NSF International qualifies first wallcoverings distributor to the New American National Standard for Sustainable Wallcoverings

NSF International, an independent global organization that writes public health standards and certifies products for food, water and consumer goods, has qualified the first wallcoverings distributor to the American National Standard for Sustainable Wallcoverings – NSF/ANSI 342.

NSF International developed the standard for Sustainable Wallcoverings to help architects, designers, retailers and consumers identify sustainable and environmentally preferable wallcoverings.

NSF/ANSI 342: Sustainability Assessment for Wallcovering Products recognizes the important role distributors play in maintaining the sustainability of wallcovering products throughout their life cycle. In order to qualify and distribute certified sustainable wallcoverings, distributors must demonstrate that they follow environmentally preferable practices. This includes a comprehensive and independent NSF assessment that evaluates the environmental and social impacts of their operations.

TRI-KES, a Dallas-based sustainable commercial interior finishes distributor, is the first distributor to earn qualification under the Sustainable Wallcoverings standard. TRI-KES is qualified at the highest level and may now distribute all levels of certified wallcoverings, including Platinum.

The standard employs an easy-to-use point system to evaluate wallcovering products against performance criteria across the entire product life cycle and quantifiable metrics. Products covered by the standard include textiles, vinyl, vinyl coated, alternative polymer, alternative polymer coated, paper and other natural fiber products. NSF Certification is based on point totals from both the manufacturer and distributor to achieve a Conformant, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. BD+C

Boyd R. Zoccola is Chair and Chief Elected Officer of BOMA International. A BOMA member since 1994, he has served on the Executive, Finance, Investment, and Medical/Healthcare Facilities Committees. An Indiana Real Estate Principal Broker and a board member of the Real Estate Round Table, he is Executive Vice President of Hokanson Companies, Inc., of Indianapolis, and has been involved in the development of $600 million worth of real estate. On a volunteer basis, Zoccola was president of Horizon House and a board member of Girls, Inc. He holds a BA in biology from Indiana University.