Raising the bar in sustainable building
New EMICODE® requirements for indoor air
Raising the bar in sustainable building
New EMICODE® requirements for indoor air
New requirements for emissions
EMICODE® classes get tougher specifications
To meet the increasing demands for sustainability and environmental safety, the EMICODE® regulations are to be updated with more stringent requirements. Established in 1997 by GEV (Gemeinschaft Emissionskontrollierte Verlegewerkstoffe e.V.), EMICODE® has become a globally recognised standard for low-emitting building materials and flooring installation products such as levelling compounds, adhesives, and lacquers. It provides trusted guidance for consumers and contractors who want to use low-emission products and achieve healthier indoor air quality. The latest changes aim to further tighten the specifications for volatile organic compound (VOC) content in surface treatment products.
New adjusted VOC levels
From July 1 2024, products classified as EC1PLUS have to contain less than 3% VOCs, while those classified as EC1 have to contain less than 5% VOC. The EC2 label remains at its current maximum of 8% VOC.
This adjustment was intended to encourage the industry to minimise VOC content where technically feasible, reflecting the ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and consumer safety. The move is expected to affect the labelling of a number of products, with some products getting new classification according to the more stringent criteria.
Bona’s stars continue to shine
Bona’s waterborne lacquers and primers, represented by the renowned Bona Traffic GO, Bona Mega EVO, and Bona Classic UX, continue to achieve EMICODE®’s highest classification, EC1PLUS. This prestigious rating underlines their excellence and reaffirms their status as the shining stars of Bona’s floor coatings range. You can rely on our products to deliver superior performance and unparalleled environmental safety, ensuring that your floors look stunning and meet the highest standards for indoor air emissions.
How the new EMICODE® regulation affects the Bona range
Bona has always been at the forefront of product development and sustainability. Our latest products are state-of-the-art, with revolutionary new technology that meets the latest environmental regulations. However, some of our older products will be reclassified after July 1, 2024. When they were launched, they were innovative and cutting-edge, but over time, techniques and ingredients were further developed, meaning that the requirements for the products also increased.
New requirements
The products are evaluated by an independent analyticallaboratory using a defined, standardised test procedure. Based on the scientific data obtained, the manufacturer is then granted a license to declare the appropriate EMICODE® category.
Stricter VOC rules for flooring
The new classifications set tougher requirements for VOC levels on flooring products such as coatings and adhesives. Products classified as EC1PLUS will have to contain less than 3% VOC, while those classified as EC1 will have to contain less than 5% VOC. The EC2 label will remain at its current maximum of 8% VOC.
EC1 Plus
The premium class EMICODE®, EC1PLUS defines the limit of what is technically feasible today. It sets even higher and more stringent limits than the EC1 category. In addition to the total sum of emissions, an individual substance assessment is carried out based on LCI (Lowest Concentration of Interest) values.
EC1
The EMICODE® EC1 has been established over many years as the standard for very low-emission products. Materials awarded this label meet very stringent health and environmental requirements.
EC2
Products with low emissions are awarded the EMICODE® EC2 label. This class meets the basic requirements for the EMICODE® label.
At the forefront
EMICODE® classification for coatings
The recently launched Bona Traffic GO, Bona Mega EVO, and Bona Classic UX all retain their EMICODE® registration after July 1, the highest being EMICODE® EC1PLUS. In total, 10 out of 21 topcoats will retain their classification. However, the product content and emission levels remain the same, with only the labelling changing. Oils are not affected; their EMICODE® certificates remain unchanged.
| Primers and fillers | EMICODE® before July 2024 | EMICODE® after July 2024 |
| Bona Mix & Fill | EC1PLUS | EC1PLUS |
| Bona Mix & Fill Plus | - | - |
| Bona Amber | - | - |
| Bona Classic | EC1PLUS | EC1PLUS |
| Bona Classic UX | EC1PLUS | EC1PLUS |
| Bona Intense | EC1 | EC2 |
| Bona Natural | EC1PLUS | EC1PLUS |
| Bona White | EC1PLUS | EC1PLUS |
| Bona Super Sport Primer | EC1 | EC2 |
| Bona Lino Prime | EC1PLUS | EC1PLUS |
| Lacquers | EMICODE® before July 2024 | EMICODE® after July 2024 |
| Bona Domo | - | - |
| Bona Mega | EC1 | EC2 |
| Bona Mega EVO | EC1PLUS | EC1PLUS |
| Bona Mega ONE | EC1 | EC2 |
| Bona Wave 2K | EC1PLUS | EC1 |
| Bona Traffic HD | EC1PLUS | EC1 |
| Bona Traffic HD Anti-Slip | EC1PLUS | EC1 |
| Bona Traffic HD Raw | EC1PLUS | EC1 |
| Bona Traffic GO | EC1PLUS | EC1PLUS |
| Bona Super Sport HD | EC1 | EC2 |
| Bona Super Sport ONE | EC1 | EC2 |
| Bona Craft Oil 2K | EC1 | EC1 |
| Bona Pure Colur | EC1PLUS | EC1PLUS |
| Bona Pure HD | EC1PLUS | EC1 |
EMICODE® and Fastening
All Bona adhesives and levelling compounds retain their current EMICODE® certification after July 1 2024.
Why EMICODE®?
The EMICODE® classification system serves as a production and selection guide, enabling installers and consumers to compare and evaluate the emissions of flooring and building products.
EMICODE®, EPD’s and green building
To comply with green building certification schemes such as BREEAM and LEED, all environmental aspects must be taken into account. For flooring products, the most important aspect is to meet the EMICODE® requirements for emissions.