GUT-PRODIS PRODUCT PASSPORT

Within the scope of EN1307 a full product description as well as technical information is needed to identify and classify each textile floor-covering. This includes information on the type of carpet and production process, the surface fibre and type, and the type of backing materials. Material composition is also important and must include the amount of recycled content in each component. If this information is used in conjunction with the technical data; i.e weight, total thickness and tuft density, the carpet can be accurately identified and categorised.

The European Standard EN 1307 describes procedures for testing and classifying textile floor coverings which are used in domestic and commercial interiors. Once the carpets have been tested, they are divided into product types and ‘in-use’ classifications which are further enhanced by adding other usage properties, such as suitability for stairs or for use with castor chairs. These classifications provide the consumer with essential information about the product and make it easier to choose a product appropriate to the area of use in the home or workplace. The classification system is primarily intended to prevent premature wear by products not being used in the appropriate areas. The use classifications are:

1)Domestic use: classes 21,22 and 23.
2) Commercial use: classes 31, 32, and 33

For further information please refer to the classification of textile floor coverings and the relevant pictograms.

Further essential properties to comply with the European Construction Products Regulation are defined within EN14041 and can be found in the section on CE Markings.

The GUT-PRODIS licence number is only given to those products which meet special requirements regarding VOC  emissions and the use of chemicals in production.  The use of SVHC substances is prohibited. should it be ‘specifc requirements’ rather than ‘special requirements’. 

In this module you will find information on the content of so-called SVHC substances (Substances of Very High Concern). Within the framework of the GUT criteria, active use of SVHC substances in the manufacture of textile floor coverings is not permitted.
According to REACH Art 33 there is an obligation to inform as soon as SVHC substances are contained in a product in concentrations of > 0.1 weight percent.
Based on the weight of an average carpet, a content of 0.1% corresponds to a quantity of SVHC of 1.7 g/m².

In the product passport the information is provided in 3 steps even if the legally required limit of 0.1 weight percent is not reached.

A)
The product contains SVHC substances based on the current candidate list in concentrations below 0.1 % (1 g/kg).
Name and CAS number of the substance(s)

B)
The product contains SVHC substances based on the current candidate list in concentrations below 0.05 % (0.5 g/kg).
Name and CAS number of the substance(s)

C)
The product contains no SVHC substances based on the current candidate list

Textile floor coverings belong to the building products group, while fitted carpets belong to the home textiles group.
Therefore, only textile floor coverings are subject to the CE marking obligation under the Construction Products Directive. This means that the manufacturer must explicitly declare certain essential characteristics of the construction product. It must also be ensured that the declared performance is maintained throughout the entire life cycle of the construction product. Therefore every producer is obliged to confirm this on the performance certificate with his signature. Usually these certificates are handed over to the buyer in paper form when the product is purchased.

The CE label must be applied to the product or packaging. The information on the CE label and the certificate of performance must correspond.

With the “Digital CE label”, participating companies now make this information available electronically for the first time as part of the PRODIS product passport. This will ensure that the consumer can access the necessary information at any time.
The certificate of constancy of performance is available for download in all official EU languages.

An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) contains product-related information about its impact on various environmental areas. Probably the best known “greenhouse potential” is also known as the CO₂ footprint.
The Product Passport provides various types of EPDs. These include so-called generic EPDs, which are based on average data for a defined product group and are used when no EPD is available from the manufacturer. For this purpose, GUT has prepared a large number of EPDs, which can also be accessed via the database (Ökobaudat) of the Federal Ministry of Construction.

If manufacturer-specific EPDs are available, they are offered for download. These EPDs are product-specific and are used to calculate the environmental impact of buildings.

All available EPDs are based on independently validated life cycle assessments and are registered with the Institut Bauen und Umwelt IBU, Berlin (see www.epd-online.com). The EPDs are also registered on the ECO Platform and are therefore valid throughout Europe.