The GREENGUARD Certification Process

A product's GREENGUARD certification is carried out independently and transparently. A global network of sustainability-focused testing facilities and laboratories provides methods that simplify testing for different product categories. Technical specialists support customers in demonstrating the conformity of products and services to third-party standards covering a range of requirements. Testing tools and processes are kept current so that new products and new developments across every product category can be evaluated.

When a manufacturer submits a product for GREENGUARD testing, the product is tested at the network's laboratories. If the product does not pass the tests, the report identifies the chemicals that caused the failure and helps the manufacturer trace the source of the emission. That allows the manufacturer to review and update raw materials or production processes to fix the issue.

When a product passes the tests and meets the standards, the report is submitted to the certification body that issues GREENGUARD or GREENGUARD Gold certification. The GREENGUARD certification is a standard for indoor air quality; it is not a broader check on other product attributes. Using the GREENGUARD logo does not mean that the product as a whole is sustainable. A manufacturer whose product is GREENGUARD certified can use the mark to position the product as low-emission.

Sustainability consultancy services are also available for manufacturers that want to raise their sustainability level. Specialists work alongside manufacturers to help them understand which changes in company practice and in product manufacturing will deliver the improvements.

Periodic Re-Verification

Certified products are re-tested on a defined cycle so the certification remains live. This discipline stops certified products from drifting out of specification between audits and gives the market confidence in the mark over time.