Healthier Exhibitions

Mineral paints provide a healthier alternative to acrylic paints and primers as it is made from Potassium Silicate. They avoid asthmagens, are odorless, and are naturally mold-resistant. Keim Mineral Silica Paint has low to no VOCs. It is made from natural ingredients. This product is NaturePlus certified and has Cradle2Cradle Material Health Gold certification. The Innostar Line is a matte, scrub-rate class A finish with a coverage efficiency that allows for one primer & one paint coat only. Titanium Dioxide is being used for pigmenting, the whiter the pigment, the more titanium dioxide.

Linseed oil paint offers a healthy, durable alternative to acrylic products. Ottosson’s product is manufactured at their facility in Genarp, Sweden, which was established in the late 1980s. The technique used in making their paints, however, dates back to the 16th century. Cold-pressed raw linseed oil and natural pigments are ground in a triple-cylinder mixer, incorporating the pigments evenly into the linseed oil. The result is a linseed oil paint that creates a breathable, easy to maintain surface that doesn’t peel or bubble up.

*NOTE: Ottosson Linseed Oil Paints contain zinc oxide, a natural fungicide. It adds hardness to the paint finish and is a necessary additive in several North American climates. Zinc requires a warning label due to potential aquatic toxicity under Swedish law. When disposed of responsibly and used as directed, it poses no threat to the health of humans or the environment

(as reported by Earth and Flax https://www.earthandflax.com/)

Classico Limewash is a slaked-lime ( lime mixed with water) paint with which you can achieve wash off effects on interior or exterior brick and masonry. After application, it calcifies to the brick, turning hard as a rock. It does not chip or crack due to allowing moisture to evaporate. The high pH of the paint makes it naturally mold-resistant. As a result, maintenance is minimal. The application is done by brushing the paint on the wetted surface and creating the patina effect by hosing spots off the wall.

Graphenstone has updated traditional lime paint formulas with their product by adding graphene, a material made from carbon. Graphene lends the paint extreme strength, durability, and washability. Additionally, the use of lime creates a paint that is not only free of harmful substances, but one that also actively improves indoor air quality by absorbing toxics and CO2. The white interior and exterior paint have a Cradle to Cradle Gold certification.

This product meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon in part because of its use of renewable energy and CO₂ absorbing ingredients. As the product is produced in Spain, shipping can negate it's low emission score.

*NOTE: Recently, researchers have raised health concerns about graphene. According to the manufacturer, Graphenstone uses Nano Fibers of Graphene (NFG), which has a larger structure that is not harmful to human health.

Roseburg’s Medite II MDF is a high strength, MR30 grade moisture-resistant, multi-use Medium Density Fiberboard made from up to 92% of recycled cellulose content. Medite II has no added formaldehyde (NAF), is SCS Certified for 92% of pre-consumer recycled content, CPA ECC Sustainability Standard Certified, and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certified. Architects and designers can earn LEED v4 Low Emitting Materials Credit Support project credits. Roseburg's Medite II contains less than 7% isocyanate resin. Currently, this is a healthier alternative to most MDF's with as much as 10% resins and more, or use phenolic resins or added formaldehyde.

HempWood is a hardwood alternative composed of hemp, soy flour, and binders (without isocyanates). As an engineered flooring product, the base is Columbia Forest purebond plywood. HempWood is harder than oak, and a durable wood option that promotes the carbon sequestering hemp-growing industry. All hemp for this product is grown locally in the U.S. and the entire supply chain is within a 100-mile radius of Murray, Kentucky. It contains 98% Biobased Content and has been awarded the USDA Certified Biobased Product Label in the BioPreferred® Program. Hempwood has a Janka hardness rating of 2,750.

HempWood products are available either with a factory finish or unfinished. Wax or oil are suggested healthier options for unfinished floors. Check out Alternative Finishes in HML’s Healthier Design Alternatives.

Classic Core® is a combination core panel construction where cross bands of thin MDF are utilized in place of veneer cross bands.

Classic Core® can be manufactured with bonded crossbands which do not contain added formaldehyde. PureBond Classic Core® may contribute to LEED® 2009 credit IEQ 4.4 and conforms to CARB II exempt emission requirements called for in LEED V4. It contains 95% Biobased Content and has been awarded the USDA Certified Biobased Product Label in the BioPreferred® Program.

