The PRODIS product passport for carpets

The product description and the listed construction data are based on information required under EN 1307 to clearly describe the floor covering.
This includes specifying the carpet type and production method, the type of surface design and the respective carpet backing, as well as the type of tuft carrier used for tufted carpets.
In addition, the respective material composition is specified, as well as the content of recycled raw materials in each carpet component.
In combination with the technical data on weight, total thickness, number of tufts, and bulk density, the floor covering can already be comprehensively characterized. These values are important parameters for checking and identifying the floor covering.

The European standard EN 1307 describes procedures for testing and classifying textile floor coverings used indoors. Based on the respective test results, the classification into product types and use classes then takes place. These basic classifications are supplemented by additional performance characteristics, which include, for example, suitability for stairs or so-called castor chair suitability. These classifications provide the consumer with essential information about the product, intended to facilitate a product choice appropriate for the area of application. This is primarily intended to prevent premature wear.

The use classes are divided into two areas:
1.) the domestic sector (essentially private use) with classes 21, 22, and 23
2.) the commercial sector (essentially commercial use) with classes 31, 32, and 33

(for further details see classification of textile floor coverings and use of pictograms)

Other essential properties within the meaning of the European Construction Products Regulation are defined in the harmonized standard EN 14041. Information on this can be found in the CE marking section.

The GUT-PRODIS license number is only awarded to products that meet special requirements regarding emissions of volatile organic components and the use of chemicals in the production of the floor covering. This includes information on any flame retardants used or special finishes.

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, the active use of SVHC substances in the manufacture of textile floor coverings is not permitted.

According to REACH Art. 33, there is a duty to inform as soon as SVHC substances are contained in a product in concentrations of > 0.1% by weight. Based on the weight of an average carpet, a content of 0.1% corresponds to an SVHC amount of 1.7 g/m².

In the product passport, information is provided in 3 graduated steps even if the concentration is below the legally prescribed limit of 0.1% by weight.

A) The product contains SVHC substances based on the current candidate list in concentrations of less than 0.1% (1 g/kg).

Name and CAS No. of the substance(s)

B) The product contains SVHC substances based on the current candidate list in concentrations of less than 0.05% (0.5 g/kg).

Name and CAS No. of the substance(s)

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

This information will be available soon.

Textile floor coverings are considered construction products, while area rugs belong to the home textiles group. Therefore, under the Construction Products Directive, only textile floor coverings are subject to mandatory CE marking. This means that the manufacturer must explicitly declare certain essential properties of the construction product. Furthermore, it must be ensured that the declared performance is maintained throughout the entire service life of the construction product. Therefore, every producer is obliged to confirm this with their signature on the declaration of performance. Usually, these certificates are handed over to the buyer in paper form when the product is purchased.

The CE label must be attached to the product or the packaging. The information on the CE label and the declaration of performance must match. With the “Digital CE Label”, the participating companies are now making this information available electronically for the first time as part of the PRODIS product passport. This ensures 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, abbreviated as EPD, contains product-related information about its impact on various environmental areas. The best known is probably the “global warming potential”, also known as the CO₂ footprint.
The product passport provides various types of EPDs. These initially include so-called generic EPDs, which were created using average data for a defined product group and are used if no EPD is available from the manufacturer. To this end, GUT has created 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.