The GREENGUARD Program
A GREENGUARD Certification from UL Environment indicates that a material, process or finished product meets extremely rigorous standards for low emission of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. Used in manufacturing, these carbon-based chemicals become airborne at room temperature. VOCs are recognized health hazards, and some (think formaldehyde and chloride) are even toxic in high concentrations. This is of particular concern indoors, where chemical emissions can become concentrated—and especially in children’s rooms.
What does GREENGUARD Gold Certified Mean?
Previously known as the GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification, the GREENGUARD Gold Certification is the gold standard. This program is concerned with the safety of the most sensitive people, such as kids and older adults. The result? The standards are even stricter, as products must be suitable for use in schools and in childcare and healthcare facilities. To obtain the coveted GREENGUARD Gold license and label, manufacturers must go through a comprehensive evaluation process that can take up to six months—and it doesn’t end there. The initial testing is followed by continuous documentation and testing in order to maintain certification. GREENGUARD-certified children’s furniture and other products are rigorously tested for both chemical emissions and microbial resistance.
Protecting Children’s Health
Did you know that kids are more susceptible to breathing in particulates, fibers and heavier airborne chemicals than adults are? Because they're lower to the ground, breathe in more air relative to body size, and usually inhale through their mouths rather than their noses, they're more likely to be impacted by allergens and particles. This can cause headaches, dizziness, and eye, nose and throat irritation, potentially creating even larger health issues for little ones whose brains and bodies are still developing. When outfitting a child’s bedroom or playroom—or any room in the home where your kids spend a lot of time—make sure to choose GREENGUARD Gold-certified furniture and fabrics.
A Rigorous—and Ongoing—Certification Process
Products and processes are evaluated based on two tests: chemical emissions and microbial resistance. The chemical test is performed using a variety of cutting-edge methods that measure the level of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) and individual VOCs such as formaldehyde, ozone and phthalates as they evaporate into the air from products. In addition to the chemical testing, components such as paints, adhesives, coatings and other materials are rated by the GREENGUARD Microbial Resistance Program, which evaluates products on their resistance to mold growth. Once certification has been achieved, these tests are performed repeatedly over time to ensure consistent quality and to maintain the qualification.
A Few GREENGUARD Gold-Certified Favorites
The Gold Certification can be earned by finished products, such as a GREENGUARD-certified twin bed or dresser, or by particular components, processes and materials. Here are a couple of our favorites, used in many Crate and Kids exclusives.
Crypton ® INCASE Fabric Protection: INCASE fabric protection by Crypton repels stains, protects against odors, repels liquid and resists microbes. Available on almost any fabric, the GREENGUARD Gold-certified treatment protects drapery, upholstery, bedding and more so your child’s furnishings are both safe to breathe around and easy to care for.
Sunbrella ® Upholstery Fabrics: Sunbrella upholstery fabrics have all achieved GREENGUARD Gold Certification, so you can feel comfortable purchasing rocking chairs, cribs, gliders and ottomans upholstered in the easy-care cloth for your child’s bedroom or playroom. Since they’re durable enough for outdoor use, Sunbrella fabrics have a great shot at standing up to energetic kids indoors as well.
We’d love to see how you’ve furnished your child’s bedroom or playroom. Share all your low-emission favorites with the hashtag #CrateStyle.