Columbia Forest Product's PureBond hardwood plywood is formaldehyde-free, and is instead made with a soy-based binder. This North American-made product is also cost-competitive with standard plywood products, making it a fantastic healthier alternative. It contains 95% Biobased Content and has been awarded the USDA Certified Biobased Product Label in the BioPreferred® Program.

mafi is an Austrian company that specializes in the production of three-layer wooden planks that can be used as flooring, walls, or ceilings. mafi floors are finished using natural oils. Instead of creating a seal-like more typical lacquers, the oil soaks into the wood and protects it from the inside out. Because it does not create a barrier, the oil finish on mafi’s wood floors allows the material to breathe and to help regulate the interior climate and improve indoor air quality. The natural oil finish is also free of toxic solvents. All of the wood used in mafi's flooring is grown in Austria, within 12km ( 8 miles ) of the factory.

Per Mafi's product-specific EPDs, this product meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon.

Kährs's 3-layer engineered hardwood flooring is made up of a surface layer, a core layer, and a backing. Surface treatments are free from solvents, formaldehyde and isocyanate. Engineered hardwood allows a floating installation on a level surface. This allows you to avoid potentially harmful adhesives and enables future disassembly and reuse.

The AWARE collection is bio-based, PVC-free, and can be sanded/refinished to allow for a longer lifespan.

*NOTE: This product is ULEF as opposed to NAF, meaning it contains ultra-low emitting formaldehyde. The products carry FloorScore emissions certification.

Per Kahrs's EPD, this product meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon.

PURLINE resilient flooring is made from bio-polyurethane, a high-performance composite material predominantly derived from vegetable oils such as rapeseed or castor oil and naturally occurring mineral components such as chalk. The flooring comes in various designs in sheet, tile and plank formats and requires no applied finish or coating. PURLINE is free of chloride, plasticizers, and solvents. This biobased product is a healthier alternative for LVT as it decreases the use of petrochemicals. Isocyanates still occur within the polyurethane processing method.

Corques Liquid Lino offers a revolutionary way to use linoleum. An alternative to traditional rolls and tiles, this product from Duracryl International is sold as a liquid and poured onto a subfloor onsite. It sets overnight at ambient temperatures to create a seamless durable and natural looking resilient floor. Corques Liquid Lino is made from vegetable oil, cork, wood-flour, limestone, and natural color pigments. It is free of VOCs, PVC, plasticizers, formaldehyde, chlorine, and heavy metals. While the production of this product currently requires the use of isocyanates, the manufacturer avoids the more harmful toluene diisocyanate (TDI)

Per Duracryl's EPD, this product meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon.

The Acri-Soy Penetrating Wood and Concrete Sealer uses a hybrid acrylic and biobased emulsion technology. It penetrates into concrete and leaves no surface film. It can also be used to seal wood. It avoids VOCs and PFAS, it is CDPH VOC Emissions Certified and qualifies for WELL and LEED. The product is biopreferred certified. Acrylic acid is used to form the polymers. Once chemically bonded, it is not harmful in end-use. It currently still contains petrochemical-derived acrylic, but this will gradually be replaced by biobased alternatives and post less harm throughout its entire life cycle.

The Eco-Tuff Clearcoat is an NIPU (non-isocyanate) biobased polyurethane finish. It can be used to seal wood or concrete and is available in a matte, satin or gloss sheen. It avoids VOCs and PFAS. It is CDPH VOC Emissions Certified and qualifies for both WELL and LEED. Acrylic acid is being used to form the polymers. Once chemically bonded, it is not harmful in end-use. It currently still contains petrochemical derived acrylic, but this will gradually be replaced by biobased alternatives and post less harm throughout its entire life cycle.

Rubio Monocoat's Oil Finish is a healthy option for wood finishing. A single layer of this product will protect wood from water, heat, and daily wear and tear trough molecular binding with the wood fiber. It is great for use on hardwood flooring, wood furniture or any other wood product. This product creates a finish that is easy to maintain, and it is free of VOCs and solvents.

*Note: This product is sold in two components. Component A is the oil finish and Component B is an accelerator, which speeds the drying process. Although it helps with convenience, we recommend the product to be used without the accelerator as it contains isocyanates, listed as asthmagens and potential carcinogens by OSHA

Hemp oil is a healthier finish and works particularly well on wood. The Real Milk Paint’s Hemp Oil is free of additives, preservatives, solvents, and VOCs. It is thinner than tung oil, making it easier to apply without the addition of a solvent. However, hemp oil is less durable and waterproof than tung oil. Hemp oil is food safe and works especially well on lightly used items.

