Setting the Standard

In 2008, the Wallcoverings Association established the WA Sustainability Standard NSF/ANSI 342 to drive continual improvement in environmental sustainability and social responsibility within the industry. The WA Sustainability Standard was the first guideline to evaluate the entire product lifecycle chain from raw materials through distribution to the end user. The WA Sustainability Standard, established with NSF International, is now a model for many additional third-party validation standards.

The Wallcoverings Association recognized the importance of identifying manufacturers and products determined to source products that do not deplete resources. In addition, the WA Sustainability Standard NSF 342 is the only industry standard that requires certification by the manufacturer and distributor for a product to carry the designation. The result is a well-established standard that provides architects, designers, retailers and consumers with the knowledge of environmentally preferable wallcoverings to source for projects. In addition, certified products are eligible for LEED credits.

Today, Wallcoverings Association members understand the value of transparency more than ever and are working toward recognizing the ambitious yet critical U.N. Sustainability Development goals. Commercial designers can no longer put a price on the benefit of sourcing environmentally conscious products. It’s critical at every level and in every arena to focus on not just cost or even design but also the collective responsibility to do our part.

Here are a few of WA members’ latest products that meet and exceed their rigorous sustainability standards:

York Contract: Seacrest

The new textile wallcovering collection from York Contract is a wallcovering line that contains plastics recovered from our oceans, coasts and rivers. The new non-PVC performance, textile wallcovering Seacrest line is made with SEAQUAL yarn. Through work with the SEAQUAL INITIATIVE, recycled materials are transformed into SEAQUAL yarn to produce an intricate tonal woven textile pattern. The Seacrest line features ten colorways with a design that captures the subtle movement of water with a silk-like appearance. Plus, the materials contain a minimum of 20% seaqual marine plastic and are durable enough for use in commercial office spaces, hospitality lobbies, cafes, healthcare offices and senior living centers. Designers specifying York Contract sustainable wallcoverings containing SEAQUAL yarn receive LEED points and help champion local and national clean-up programs while raising awareness of marine plastic pollution.

Len-Tex: Arboreal

New from Len-Tex Wallcoverings, the Arboreal pattern is GreenCircle, SCS Indoor Advantage Gold and CHPS certified, containing 38% biobased content, and can help contribute to LEED v4 and v4.1 credits. A subtle pattern that works well in hospitality and healthcare spaces, Arboreal displays a biophilic design inspired by the natural landscape. As if bringing the outdoors in with the feeling of a soft layering of trees, the collection features a color palette that offers neutral to deep jewel tones, providing a range of calming, meditative qualities. Shown here in the colorway Nymph, Arboreal has pearlescent, pearl wash and mylar effects, each capturing an ethereal look.

Wolf Gordon: Sorrel (CLAIR)

Wolf Gordon's Sorrel, newest addition to the CLAIR collection.

Wolf-Gordon introduces Sorrel, the newest addition to the CLAIR® collection—a botanical pattern inspired by the small herbal plant bearing leaves. The CLAIR collection contains 20% recycled content and offers an innovative selection of nature and textile-inspired PVC-free, Type II wallcoverings that are bleach cleanable and produced in the U.S., made with a proprietary EVO technology and is a 20 oz per linear yard. Paired with an Osnaburg backing, the heavy-duty Type II olefin composite has high abrasion as well as impact and scratch resistance, allowing for the same quality of printing and embossing. In addition, the CLAIR line is ASTM E84 Class A Fire Rated, Cal 01350 Compliant and has a Health Product Declaration (HPD).

MDC: Nvolve

The Nvolve line from MDC Interior Solutions is 100% PVC-Free constructed using cutting-edge evo technology for extended use in high traffic areas including hotels, restaurants, healthcare facilities and retail. With evo, it is possible to enjoy the luxury look and performance without the presence of PVC or other harsh additives. Built with 20% recycled materials, Nvolve is available in nine naturally-inspired patterns. Commercial designers specifying this wallcovering can meet their clients sustainability objectives by using PVC-Free type II and have the same durability and ease of installation as normal type II.