ECO-FRIENDLY ADHESIVES FOR HARDWOOD FLOOR LAYING

Slc® Eco L34 PlusSlc® Eco L34 Flex

An approach to building that embraces GreenBuilding puts the eco-sustainability quality of the building and the health of its occupants at the centre of attention; this means improving the quality of indoor air, creating healthy environments for people to live in and buildings that are more energy and environmentally efficient.

What is GreenBuilding?It is the new low environmental impact philosophy promoted by Kerakoll® that focuses on improving health and quality of life.

How it is achieved?Through education and an informed, careful selection of certified building materials, which must be eco-friendly, naturally breathable, and highly energy-efficient.

GreenBuilding is good for you because it• Safeguards the health of the environment• Improves the quality of air in confined environments• Curbs illnesses caused by Sick building syndrome• Prevents the proliferation of microorganisms• Improves the energy efficiency of buildings

GREENBUILDING

AS A BUILDING STYLE

THE ADVANTAGES OF

LIVING IN A GREENBUILDING

The environmental advantagesThe solutions adopted by Kerakoll® GreenBuilding deliver considerable benefits for the environment, such as the reduction of CO2 emissions into the air, an ever-growing use of recycled and locally-sourced raw materials, a reduction in the energy needed for the building to function, and the creation of low-emission buildings that respect the surrounding environment and air quality.

The health advantagesThe health advantages for people living inside the buildings are the consequence of environmentally sustainable design and the quality of Kerakoll® materials:• they improve the air in confined environments• they curb illnesses caused by Sick building syndrome (SBS)• they prevent the proliferation of moulds, fungi, and bacteria• they ensure the health of the home environments• they increase comfort and quality of life.

The economic advantagesKerakoll® GreenBuilding also increases the value of the building over time in terms of compulsory energy certifications, and begins to deliver up to 40% in economic benefits immediately compared to a traditionally-designed building. Economic savings are especially noticeable in, heating and cooling costs, and building maintenance and management costs.

The most current information on domestic pollution is clear: the quality of indoor air in homes can be from 2 to 5 times worse than outside.The indoor microclimate, along with chemical pollution, has a significant impact on the quality of the environments in which we live, and consequently on our wellbeing.

Right from the start, building a house or a building in general involves the use of materials that sometimes contain compounds that are harmful to health and may also cause damage to the environment:• adhesives for hardwood floors• varnishes for hardwood floors• consolidants and waterproofing products for substrates• treatments and oils• paint and varnish strippers.Old-fashioned products that can be highly dangerous and capable of discharging harmful volatile compounds into the environment are frequently used, merely because they cost less and the consumer is not properly informed about potential health risks.When laying hardwood floors, adhesives are often used that sometimes contain unpleasant and polluting solvents that release high quantities of volatile organic compounds, responsible for the indoor pollution and poor internal air quality found today in our homes, but worse still they may contain toxic substances that are harmful to human health. Old-fashioned adhesives only guarantee mechanical performance, but they show various weaknesses, such as:• they give off a large quantity of toxic and harmful fumes• they are very difficult to work with• they release volatile compounds over time

“WE ARE ImPROVING OUR WELLBEING BY

KEEPING BUILDINGS FREE OF SUBSTANCES

THAT ARE HARmFUL TO HEALTH”

These problems are associated more and more frequently with cases of allergic reactions in users.These problems affect people, causing both skin allergies and irritations even on parts of the body that are not in direct contact, and sometimes causing severe and persistent damage to the breathing system, which has been demonstrated by clinical trials carried out in various specialist hospitals.Kerakoll® GreenBuilding limits the occurrence of diseases that can be traced to poor building construction: selecting non-toxic, solvent-free adhesives such as Slc® Eco L34 Plus and Slc® Eco L34 Flex guarantees greater safety for the user and more protected rooms that ensure better indoor air quality, benefiting the health of consumers.

75 million Europeans suffer from Sick

building syndrome (SBS)

The Kerakoll® medical and scientific sector is constantly researching solutions for the need to live in healthy buildings which are kind on the environment; these studies are based on leading research in the biomedical, epidemiological, pulmonary, materials technology, indoor pollutant and environmental impact fields in order to develop innovative solutions for sustainable living.

SOLVENT-FREESlc® Eco L34 Plus and Slc® Eco L34 Flex, which are totally solvent-free, are safer for users and guarantee better quality air inside the buildings.

Slc® Eco L34 Plus and Slc® Eco L34 Flex only contain non-toxic resins and safe raw materials, giving maximum respect for the health of application professionals and the wellbeing of end users.

