools and is particularly critical for locations including hospitals and care homes.

Managing Director of Flowcrete UK, Kevin Potter, said: “We have successfully developed a full range of low-emitting flooring materials. This means that designers can specify the finishes they need without having to worry about the effect that the materials will have on the building’s air quality.

“Here at Flowcrete we know that it is important to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to environmental concerns so that we can offer our clients floors that meet strict environmental standards without having to sacrifice on the product’s functionality or aesthetics.”

The M1 classified Comfort Resins range consists of several self-smoothing, polyurethane coatings that have been designed to create a durable, seamless and easy to clean surface that will withstand intensive foot traffic, rigorous cleaning as well as the scuffs, stains and scratches that floors in large facilities are subjected to on a daily basis.

The complete list of Flowcrete UK’s low-emitting systems with the M1 stamp includes:

• Flowshield CHD
• Flowshield Comfort
• Peran CHD
• Peran Comfort

These materials have all passed the M1 emission classification test, in which construction products for interior use are placed in an emission chamber for 28 days. During this time, several chemical parameters are analysed, including TVOC, 1A and 1B carcinogens, formaldehyde, ammonia and an odour acceptability test. If the level of any of these chemicals exceeds the demanding limit of the M1 class then the material cannot achieve M1 certification.

The durability of Flowcrete’s solutions means that end users can rest assured that the floor underfoot will maintain its environmental and functional properties for the long term.

The low emitting, easy to clean nature of these floors has made them a popular choice within industries that need to have clean and uncontaminated working spaces, such as the pharmaceutical, electrical and medical sectors.

This was illustrated recently when Peran Comfort was used in Bangor University’s new Menai Science Park for the entrance and public areas of the building to ensure that the new business and science facility would provide a sanitary and attractive environment for the site’s users.

If you would like to learn more about specifying flooring solutions that will facilitate safe and healthy interior air levels, then get in touch with your local Flowcrete representative today.