Curating Material Examples for Sustainable, Healthy Architecture and Design

At Healthy Materials Lab (HML), we have developed a trusted repository of healthier material options, evaluating over 300 products to date. Our curated collections—organized by use case and material origin—empower designers, architects, and builders to make informed choices.

We are excited to announce the launch of our newly expanded Material Collections Portal—a trusted, vetted library of healthier building products relied upon by designers, architects, and advocates for years. This release features a refreshed, more powerful interface, newly added products, and collections. 

Access remains free, thanks to our donors, and requires only a simple account sign-in.

As we expand into the EU, we recognize the complexities of navigating diverse regulatory landscapes while upholding our rigorous, transparent vetting process.

Our process begins with extensive research. Historically, HML researchers identified healthier products to meet project-specific requirements. Today, in addition to our independent research, we accept manufacturer requests for product vetting via an intake form. Importantly, manufacturers who support our research have no influence over vetting outcomes—our independence remains paramount.

Each product undergoes evaluation using our strict criteria:

• Materials must disclose at least 75% of their ingredients by weight to be considered.
• We screen for harmful substances using reliable databases and check Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) against our Benchmark for Low Embodied Carbon.
• We cross-check against trusted certifications, including Cradle to Cradle, DECLARE, Nordic Swan, NaturePlus, Blue Angel, and Greenseal.
• We examine each product’s environmental and human health impacts from material sourcing through disposal.
• If ingredient data is unavailable beyond HPDs (Health Product Declarations), DECLARE labels, SDSs (Safety Data Sheets), or EPDs, we contact manufacturers directly to obtain additional information.
• When necessary, we deepen our understanding of specific components through additional research and expert and scientific consultation.
• Our product posts present each material through the lens of human and planetary health, making key information and resources easily accessible.
• Our ongoing research and learnings inform product category specification guidance and thematic collections.

While our vetting process remains consistent, the regulatory frameworks differ significantly. The U.S. operates under relatively uniform federal regulations, whereas each EU member state maintains its own rules.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) plays a crucial role in establishing strict chemical safety standards, contributing to the broader availability of healthier materials in the EU market.

Additionally, sustainable finance policies influence material selection. The EU Taxonomy for Sustainable Activities now requires companies to demonstrate sustainability commitments to secure funding, further supporting the shift toward healthier building materials.

Guiding Designers Toward Healthier Choices

Our collections highlight products available in both the U.S. and the EU, with EU-specific materials marked by the ring of stars icon.

For each product category, we provide detailed guidance on selecting healthier materials and ensuring compliance with regional specifications. Because guidance varies by country, our criteria and evaluation framework are tailored to each project partner.

HML’s vetting process ensures that healthier, low-embodied carbon building materials are accessible, rigorously evaluated, and clearly identified within our collections.

Amid varying regulations across EU member states, Ukraine, and Switzerland, we remain committed to working within diverse legislative frameworks while upholding our core mission: supporting the health of people and the planet by eliminating toxic chemicals from the built environment and advancing material transparency worldwide.

Explore our growing material collections and try out our new interface for access to a variety of inquiries, including origin ingredients.