NON-TOXIC

SOLVENT-BASED ADHESIVE Slc® Eco L34 Plus and Slc® Eco L34 Flex

High toxic/harmful emission levels

Very low toxic/harmful emission levels

Slc® Eco L34 PlusSlc® Eco L34 FlexCertified, eco-friendly, organic, mineral adhesives for the high-performance laying of hardwood floors, ideal for use in GreenBuilding.

Slc® Eco L34 Plus and Slc® Eco L34 Flex guarantee the reduction of volatile substances, which are the main source of indoor pollution, increasing the level of comfort within homes.

VERY LOW VOC EMISSIONS

OUR AIm IS

TO ImPROVE THE qUALITY OF INDOOR AIR

SOLVENTS: WHY THEY ARE HARMFUL

The term “solvent” is used to describe any substance capable of dissolving another to obtain a solution. Solvents represent a large group of compounds used professionally, above all for their ability to render film-forming polymer compounds less viscous (and thus facilitating their application) or to dissolve the resins and oils to which they are added; these compounds are normally so-called organic molecules. Their danger derives from the fact that they do not remain in this state in the finished product (polymer, adhesive layer, surface film, etc.), but evaporate more or less quickly, thus contributing to pollution of the environment even after they have been used.There are various solvents with different biochemical and chemical/physical characteristics, and the speed at which the molecule evaporates is one of the main features used to assess their toxicity. Solvents thus produce large amounts of VOC (volatile organic compounds) which cause pollution of the air inside buildings.Solvents are mainly absorbed through the breathing system (inhalation of airborne solvents) and, usually to a lesser degree, through the skin. Use of solvent-free materials or those with a very low solvent content is essential to restrict exposure to toxic VOC, improve indoor air quality and protect our health.

Main health risk symbols found on the packaging of materials that contain solvents:

Table of the main solvent substances:

- AROmATIC HYDROCARBONS (benzene, toluene, xilene, styrene, cumene)

- ALCOHOLS (methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, isobutyl)

- ALIPHATIC AND ALICYCLIC HYDROCARBONS (petroleum, petrol, solvent naphtha)

- ALDEHYDES (acetaldehyde, glutaraldehyde)

- HALOGENATED HYDROCARBONSa) bromine substituted (methyl bromide)b) iodine substituted (iodoform and methyl iodide)c) fluorine substituted (fluoroalkane or freon and

fluoroalkene)d) chlorinates (Aliphatic: methyl and ethyl

chloride, dichloromethane, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, monochloroethane, dichloroethane, trichloroethane and tetrachloroethane, monochloroethylene, dichloroethylene, trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene. Aromatic: monochlorobenzene and dichlorobenzene)

- KETONES (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, cyclohexanone, methylcyclohexanone)

- GLYCOLS AND DERIVATIVES (ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, methyl cellosolve, dioxane)

- ETHERS (ethyl ether)

T

Toxic

F

Highly flammable

Xn

Harmful

OUR AIm IS

TO ImPROVE THE qUALITY OF INDOOR AIR

FROm THE NEEDS

OF PEOPLE TO RESEARCH

AND DEVELOPmENT Our products are the result of real needs identified in the market. These needs are what inspires our business, and we work to provide effective, reliable solutions to them.

Numerous studies and research demonstrate the importance of restricting the use of volatile substances to reduce the concentrations of the main pollutants in homes and improve air quality. Since 2003 Kerakoll® has been working with the Danish Research Centre Eurofins to analyse toxic/harmful organic compounds and their behaviour within building materials, providing evidence of the fundamental role of solvent-free adhesives in improving air quality in confined spaces.

Kerakoll® solvent-free adhesives for hardwood floors open up new vistas in the improvement of indoor air quality.• Kerakoll® has introduced new raw material selection

parameters to guarantee the elimination of solvents, the reduction of volatile organic compounds and the total absence of toxic substances, to achieve better quality indoor air.

• Eurofins Slc® Eco L34 Plus and Slc® Eco L34 Flex have been tested at the Eurofins Research Centre and certified as having very low VOC emissions, guaranteeing the lowest emission levels for products of this category.

• Kerakoll® certified adhesives for eco-friendly laying of hardwood floors have confirmed their excellent technical characteristics, guaranteeing maximum respect for the health of users and the wellbeing of those occupying the buildings.

Certified, eco-friendly, organic, high elasticity, mineral adhesive for the high-performance laying of hardwood floors, two-component, solvent-free, with very low volatile organic compound emission levels.

