LOS ANGELES – Samsung, a world-class leader in technology and manufacturer of
Staron Solid Surface and Tempest, has been granted GREENGUARD certification by the
GREENGUARD Environmental Institute for its Staron Solid Surface material, including
the new Staron Tempest line, as well as its all-acrylic sinks and bowls.
Each of the product lines has passed the requirements of two GREENGUARD certification
programs. GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified® product certification is granted for
low-emitting interior building materials, furnishings and finish systems. The more stringent
GREENGUARD for Children & SchoolsSM certification is granted for low-emitting interior
building materials, furnishings and finish systems used in educational (daycare and K-12)
environments.
“Healthful interior environments are achieved through ‘group efforts,’ said Staron Surfaces
National Sales Manager Dale Mandell. “Poor indoor air quality is usually due to a cumulative
effect of several individual finish materials off-gassing potentially harmful compounds.
Our GREENGUARD certification provides architects and designers an alternative to less
healthful finish materials; particularly where casework and worktop materials are concerned.
A healthcare facility, for example, could include Staron countertops paired with our solid
surface bowls, and the combination of products will contribute toward lowering the potential
for unhealthful air quality in a public space.”
The successful two-month certification process included a 168-hour period during which the
Staron products were tested for potential off-gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such
as formaldehyde. The positive results streamline the process for attaining points toward LEED®
for Commercial Interiors certification in its Environmental Quality (EQ) 4.5 section. Any architect,
builder or developer who includes GREENGUARD-certified Staron products in commercial,
institutional or multi-family housing projects will no longer have to wait for the otherwise lengthy
LEED certification process for its “Low-Emitting Materials, Systems Furniture and Seating”
category. Additionally, the newly certified Staron products point to a solid surface company that is
committed to providing finish products that are part of the solution to improved indoor air quality
and products that are environmentally favorable.
About GREENGUARD Environmental Institute
The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) is an industry-independent, non-profit
organization that oversees the GREENGUARD Certification Program. As an ANSI Authorized
Standards Developer, GEI establishes acceptable indoor air standards for indoor products,
environments, and buildings. GEI’s mission is to improve public health and quality of life through
programs that improve indoor air. A GEI Advisory Board consisting of independent volunteers, who
are renowned experts in the areas of indoor air quality, public and environmental health, building
design and construction, and public policy, provides guidance and leadership to GEI.
About the GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certification Program for Low-Emitting Products
The GREENGUARD Certification ProgramSM is an industry-independent, third-party testing
program for low-emitting products and materials. The first GREENGUARD Certification was
awarded in the fall of 2002. In 2005, GEI announced the GREENGUARD Children & Schools
standard, which evaluates the sensitive nature of school populations combined with the unique
building characteristics found in schools, and presents the most rigorous product emissions
criteria to date. To date, more than 100 manufacturers across various industries offer
GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified® Products.
