- Richlite Corp., manufacturer of Richlite® paper-composite surface materials, announced that its surface product is now GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified® and meets the criteria for GREENGUARD Children & SchoolsSM Certification. The GREENGUARD Certification program recognizes interior building materials and products that meet the most stringent chemical emissions standards deemed safe and appropriate for use in residential and commercial buildings, including educational (daycare and K-12) environments.
Richlite paper-composite materials have been a popular choice for surfaces in commercial kitchens and food processing facilities for more than 30 years. Chefs highly regard the material for its ability to withstand moisture and fluctuating temperatures and stand up to heavy use. The surface's natural fibrous appearance brings a warm, soft ambience that is rarely achieved through stone or synthetic laminates, making it a preferred choice for a variety of architectural and design applications.
Richlite is available in a variety of thicknesses and colors through specialty kitchen and bath dealers, and architectural product distributors nationwide. In addition to its original paper-composite materials, Richlite manufactures hemp-based surfaces and, new this summer, Richlite OCC made with 50 percent recycled old corrugated cardboard. All Richlite materials are dense and durable, non porous, stain and scratch resistant, heat resistant and can accommodate long spans and cantilevers without additional support.
"Richlite's dedication to developing a product that meets the highest standards for indoor air quality is a testament to the company's environmental commitment," says Carl Smith, CEO of GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI). "As more manufacturers embrace sustainability, we are seeing product advancements that strive to protect the indoor environment as well as those that live, work and play within them."
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. More than 150,000 GREENGUARD-certified products are listed in the online product guide at www.greenguard.org.
For more information on Richlite's products and related certifications, visit www.richlite.com.