Slc® Eco L34 Plus

How does it work?Slc® Eco L34 Plus uses special latest-generation, non-toxic, two-component eco-resins that guarantee perfect chemical and physical affinity with the wood fibres. The exclusive new formula, 100% solvent-free, guarantees extraordinary workability, perfect contact between the adhesive and the wood strip and fast, safe bonding of any size and type of hardwood flooring even in the most critical site conditions (laying on old ceramic floors, heated subfloors, floors subject to heavy traffic, etc.).Slc® Eco L34 Plus is tested with the Anti-Shock System, an exclusive Kerakoll® test that simulates extreme working conditions for a wood floor, reproducing variations of ambient humidity and temperature as well as dimensional changes, accelerated by repeated cycles of immersion in water (9 hours, +20 °C) and drying in a climatic cell (15 hours, +50 °C).At the end of the test Slc® Eco L34 Plus was found to be the adhesive that guarantees the best performance levels.

4

®

eco

A-SSAnti-ShockSystem

KER

AK

OLL MONOPACK

AB

S Y S T E M

Advantages many new buildings are already “sick” when they are born, if proper attention is not paid when selecting materials. In order to be healthy, a house must be in balance with the environment in which it stands. The use of eco-friendly, non-dangerous materials that do not release pollutants solves a strongly-felt and widespread problem: improving indoor air quality to help achieve total wellbeing.

• Slc® Eco L34 Plus is the first two-component adhesive for wooden floors in the world that is totally free from solvents and toxic substances, certified GEV EC 1 PLUS as producing very low volatile organic compound emissions.

• Since 1980, Slc® Eco L34 Plus has been the world’s leading adhesive for hardwood floor laying. For over 30 years, Kerakoll® technology has guaranteed safe laying of wooden floors throughout the world.

• Slc® Eco L34 Plus is the perfect universal adhesive, suitable for any type, size and quality of wood. Safe on any type of substrate and when applied over existing flooring.

It is ideal when laying on substrates containing fitted heating and cooling systems.

SLC® ECO L34 PLUS,

THE UNIVERSAL ADHESIVE FOR ALL

TYPES OF HARDWOOD FLOORS

Certified, eco-friendly, elastic, organic, mineral adhesive for the high-performance laying of hardwood floors. Single-component, solvent-free and with very low volatile organic compound emissions.

Slc® Eco L34 Flex

How does it work?Slc® Eco L34 Flex comprises a single-component, non-toxic, eco- resin made from next-generation polymers that react in the presence of damp to create a three-dimensional lattice with high adhesive and elastic properties.These characteristics guarantee safe, rapid bonding of the strip of wood to give long-lasting, technically and aesthetically perfect laying. Slc® Eco L34 Flex is tested with the Anti-Shock System, an exclusive Kerakoll® test that simulates extreme working conditions for a wood floor, reproducing variations of ambient humidity and temperature as well as dimensional changes, accelerated by repeated cycles of immersion in water (9 hours, +20 °C) and drying in a climatic cell (15 hours, +50 °C).At the end of the test Slc® Eco L34 Flex was found to be the adhesive that guarantees superior performance even in the most critical site conditions.

A-SSAnti-ShockSystem4

®

eco

AdvantagesThe choice of building materials is essential to guarantee a healthy home that is in balance with the environment. The use of materials free from dangerous solvents, that do not release pollutant substances, makes it possible to improve the quality of indoor air and ensure total health and wellbeing.

• Slc® Eco L34 Flex is reliable and safe because it is totally free from solvents and certified GEV EC 1 as producing very low volatile organic compound emissions and as free from toxic substances.

• Slc® Eco L34 Flex is single-component, practical and no-waste product, guaranteeing easier, safer laying of any type of hardwood floor.

• Slc® Eco L34 Flex is easy and clean, guaranteeing fast, safe cleaning even on open-pore hardwood floors with delicate finishes.

SLC® ECO L34 FLEX, THE

PERFECT ADHESIVE FOR

PRE-FINISHED HARDWOOD FLOORS

The GreenBuilding Rating® guarantees that consumers, builders and designers can select and buy products with a measured, verifiable eco-friendly mark

with GreenBuilding Rating® ECO mark

Slc® Eco L34 PlusSlc® Eco L34 Flex

The GreenBuilding Rating® mark guarantees the reputation of Kerakoll® products.The GreenBuilding Rating® provides a credible link between manufacturing and responsible consumption of green building materials, and allows consumers, companies, and designers to select and purchase products with measurable and verifiable environmental sustainability marks.Choosing and buying truly environmentally friendly products in a responsible fashion isn’t easy, because product marketing can often be a source of confusion.The GreenBuilding Rating® makes it easy to make the right choice when purchasing “green” building products.

For this reason, when buying for a project, you should always check that the individual products are GreenBuilding Rating® certified.

