First Distributor Qualified to Sustainable Wallcoverings National Standard
TRI-KES, a Dallas-based sustainable commercial interior finishes distributor, earned qualification at the highest level.
NSF International has qualified the first wallcoverings distributor to the American National Standard for Sustainable Wallcoverings – NSF/ANSI 342. NSF International developed the standard to help architects, designers, retailers, and consumers identify sustainable and environmentally preferable wallcoverings.
To qualify, distributors must undergo an independent NSF assessment that evaluates their operations' environmental and social impacts. TRI-KES, a Dallas-based sustainable commercial interior finishes distributor, is the first distributor to earn qualification under the standard and did so at the highest level; it may now distribute all levels of certified wallcoverings, including Platinum.
Products covered by the standard include textiles, vinyl, vinyl coated, alternative polymer, alternative polymer coated, paper, and other natural fiber products. NSF Certification is based on point totals from both the manufacturer and distributor to achieve a Conformant, Silver, Gold, or Platinum level.
"Purchasing products that are certified to the NSF/ANSI 342 Sustainable Wallcoverings standard from a qualified distributor such as TRI-KES provides assurance to buyers that they are purchasing the most sustainable products and distribution services available in the wallcoverings market," said Tom Bruursema, general manager of NSF Sustainability. "As the first distributor to earn qualification, TRI-KES has demonstrated considerable environmental leadership and a commitment to helping wallcovering manufacturers bring their sustainable products to the marketplace."
Ken Salyer, Jr., president of TRI-KES, said the company "is proud to achieve ISO 14001 certification and be the first to qualify for the American National Standard for Sustainable Wallcoverings (NSF/ANSI 342). These two achievements are real testaments to TRI-KES' commitment as an environmental leader."
NSF said the Wallcoverings Association helped to develop the standard and is encouraging its members to earn certification as soon as possible. The association plans for members to showcase their sustainable products certified to the NSF/ANSI 342 standard at the Neocon World Trade Fair in June 2012.
For more information about the certification program, contact Dennis Gillan at [email protected] or 734-476-2543. For information on the development of NSF/ANSI 342, visit www.nsfsustainability.org.