SCS and RFCI Announce Finalization of ASSURE CERTIFIED™ Standard for Rigid Core Flooring

SCS Global Services (SCS) is proud to announce the finalization of the ASSURE CERTIFIED™ standard and certification program for Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), developed in partnership with the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) and its member companies. The first flooring manufacturers to achieve certification by SCS under this global standard are Novalis, Karndean, Shaw, and Metroflor.

ASSURE CERTIFIED™ was established to create a uniform standard of quality for all Rigid Core LVT, which is the fastest growing sector of resilient flooring in North America. Certification under the standard allows manufacturers globally to demonstrate that their vinyl rigid core flooring has been manufactured to the highest standards and meets all requirements for indoor air quality, rigorous performance, and heavy metals and ortho-phthalate content.

Dean Thompson, president and CEO of RFCI, said, “This Standard is of the highest rigor that exists for ensuring uniform quality and sustainability in this type of flooring, benefiting manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, retailers, homeowners and other end users. SCS Global Services has been providing flooring certifications and customer satisfaction for decades and we are delighted to have them engaged as the third-party certifier for this program.”

“It is essential, especially during this time, that we safeguard consumer confidence in products for homes and businesses, by putting people’s safety and well-being first,” Thompson continued. “Congratulations to the first four flooring manufacturers who participated in the pilot study that helped refine the standard.”

Certification requires Rigid Core products to pass performance testing outlined in ASTM3261-17, volatile organic compound emissions testing, and testing for heavy metals and ortho-phthalates. It also requires flooring manufacturers to demonstrate quality control procedures through on-site audits.

“SCS is very proud to offer this certification, to give our flooring customers worldwide the stamp of approval consumers are looking for,” said Nicole Muñoz, vice president of Environmental Certification Services at SCS. “With this new standard, consumers can now look for the ASSURE CERTIFIED™ logo on their Rigid Core LVT products to ensure that they are choosing the safest, highest-quality flooring.”

Additionally, this standard complements SCS and RFCI’s FloorScore® certification standard, the flooring industry’s most widely recognized indoor air quality (IAQ) standard.

Rigid Core manufacturers can contact SCS Global Services directly to start their certification process now. Learn more at: https://www.scsglobalservices.com/services/assure-certified

About RFCI
The Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI), based in La Grange, GA, is the leading industry association for hard surface flooring and helps designers, architects, facilities managers, home owners, and others make wise flooring decisions. RFCI promotes resilient flooring as the durable, sustainable and highly affordable floor covering solution that’s perfect for residential and commercial constructions and remodels. It also monitors and responds to Legislation and regulations from all levels of government that affect the resilient industry, its products, and the people who use them. RFCI provides technical information on the resilient flooring industry and is continuously developing guidelines to ensure the quality and sustainability of resilient flooring products, their installation, and their maintenance. https://rfci.com

Contact:
Dean Thompson, President and CEO
[email protected]

About SCS Global Services
SCS Global Services is a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, consumer products, and more. Headquartered in Emeryville, California, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe and Africa. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to many environmental NGOs due to its dedication to quality and professionalism. SCS is a chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. For more information visit www.scsglobalservices.com.

Contact:
Karen Righthand, Director of Sales and Marketing
[email protected]