Slc® Eco L34 PlusGREENBUILdING RATING® OF SLC® ECO L34 PLUS

Regional Mineral ≥

30

% IAQVOCIndoor Air Qualit

y

Low Emission

Solvent ≤ 5 g/kg

SLVREDUCED

Low Ecological Im

pact

Health Care

Natural mineral content

60%Very low VOC

emissions Solvent-free Non-toxic and non-hazardous

60% NATURAL mINERALSIt contains at least 60% by weight of natural mineral-origin (inert) raw materials, which are therefore non-degradable over time and do not pollute.

IAQ VOCGEV certificate - EC 1 PLUS with extra low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions ensures better air quality.

0% SOLVENT-FREEIt does not contain solvents. It safeguards the health of the product user and of the end user.

NON-TOXICIt guarantees more protection of the health and wellbeing of installers and the inhabitants of the building.

RATING SYSTEm ACCREDITED BY CERTIFICATION BODY SGS

Slc® Eco L34 FlexGREENBUILdING RATING® OF SLC® ECO L34 FLEX

Regional Mineral ≥

30

% IAQVOCIndoor Air Qualit

y

Low Emission

Solvent ≤ 5 g/kg

SLVREDUCED

Low Ecological Im

pact

Health Care

Very low VOC emissions Solvent-free

No environmental hazard rating

Non-toxic and non-hazardous

LOW ENVIRONmENTAL ImPACTProtecting and safeguarding the global ecosystem, working to cancel or restrict to a minimum any negative impact on the environment by products.

IAQ VOCGEV certificate - EC 1 with extra low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions ensures better air quality.

0% SOLVENT-FREEIt does not contain solvents. It safeguards the health of the product user and of the end user.

NON-TOXICIt guarantees more protection of the health and wellbeing of installers and the inhabitants of the building.

RATING SYSTEm ACCREDITED BY CERTIFICATION BODY SGS

Kerakoll® eco-friendly adhesives for the laying of wood floors are designed to guarantee the best possible quality both for application and in health and environmental terms.

• Easy to spread and free from unpleasant odours, for simple, safe laying

• 100% solvent-free• Easy to clean even from delicate and open-pore surfaces, for

aesthetically perfect laying• Tough and elastic for safe, guaranteed lasting laying• Ideal for heated and cooled substrates

Slc® Eco L34 Plus and Slc® Eco L34 Flex are TOTAL GREENBUILdING SOLUTION options, which include preparation products for substrates, adhesives, varnishes, protective products, detergents for all hardwood flooring needs and types.

SOLVENT-FREE SLC® ECO ADHESIVES

FOR SAFE AND PERFECT LAYING

Substrate preparation with Keragrip Eco Treatment of the substrate with a specific promoter to guarantee perfect adhesion of mineral levelling and self-levelling products on smooth and non-absorbent substrates.

Substrate correction with Keratech® Eco FlexLevelling operations to correct irregular, uneven or not perfectly levelled substrates.

Laying with Slc® Eco L34 Plus or

Slc® Eco L34 FlexHigh-performance bonding of hardwood floors and perfect balance between adhesive force and elasticity to absorb movements in the wood.

Cleaning the hardwood floor with Slc® Eco SilomacRemoval of fresh stains, marks or traces of adhesive.

Substrate cleaningElimination of residual wax or other separating substances.

LAYING SYSTEM FOR PRE-FINISHEd HARdWOOd FLOORS ON EXISTING FLOORS THAT REQUIRE LEVELLING

Kerakoll®

the Hardwood Floor laying specialist

KERAKOLL UK Ltd.Unit 4, The Croft, Buntsford Gate Business Park - Bromsgrove,

Worcestershire B60 4JE, United KingdomTel +44 01527 578000 Fax +44 01527 578170

e-mail: info@kerakoll.co.uk www.kerakoll.com

TOTAL GREENBUILdING SOLUTIONEco-friendly, solvent-free hardwood floor laying system,

that improves the quality of indoor air

Keragrip EcoCertified, eco-friendly, water-based adhesion promoter for compact, absorbent and non-absorbent substrates.

Keratech® Eco FlexExtra fast-acting, certified, eco-friendly, mineral self-levelling product for the high-performance, high-deformability correction of irregular substrates.

Slc® Eco L34 PlusTwo-component, eco-friendly, high-elasticity, organic, mineral adhesive for the high-performance laying of hardwood floors.

Slc® Eco L34 FlexSingle-component, certified, eco-friendly, elastic, organic, mineral adhesive for the high-performance laying of hardwood floors.

Slc® Eco SilomacEco-friendly cleaner to remove stains and residual traces of organic adhesives for hardwood floors.

MKT

-TEC

cod

e 38

/201

1 -B

UK

4

4

2

4

5