PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Page 2 2 3 4 4 4 5 7 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 17 17 18 19 20 20 21 22
CATEGORY
CSI
*** 02480 - MARINE WORK *** (Piers, docking) *** 02600 - DRAINAGE & SEWER SYSTEMS (piping)*** see 15100 for full discussion of pipes *** 02810 - IRRIGATION (piping & fittings) *** (note many of these companies make both PE & PVC products) *** 02820 - FENCING (Coming) *** *** 06150 - DECKING & RAILING (Coming) *** *** 07100 - WATERPROOFING (Water stops) *** *** 07450 - SIDING *** *** 07530 - ROOF MEMBRANES for low slope roofs*** *** 07712 – GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS *** *** 08000 - DOORS & WINDOW FRAMES *** *** 08800 - GLAZING ACCESSORIES - TAPE *** *** 09510 - ACOUSTICAL CEILING TILE *** *** 09640 - WOOD FLOORING (incl bamboo)*** (as substitute for 09650 vinyl resilient floor) *** 09650 - RESILIENT FLOORING *** (see resilient flooring chart at www.healthybuilding.net for more detail) *** 09680 - CARPET (PVC is used for backing) *** (See carpet chart for more detail) *** 09700 - 09900 - WALL COVERINGS *** *** 10260 - DOOR and WALL PROTECTION *** *** 10400 - SIGNAGE *** *** 10800 - BATH (shower curtains) *** *** 12490 - WINDOW TREATMENTS *** See 9700 wall coverings for more discussion of fabrics *** 12500 - FURNITURE/UPHOLSTERY *** See 9700 wall coverings for more discussion of fabrics *** 15100 & 15400 - BUILDING SERVICES PIPING & PLUMBING (pipes)*** *** 15100 & 15400 - BUILDING SERVICES PIPING & PLUMBING (corrosion wrap) *** *** 15450 - FUEL OIL AND GASOLINE SYSTEMS *** *** 16100 - ELECTRICAL CABLES *** *** 16000 - CONDUIT, DUCT & EMT & JUNCTION BOXES ***
This list surveys many of the primary categories of building materials where PVC is commonly used and is organized by the CSI numbering system commonly used in commercial building specifications. While there are products for all building types represented here, the emphasis is on materials suitable for commercial/institutional buildings. It is intended to provide a representative sampling of products and materials that do not contain PVC and are commercially available for a variety of applications. It is not intended to be comprehensive. In a rapidly changing market, the completeness and accuracy of this information cannot be guaranteed. Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement of any product or manufacturer, nor any warranty of the appropriateness of listed products for a particular application. Replication of this information for educational purposes is permitted with credit and the inclusion of these disclaimers. 7/5/2004 update
© Healthy Building Network
7/6/2004
page 1 of 24
Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE.
PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material
Brands
Description application, composition
Characteristics features, installation, use, maintenance, performance /durability
Impacts
Cost
Manufacturer
Bay area
use & life cycle
buy, install, maintain
contact info
contact info
Web links
*** 02480 - MARINE WORK *** (Piers, docking) FSC certified wood
Sylvania, Sante Earthsource, Fe, NM, 800-468- Berkeley, CA 866-549-9663 6139
Sylvania FSC certified decking and Massaranduba marine wood Greenheart
Tropical wood. Check for FSC certification of sustainable harvest
Concrete Coated Steel *** 02600 - DRAINAGE & SEWER SYSTEMS (piping)*** see 15100 for full discussion of pipes HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)
ADS
Recycled HDPE
EcoFirst
Recycled HDPE
www.certifiedwood.com
Drainage
Advanced Drainage Systems, Hilliard, OH 800821-6710
Post industrial recycled polyethylene for drainage
Hancor, Inc. 888-FOR PIPE
Santa Rosa CA, Doug Allard, 707524-8181
www.hancor.com
Jefferson WI, Plastic Drain Tile 800-362-6642
Direct from manufacturer only
www.draintile.com
Wisconsin Plastic Post industrial recycled polyethylene for drainage Drain Tile
www.ads-pipe.com
Copper Ductile Iron Concrete
© Healthy Building Network
7/6/2004
page 2 of 24
Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE.
PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description Characteristics Impacts *** 02810 - IRRIGATION (piping & fittings) *** (note many of these companies make both PE & PVC products) Copper
many
HDPE
Jain
any plumbing supply
Antelco, Longwood FL 800-869-7597, Berry Hill Irrigation
www.berryhilldrip.com/Po lyPg.htm
HDPE
Drip Rite
pipe & fittings
HDPE
Pepco
pipe and low flow fittings
DripRite Irrigation Roseville, CA 916-797-8707 Pepco, Fresno CA 800-6957171
www.dripirr.com
www.pepcoirrigation.com
Freedom Plastics 800-356-9432
www.freedomplastics.co m
PE pipe only. Also make PVC
Netafim Fersno, CA 559 453 6800
www.Netafim-usa.com
irrigation supplies
Star Nursery, Henderson, NV
www.yardsupply.com
Freedom Plastics PE pipe only. Also make PVC
HDPE
widely available
Web links
www.jains.com
PE pipe and acetal fittings
Netafin
Bay area
Jain Irrigation , Columbus, OH 888-473-7539
Antelco
HDPE
Manufacturer
pipe & fittings
HDPE
HDPE
Cost
HDPE
Oxford
PE Pipe only
Oxford Plastics Embro, ON 800.263.0502
www.oxfordplasticsinc.co m
HDPE
Dig
complete irrigation kits
DigCorp Vista CA (760) 727-0914
www.digcorp.com
Recycled Tire Rubber & HDPE
Aquapour
PE Soaker hose
HDPE & Aluminum
Irriline
© Healthy Building Network
Many web distributors Irriline, Vancouver, BC, (604) 6084315
7/6/2004
page 3 of 24
www.irriline.com
Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE.
PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description *** 02820 - FENCING (Coming) *** *** 06150 - DECKING & RAILING (Coming) *** *** 07100 - WATERPROOFING (Water stops) ***
Characteristics
TPV (Thermoelastomeric rubber ribbed *Pro: withstands high temperatures JPS Earth Shield center bulb preformed fittings plastic vulcanizite)
non swelling preformed adhesive
Bitumen asphalt
Henry Synkoflex
Butyl rubber/ clay
Henry Hydroflex expands with water contact
Butyl Rubber/ Bentonite
Butyl rubber/ clay
Butyl rubber/ clay
CETCO RX
expands with water contact
expands with water contact, for non moving joints
© Healthy Building Network
7/6/2004
Cost
Manufacturer
Bay area
www.jpspecialties.com
Henry, Huntington Park, CA, 323-583- Home Depot 5000
www.henry.com
Henry, Huntington Park, CA, 323-583- Home Depot 5000
www.henry.com
Construction Resource, Oakland, 510729-6300
Direct from MME, Mississauga, Ontario, manufacturer only 800-663-6633 Beware: Green Streak also makes & sells PVC and chlorinated rubber stops
page 4 of 24
Web links
JPS Earth Shield, Direct from Lk Elsinore, CA, manufacturer only 800-821-3859
Cetco, Arlington Heights, Ill, 800527-9948
MME Hydrotite expands with water contact Green Streak SwellStop
Impacts
White Cap, San Ontario, CA, 800Leandro, CA, 325-9504 510-729-6464
www.cetco.com
www.multiurethanes.com
www.greenstreak.com
Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE.
PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description Characteristics Impacts *** 07450 - SIDING *** Note that PVC siding has been connected with mold problems due to entrapment of moisture FSC Certified Pro: Third party verification of sustainable Sustainably forestry harvested wood
FSC wood
flooring, plywood, molding laminates, some siding , melamine; not all FSC. FSC Almquist Lumber certified woods are the redwood, tan, oak, and madrone.
Cost
Manufacturer
Bay area
Forest Ethics database of suppliers
Big Creek
FSC redwood; they do flooring, siding, framing.
Big Creek Lumber, Direct from Davenport, CA, Davenport 800-464-2770
FSC wood
CedarPro
FSC cedar siding - T&G, bevel & log cabin
ForestChoice, Direct from Stockton, CA, Stockton (209) 932-5008
Menominee Tribal FSC multiple species, siding, decking. Enterprises
FSC wood
Windfall Lumber
Engineered wood
OSB (Oriented Strand Board)
CollinsWood TruWood
Louisiana Pacific
www.forestethics.org/htm l/eng/468.shtml
Almquist Lumber, Direct from Blue www.almquistlumber.com Blue Lake, CA, Lake 707-668-5652
FSC wood
FSC wood
Web links
FSC certified and salvaged flooring, cedar and fir siding
www.big-creek.com
www.forestchoice.com
Menominee, Direct from Neopit, WI, 715- manufacturer only 756-2314
www.menominee.edu/mt e
Direct from Windfall, Olympia, manufacturer WA, 360-352-2250 only
www.windfalllumber.com
Lap board siding
*Pro: SCS certified 50% recycled/reclaimed wood FSC certified available
Home Depot; Collins Company, Golden St Portland, OR, 800- Lumber, American Cnyn, 329-1219 707-648-7000
Board siding of aspen and pine and MDI binder
*Pro: no formaldehyde binder, uses fast growing species instead of old growth *Con: MDI hazardous in manufacture
Sierra Pt Lumber, So SF, Louisiana Pacific, 415-468-5620; Portland, OR, 800http://www.lpcorp.com/ Western 648-6893 Plywood, SF 415431-3600
© Healthy Building Network
7/6/2004
25 year warranty (prorated after 5 yrs)
page 5 of 24
www.collinswood.com
Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE.
PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material
Textured plywood
Stucco
Brands
APA T1-11
Many
Brick
Many
Fiber cement
James Hardie, Hardie Board
Description
Characteristics
Impacts
Cost
Manufacturer
Bay area
Board siding
*Pro: combined sheathing & siding = less material one of lowest use *Con: needs higher cost quality logs than OSB. alternatives Uses phenol formaldehyde binder
Coating with cement and lime Integral color can make painting or polymer (acrylic or butyl) or unnecessary combination
Many. Stucco Manufacturers *Con: cement has high less than brick, Assoc or yellow Yellow pages embodied energy, more than pages under under Stucco polymers release toxins in others stucco for local manufacture contractor
Masonry facing
Durable low maintenance
Board or shingle siding of wood waste and cement
Durable (50 year warranty) low maintenance
Tacoma, WA, 253- many lumber 565-6600 yards
Most $$, but longest lasting, least maintenance
Many. Brick Industry Assoc
competitive many lumber James Hardie *Pro: wood process waste w/metal, Building Products, yards, Home fiber *Con: high embodied plastics, OSB, Depot 800-942-7343 energy in cement hard board
Polyethyelene/ wood
similar Durable, 3 yr unlimited, 2 owner 50 yr *Pro: all waste materials, w/metal, fiber Boise Cascade Board siding of PE (PC) and prorated warranty, 16' lengths, wood no formaldehyde or other Boise HomePlate cement, OSB, 866-274-6758 wood waste (PC & PI+C70) binders heft & look hardboard
Polypropylene
Certainteed Cedar Low maintenance, 50 year failure Certainteed also makes vinyl warranty, 7 year "excessive fade" Impressions siding as well.
Polypropylene
Alcoa Mastic Beware: Alcoa makes many Cedar Discovery vinyl sidings as well
Polypropylene
Louisiana Pacific
Polypropylene
Alside Pelican Bay
Board or shingle siding. Note
Rocky Mntn Wholesale, Alameda, 510522-2700;
Louisiana Pacific, Portland, OR, 800648-6893 Alside, Akron, Alside, Ohio, 800-922- Sacramento, 1800-468-3401 6009
7/6/2004
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www.apawood.org
www.stuccomfgassoc.co m
www.bia.org
www.jameshardie.com
www.bc.com/homeplate/
DLH Dstrb., CertainTeed, 800- Rancho Cordova, CA, 233-8990; 916-638-2156 Alcoa Home Exteriors, Pittsburgh, PA, 800-962-6973
Beware: LP makes many vinyl sidings as well
© Healthy Building Network
check yellow pages under masonry
Web links
www.certainteed.com
www.mastic.com
www.lpcorp.com
www.alside.com
Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE.
PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description *** 07530 - ROOF MEMBRANES for low slope roofs*** Most membranes listed here are available as Energy Star surfaces TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)
Stevens EP
Commercial / residential polyester reinforced membrane
Characteristics
Impacts
Cost
Manufacturer
Bay area
White, gray, colors or black, heat Stevens Roofing, Davey Roofing, weldable, weather like EPDM w/o the *Pro: white for cool roofs, competitive or www.stevensroofing.com Holyoke, MA 800- Hayward, CA can be down-cycled less than PVC seam failure issues. Use 60mm or 877-321-7663 621-ROOF thicker for durability
TPO (Thermoplastic Firestone UltraPly Polyolefin)
Construction Firestone, Carmel, Resource, IN, 800-428-4442 Oakland, 510729-6300
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)
many more
Carlisle, GAF, Genflex, Johns Mansville, Mule Hide, more
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
Firestone Rubbergard MaxFR
Commercial / residential membrane
Construction Firestone, Carmel, Resource, IN, 800-428-4442 Oakland, 510729-6300
Black, White Energy Star now available
www.firestonebpco.com
Sarna, Canton, MA 800-576-2358
www.sarnafilus.com
http://conglas.com
Sarnafil T
MBM (Modified Bitumen) SBS (Styrene Butadiene Styrene)
Conglas, MB Technology,
Commercial / residential asphaltic rubber membrane of torch applied styrene-butadiene styrene added to asphalt
* Con: asphalt & styrene butadiene manufacture have significant toxic emissions
Consolidated Fiberglas Products
MBM (Modified Bitumen) APP (Acstatic polypropylene)
Firestone and others
Commercial / residential asphaltic rubber membrane hot asphalt, torch or cold applied (atactic polypropylene added to asphalt)
*Con: high emissions from hot asphalt application
Firestone, Carmel, IN, 800-428-4442 and many other manufacturers
White, heat weldable
www.firestonebpco.com
*Pro: white color for cool roofs, can be down-cycled (NOTE: most Sarnafil products are PVC and poorly labeled )
FPO (Flexible Polyolefin Alloy)
Commercial membrane
Web links
Construction Resource, Oakland, 510729-6300
www.firestonebpco.com
Commercial / residential rigid Metal Many *** 07712 – GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS ***
Aluminum
Many
Copper
Not recommended
© Healthy Building Network
Yellow pages under Stucco Con: toxic to aquatic life
7/6/2004
page 7 of 24
Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE.
PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Manufacturer Web links Material Brands Description Characteristics Impacts Cost Bay area *** 08000 - DOORS & WINDOW FRAMES *** Note: PVC windows have been susceptible to excess expansion and shrinkage under temperature changes, causing leaks between frame and wall. Note that many composite windows are part PVC and that PVC jamb liners and other parts are included in many "non PVC" windows
Wood
Andersen, JeldWen, Marvin, Residential and light Pella, commercial Weathershield & many others
Milgard, Weathershield, Marvin, Sierra Wood/ aluminum or Pacific, Kolbe, fiberglass Cara-daco, Fibertec, Ander-son & more
Fiberglass
Recycled HDPE (high density polyethylene) ABS (acrylonitrilebutadien-styrene)/ ASA (acrylicstyreneacrylonitrile)
Aluminum
Fibertec, Inline and others
*Con: Fiberglass & aluminum processing *Pro:Much lower thermal expansion emits significant air coefficient, maintenance free and pollution. Fiberglass generally more durable than PVC. difficult to recycle, no recycled content
Commercial / residential, polyester resins and glass fibers mixed and extruded. Carado uses Timberstrand eng wood core.
*Con: Fiberglass *Pro: Much lower thermal expansion processing emits significant air pollution. coefficients and generally more durable than PVC. Low maintenance Difficult to recycle, no recycled content *Pro: Much lower thermal expansion coefficients and generally more *Pro: 90% recycled HDPE durable than PVC. Low maintenance
Window frame made from Compozit™ C/G, a coextruded composite based on Cycolac™ ABS with a UV resistant exterior coating of Geloy™ ASA both from GE Plastics *Pro: durable & low maintenance. Lower thermal expansion. *Con: Higher heat loss even with added thermal break. Prone to indoor condensation
Many
© Healthy Building Network
7/6/2004
page 8 of 24
Collier Warehouse, Inc, 415-920-9720; Andersen Window, www.andersenwindows.c Truit & White, Bayport, MN 612Berkeley 510om/ 439-5150 644-2671; Alexander Co, 650-583-0860.
Seek recycled, reclaimed and/or FSC certified sustainably harvested wood. Note that many wood windows have PVC jamb liners.
Residential and light commercial. Wood with thin protective cladding of aluminum or fiberglass
Center Industries
Thermal Line
*Pro:Low thermal expansion coef *Con: requires more maintenance than PVC but if maintained should last longer. Clad products or engineered wood products will require less.
Less than custom wood frames but more than other standard types
Milgard, 1-800MILGARD and many more
look in yellow pages under 'glass', 'window', or 'doors'
Fibertec, Ontario, Canada, 888-2324956 or Inline, Ontario, Canada, 416-679-1171
Wilson & Wells, San Leandro, www.inlinefiberglass.com CA, 510-6670162
Center Industries Sioux Center, IA direct from 800-281-4049 866 manufacturer 722-1488
*Con: ABS has significant toxic problems in manufacture
Mandan, ND 800662-1832
*Pro: can use recycled materials *Con: energy intensive to make
Many suppliers.
www.milgard.com
www.centerindustries.com
www.tlwindows.com
check Yellow Pages
Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE.
PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description *** 08800 - GLAZING ACCESSORIES - TAPE *** Tremco, Butyl Rubber Bostik AdChem, Polyethylene Frank Lowe Tremco, GE, Silicone rubber sealants others
© Healthy Building Network
7/6/2004
Characteristics
page 9 of 24
Impacts
Cost
Manufacturer
Bay area
Web links
Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE.
PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Manufacturer Material Brands Description Characteristics Impacts Cost Bay area *** 09510 - ACOUSTICAL CEILING TILE *** Note: beware of PVC as protective scrubbable surface coating. Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) sometimes used as a coating is not PVC despite the "vinyl" in the name
Mineral wool
Mineral wool
Perlite
Wood fiber
Armstrong
USG
recycled mineral wool & newsprint paper
*Pro: 25-85% recycled content - mineral wool Humiguard 10-15 year mold/mildew (mostly PI from steel industry waste ) & warranty NOTE: some Armstrong newsprint paper. ceiling products use vinyl latex surface finish Armstrong has aggressive PC recycling program for old panels.
Armstrong World AMS, San Jose, Industries, CA, 408-279Lancaster, PA 8771141 276-7876
www.ceilings.com
recycled mineral wool & newsprint paper
*Pro: Astro has high NRC rating of .50 to .60, a CAC rating of 35 to 39 *Pro: 40-85% recycled and a high LR (light reflectance) value of .85. "Aegis Microbe Shield" content - mineral wool treatment for mold mildew resistant (mostly PI from steel industry waste ) & w/10-30 yr warranty(humidity not water) NOTE: some USG products newsprint paper. Some PC recycling of old panels come vinyl faced: Clean Room ClimaPlus, Orion 210, Premier Hi-Lite from "select customers" ClimaPlus, SHEETROCK® Brand Lay-in Clean Room Vinyl.
California Wholesale USG, Chicago, IL Materials, San 800.874.4968 Francisco, 415282-0711
www.usg.com
Ceiling Systems, Chicago Metallic 415-642-6750; Corporation, Pacific Supply, Chicago, IL, 708510-832-5734, 563-4600 415-285-1010
www.chicagometallic.com
Eurostone has perlite, ceramic clay and a liquid *Pro: not support mold, bacteria, or glass binder, no phenol Chicago-Metallic resins; also glass reinforced fungus, impervious to water, Eurostone humidity, heat and flame, 30 yr + life gypsum, fabric/fiberglass, metal (steel/aluminum), drywall
Tectum
Web links
aspen wood fibers in an inorganic hydraulic cement binder, commonly used in schools,
© Healthy Building Network
7/6/2004
*Pro: more durable *Con: lower acoustical performance, harder to cut
page 10 of 24
Finish Line, Tectum, Inc, Portola Valley, more Newark, OH (888) CA, 650-233expensive than 977-9691, (740) 1360; Pinnacle, standard ACT 345-9691 Hayward 510264-5470
www.tectum.com.
Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE.
PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description Characteristics *** 09640 - WOOD FLOORING (incl bamboo)*** (as substitute for 09650 vinyl resilient floor) Wood
Bamboo
Impacts
Cost
Manufacturer
Bay area
ForestWorld
FSC certified plank and floating floors
Forest World, Middleburg, VT, 802-382-8888
Earthsource
FSC certified plank and floating floors
Plywood & Earth Source, Oakland, CA, 866- Lumber Sales, 549-9663, 510-208 SF, 415-6487257 7257
EcoTimber
FSC certified plank and floating floors
Ecotimber, San Rafael, CA 415.258.8454
Bamboo Hardwoods, Flooring Alternatives, Moso, PlyBoo, Smith & Fong, Timbergrass, and many others
standard plank flooring product made from laminated *Pro: more resilient than red oak, good water resistance bamboo (also available in floating floor)
© Healthy Building Network
7/6/2004
page 11 of 24
*Pro: rapidly renewable resource (4 years to maturity) *Con: unknown comparable to See resilient chart labor practices in SE hardwood floor Asia, some bamboos use urea formaldehyde binders
Web links
Sante Fe, NM, 1www.forestworld.com 800-468-6139
See San Rafael location
www.earthsourcewood.c om
www.ecotimber.com
See resilient flooring chart
Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE.
PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description Characteristics Impacts *** 09650 - RESILIENT FLOORING *** (see resilient flooring chart at www.healthybuilding.net for more detail)
Natural linoleum
Cork
Polymer
Rubber
Forbo (Marmoleum, Artoleum), Armstrong DLW, Prontolino, Nova, Tarkett Linosom
plant based tile and sheet goods from flax linseed oil, wood flour, pine resins, and natural colorants, sheet good w/ jute backing or tile with polyester backing
Expanko, Duro Design, Flooring Alternatives tile and plank and floating Gerbert, We Cork, floor from natural cork Wicanders and many other manufacturers
polymer resin/ ethylene copolymer product akin to high end vinyl, comes in 333 Amtico Stratica mm (13'1/2) & 500 mm 19" squares and 100mm (4") X 1000mm (39") planks. (Base sheet is 1000mm square)
Nora, Mondo, ToMarket, Dodge Both virgin and recycled Regupol and rubber sheet and tile goods many other manufacturers
© Healthy Building Network
7/6/2004
Cost
Manufacturer
Bay area
Web links
*Pro: anti static, anti bacterial, long wear life (40+ yrs?), minimal maintenance requirements (no stripping and waxing), *Con: not recommended for wet environments. NOTE: Forbo is heavier duty commercial grade than Armstrong
Pro:rapidly renewable, decomposes in dump *Con: Outgases VOCs (no known carcinogens or $3 - $6 See resilient chart repro development toxins, installed in 02 but can be allergen problem for certain sensitive people)
See resilient chart
*Pro: anti bacterial, mildew, mold, rot resistant, fire retardant, thermal, vibration and acoustic barrier, soft, warm under foot, self healing, thermally stable, hypo-allergenic, durable, long wear life (many high traffic installs from 1920s still in use), minimal maintenance requirements (no stripping and waxing)
*Pro: rapidly renewable (harvestable every 9-10 years for 100-150 yrs) $3 - $8 See resilient chart healthy for tree, Often use installed in 01 cork waste *Con: Some manufacturers use urea formaldehyde binders
See resilient chart
sophisticated patterns, realistic wood and stone prints, drop in replacement for vinyl, Claims highly stain resistant and 10X tough as lino (same Surlyn wear layer as golf balls - 10 yr wear out guarantee) plus eliminates need for waxing, claims low impact and reflected noise
*Pro: VOC, PVC and plasticizer free, solvent free adhesive, certified ISO 14001, recyclable *Con: petrochemical based, due to adhesives probably only practical for post industrial recycling
+ anti bacterial, mildew, mold, rot resistant, long wear life, some have minimal maintenance requirements (no stripping and waxing)
Rubber floor products $3- $10/sf in differ widely. Some outgas VOCs, have odor, 01 others are very clean
page 12 of 24
slightly above high end vinyl ($6.50/sf per Amtico rep in Amtico Intl., Atlanta, GA 40401 in CA), 267-1900 installation equal, maintenance near 0
See resilient chart
Ann Donkle (925) 838-9490
www.stratica.com/
See resilient chart
Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE.
PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description Characteristics *** 09680 - CARPET (PVC is used for backing) *** (See carpet chart for more detail)
Natural fibers (Jute, other grasses)
Web links
Shaw Contract, Dalton GA 800441-7429
Jim Thompson, www.shawcontract.com 1-800-637-2849
*Pro: 96% post consumer recycled content, whole carpet recyclable into backing
Tandus - C&A Floorcoverings, Dalton, GA
Drew McCallister, 925735-1090
Nylon 6,6 on polypro unibond backing, RE product uses Lees Unibond & biobased resin to laminate Unibond RE backings (NOTE Lees Thermobond backing contains PVC)
*Pros: some recycled content in face (all PI) and biobased content in binder. *Con: Backing only downcycled
Lees Carpet, EcoRep Group Glasgow VA 800510-536-2600 545-9765
www.leescarpet.com
Renewal process of deep cleaning, retexturing and Milliken restyling modular carpet 2X *Pro: Non VOC adhesive is EarthSquare for up to 30 year life. (can be releasable for easier change out Renewal process done on many non Milliken carpets)
*Pro: true reuse, tho limited to two reuses cycles before downcycling, company wide approach to enviro issues
SF, 415-7735389, 415-454Milliken, Spartanburg, SC, 8575; Jeremy 877-E2-RENEW Rude, 408-3666570 (for govt)
www.earthsquare.com/
*Pro: Non VOC adhesive is Polyurethane modular carpet releasable for easier change out, 3' tiles mean fewer seams, custom in 3' tile patterns available
*Pro: designed for EarthSquare process. *Con: only 4% recycled content, urethane only downcycled
Milliken, Spartanburg, SC 864-503-2506
Nylon 6 Broadloom & modular carpet - also do woven backless carpet
*Pro: closed loop recycling (face only limited capacity, *Con: urethane backing only downcycled
Mohawk, Atlanta GA, SW office, Marty Spillman, 909-898-4600
PVB (Polyvinyl butryal)
Collins & Aikman (Note: some C&A backings contain PVC. All faces ar ethos
Nylon 6,6 on PVB backing
available with PVB)
Urethane
Bay area
*Pro: true closed loop recyclable, chemicals being screened by MDBC for low toxicity
Polyolefin
Polyurethane
Manufacturer
Naturlich Floorcoverings, Sebastapol; Anderson, Oakland; Dick's Carpet, Berkeley, many other outlets
Nylon 6 tile on thermoplastic
Reuse
Cost
many Broadloom carpet manufacturers
Shaw Eco polyolefin back (Alll Shaw will solution/ EcoWorx be PVC free by 2005)
Polypropolene
Impacts
Milliken Image
Mohawk Evergreen
© Healthy Building Network
7/6/2004
page 13 of 24
SF, 415-7735389, 415-4548575; Jeremy Rude, 408-3666570 (for govt)
www.tandus.com
www.milliken.com
www.mohawkcarpet.com
Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE.
PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material
Urethane
Urethane
Brands
Description
Nylon 6,6 20" tile on high density urethane NexStep Interface Wabi & backing, (NOTE Some Sabi / NexStep Interface backings contain PVC) Also have
Mannington
Characteristics
*Pro: polycarbite seam sealer moisture impervious, Non VOC adhesive is releasable for easier change out
Impacts
Cost
*Pro: incorporates recycled material, "zipper" for easy 100% recycling, some solar power in manufacture, low energy dye process. Will recycle or repurpose old carpet *Con: Can only downcycle at this time. Not closed loop
Manufacturer
Bay area
Web links
San Francisco,
Interface, Atlanta 415-421-7700 or GA, 770-437-6800 Mark Iberri (800)
www.interfaceinc.com
Mannington, Commercial Calhoun GA 800241-2262
www.mannington.com
336-0225 X1705
Nylon 6,6 broadloom on urethane backing
*** 09700 - 09900 - WALL COVERINGS *** Note: PVC wall coverings are associated with serious mold problems due to entrapment of moisture in wall cavity Wood fiber/ polyester
Innvironments Allegory
Polyethylene
Surface IQ
Cellulose/ polyester
Roos Moment Environmental
Polyester/ Cellulose
Envision
Also have products made from sisal, cellulose, honey suckle vines, and cork NOTE: Some Innovations products contain vinyl
Type II rating, Class A flame, *Pro: no heavy metals or $13/yd in washable, but not scrubbable, more formaldehyde, low 6/2000 permeable than vinyl. Not for high emissions moisture areas
Innovations in Wallcoverings NY, NY, 212-807-6300
Note: Also have PVC products
Type II, Class A, stain resistant and scrubbable, antimicrobial
Len-Tex, N. Walpole, NH 03609 603-445-2342
Non woeven cellulose oplyester blend
*Pro: no BFRs, heavy metals or formaldehyde
Type I, Class A flame, washable
Roos Intl, direct from Deerfield, FL 800manufacturer 888-2776
Type I & II, Class A, breathable and scrubbable
Tapeter Decorative Wall Solutions, Deerfield Beach, FL 877-867-4430
Polyester, and recycled
Polyester
Pallas Cares & polyester, (NOTE: Pallas also produces vinyl wall Terratex
Some use Avora FR flame and stain recyclable resistant
coverings).
© Healthy Building Network
7/6/2004
SKAAR Furnishing, San www.innovationsusa.com Francisco, 415-4879900
page 14 of 24
$20-$55/yd (05/02)
Pallas, Green Bay, Ann Greiner, WI 800-4PALLAS, Pallas Textiles, 415-252-0943 920-468-1600
www.lentexcorp.com
www.momentwallcoverin g.com
www.pallastextiles.com
Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE.
PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material
Polyester
Brands
Description
38 designs, 400 colorways, water repellant, stain resistant and aggressively scrubbable, inherently flame retardant Class A & Class 1, anti-bacterial, antifungal and antistaph, self healing, no fade in 10 years of use
Xorel
Polyester
DesignTex
Bio fibers
Natural Environments
Cellulose
Duraprene
Recycled paper
Dialtones, Thatch
Characteristics
*Pro: non toxic
100% recycled & poly blends w/natural fibers (NOTE: some 9 colorways Design Tex products are vinyl)
McDonough Collection
Wood fiber
Tectum
Manufacturer
Bay area
$21.50/yd+
Carnegie Fabrics, Nancy Dul, Rockville Cntr, NY Sausalito, CA, 415516-678-6770 800- 339-9112 727-6770
$18/yd
DesignTex 800221-1540
Galleria San Francisco Design, 415-864-4144
Muraspec NA, Randolph, MA 800717-5651
Class A fire rating, equiv to Type II reprocessed cellulose fibers vinyl, abrasion and stain resistant, from tree farms bonded in washable and scrubbable latex under high pressure
$15-18/yd (2/02)
50-75% recycled phone books, rest paper pulp
100s of color combinations, Class A fire rating, stain resistant, abrasion look for low VOC water-based resistant, washable, scrubbable, Polmyx, Zolotone formulas resistant to fungus and bacteria, unlike vinyl, can be touched up
Wool/ Ramie
Cost
Variouos lines from linen and mulberry fibers, flax, recycled paper, water-based vegetable dyes, and glass fibers
Japanese phonebooks
Polychromatic finish coatings
Impacts
Custom high end fabric
See 09510 acoustical ceiling tile
Blumenthal 860824-8000
www.xorel.com
www.dtex.com
www.muraspecna.com
Galleria SF Design, 415-8644144
www.blumenthalwallcove ring.com
Ann Greiner,
$13.50-$15/yd Pallas, Green Bay, Pallas Textiles, (05/02) WI 800-4PALLAS 415-252-0943 Tri-Kes Wallcovering Source, $4.5 to $13/yd Dallas, TX, 800200-8120
Pro: low impact manufacturing
Web links
$59/yd
DesignTex 800221-1540
www.pallastextiles.com
www.zolatone.com/
Galleria SF Design, 415-8644144
Tectum, Newark, Pinnacle, 510OH, 888-977-9691 264-5470
www.dtex.com
www.tectum.com
Many other natural fiber and
Fabric
many other fabric alternatives are manufacturers available
© Healthy Building Network
7/6/2004
page 15 of 24
Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE.
PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description *** 10260 - DOOR and WALL PROTECTION ***
Characteristics
Impacts
InPro EnviroGT from recycled HDPE & FSC certified wood
Metal (Stainless steel, aluminum, brass and bronze)
Manufacturer
Bay area
InPro Corp., Ron Lee 530Muskego, WI, 800867-1895 222-5556
Handrails and corner guards
Recycled HDPE
Cost
EM Hundley, SF 415-777-5050; Alpha West, So Tubular Specialties, Los SF, 650-952An-geles, CA, 800- 6886; Specialties, SF, 225-5876 (see 415-626-9895; also Pawling Bay Area Bldrs below) Hdwe, SF, 415431-9600
Tubular Specialties and grab rails, corner guards Pawling
Web links
www.inprocorp.com
www.calltsm.com
Acrovyn G5
bamboo is more rapidly renewable than wood
C/S (Construction Specialities), Lebanon, NJ 908236-0800
www.c-sgroup.com
ABS/ Polycarbonate
Acrovyn 3000
Note: do not use chlorine bleach as ABS/oplycarb may leach bisphenol-A
C/S (Construction Specialities), Lebanon, NJ 908236-0800
www.c-sgroup.com
Lexan
Pawling and Tubular Specialties
corner guards (Note: many of Pawlings products contain vinyl)
Lindsey Pawling, NY, (800) Associates, Palo 431-0101 (see Alto, Susan at also above for 650-324-1133 Tubular ) (Call)
www.pawling.com
Wood
Pawling and others
handrails
Many
Aluminum & bamboo
© Healthy Building Network
7/6/2004
page 16 of 24
Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE.
PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material *** 10400 - SIGNAGE *** Aluminum
Brands
Description
Characteristics
Impacts
Cost
Manufacturer
Bay area
Web links
Acrylic PVA/urethane photopolymer/ polyester *** 10800 - BATH (shower curtains) *** Note: PVC shower curtains have serious outgassing problems Nylon
Polyethylene
Valiant
Look for reversed bottom hem for water runoff $10-30
Brookstone Tyvek
Polyester
A-1 Textiles
Cotton
many
www.valiantproducts.com
Brookstone Stores, San Francisco, 415-731-8046, 415www.brookstone.com 546-6667; Concord, CA, 925609-7138
$20
Cotton Duck Canvas Glass
Valiant Products, Direct from Denver, CO., 800- manufacturer 347-2727
Pro: breathable
Brookstone, 800-84
Chatsworth, CA,
