Green Seal is strengthening its commitment in the green materials space by ensuring that certified building restoration products are completely PFAS-free, according to a company press release, helping brands eliminate toxic ‘forever chemicals’ while maintaining top performance and sustainability credentials. Green Seal-certified paints, coatings, and adhesives have been focusing on healthier materials, striving to meet rigorous safety and environmental standards in building restoration products.
A Safer Future: Green Seal’s CEO on PFAS-Free Products
“Both producers and buyers recognize the hazards associated with PFAS but lack reliable assurance that products are free from these toxic chemicals,” said Doug Gatlin, CEO of Green Seal. “Our certification criteria not only eliminate PFAS from product formulations but also maintain performance requirements, giving buyers confidence in choosing safer and more sustainable paints, coatings, and adhesives.”
Eliminating PFAS: Strengthening Sustainability Standards in Materials and Coatings
Green Seal will verify that certified paints, coatings, adhesives, and building restoration products are completely free from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This initiative positions participating brands at the forefront of sustainability by eliminating reliance on these harmful chemicals while also protecting companies from greenwashing claims by providing verified sustainability credentials.
This update follows a similar revision to Green Seal’s standards for cleaning and personal care products, reinforcing its mission toward material safety across multiple industries.
The Hidden Dangers of PFAS in Building Materials
PFAS chemicals contain carbon-fluorine bonds, making them highly stable and effective at repelling oil, water, and heat. However, this same stability prevents them from breaking down, earning them the label of “forever chemicals.” According to the press release, PFAS are now found in the blood of most people worldwide and have been linked to serious health concerns, including cancer, reproductive harm, and weakened immune responses.
PFAS in Paints, Coatings, and Adhesives
PFAS have been widely used in building restoration products, often as functional ingredients in paints, coatings, and adhesives. A recent study revealed that nearly half of tested paint products contain PFAS, where they contribute to glossiness, prevent peeling, and enhance stain or water resistance. Most acrylic and wax floor finishes on the market use PFAS as leveling and wetting agents, and these chemicals also enhance wettability in adhesives. By eliminating PFAS from certified products, Green Seal helps to ensure that high-performance building materials do not come at the cost of human health or environmental sustainability.
Driving the Future of Sustainable Building Materials
Green Seal’s updated certification criteria reinforce its role as a trusted leader in advancing healthier and more sustainable materials for the built environment. By eliminating PFAS in paints, coatings, and adhesives, Green Seal states in the press release that it “continues to raise the bar for chemical safety and environmental responsibility in building restoration and construction industries.”