Tung oil (sometimes called chinawood oil) is an all-natural hard drying wood oil that provides a tough, flexible, highly water-resistant coating or wood finish. Tung oil is available in 3 grades. The Real Milk Paint’s Pure Tung Oil is Grade 1 yellow, the highest grade available. This means that it offers faster drying, superior color, and a long-lasting finish. This product is free of VOCs and other harmful additives. Some prefer it over linseed oil because it dries faster and does not darken as much with age.

Linseed Oil is a natural, solvent-free finish coating derived from flax seeds. Not only does it perform better than petrochemical alternatives - it is also much healthier. Linseed oil is free of toxics such as isocyanates and bisphenols, which are found in polyurethane and epoxy resins. Allback manufactures their Purified Linseed Oil in Sweden. Their Purified Boiled Linseed oil is a drying oil, making it ideal for a final finish on wood and metal.

The Viking Purified Linseed Oil Wax is 100% natural, combining the Viking Purified Raw Linseed Oil and beeswax. It is made in the USA, food-safe and contains no petrochemical additives. Ideal for wood surfaces, including unfinished wood, and can also protect metal, ceramic, tile, and rubber.

Consolideck® LS/CS® is a penetrating silicate treatment for flat concrete surfaces. This treatment reacts with concrete to produce a calcium silicate hydrate inside of concrete pores. It works with freshly troweled concrete or existing floors of any age. LS/CS's ingredients are disclosed per HPD, DECLARE, RED List Free and comply with the US EPA's AIM VOC standards and CDPH air quality standards. Lithium Silicate is a component we are keeping an eye on as more research is released.

Gold Bond’s Gypsum Board panels are a lightweight and cost-effective wall material. Their gypsum core (which is naturally fire resistant) is encased in 100% recycled paper on the face and back sides. This product is also Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it meets strict standards for VOC and Formaldehyde emissions.

Ambient Building Product's MagPanel® MgO board is a healthier alternative to gypsum or cement board. This product is made of magnesium oxide, a naturally occurring mineral that makes the product naturally fire and mold resistant and impervious to insects. The product is commonly used for sheathing walls and ceilings.

Mushroom® Packaging is made from Ecovative MycoComposite, which is biodegradable, naturally flame resistant, and water resistant. The MycoComposite material is grown and dried within 7 days for ready-to-use packaging. It is 100% home-compostable and has a Class A Fire Retardant rating.

Ecovative uses mycelium as a binder for regionally sourced non-food agricultural waste to make a bio-based alternative to plastic foam packaging and insulation materials. MycoComposite is biodegradable, naturally flame resistant, and water resistant. Ecovative licenses this material to various partners such as Mushroom Packaging, Magic Mushrooms, Grown.bio, Bio Fab, and Grow.bio to create packaging, insulation, furniture pieces and kits.

Made primarily from U.S. grown, non-GMO cornstarch, Green Cell Foam is a healthier and more environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based foams.

This material is compostable, biodegradable, and water soluble.

Its manufacture requires 70% less energy and generates 80% less greenhouse gas than traditional foams.

BioFoam is a plant-based alternative to traditional EPS foams. This product is made from PLA (polylactic acid), a type of polymer derived from the production of sugar cane. Beads of PLA (BioBeads) are made through the fermentation process of the sugar cane, and then are expanded with CO2 into EPS-like pearls. BioFoam is the first CO2 neutral foam in the world, and is Cradle to Cradle Silver Certified.

Paperfoam is a packaging material made from starch, FSC-certified cellulose fibers, water and a proprietary pre-mix. It contains 88% biobased content, according to Bioprefered.gov. It can be recycled within the paper stream and is home compostable. As declared by the manufacturer, the material, including the pre-mix, is free from formaldehyde, solvents, PFAS, flame retardants, bisphenols, phthalates, and heavy metals. It can be injection moulded and embossed.

Mogu Acoustics are grown using a proprietary fungal strain with hemp and cotton waste to create a variety tile shapes and colors. The mycelium tiles have excellent acoustic performance in the medium frequencies (250-1000 hz) and are naturally flame retardant. These tiles can be fixed in place with screws, clips, magnets or organized within FSC-sourced lime wood system called Foresta.

Note: These tiles are finished with a low-VOC, heavy-metal free, water-based paint. Per manufacturer, you can request no finish, but this will make the tiles more sensitive to stains and scratches.

Clayworks clay plasters are blends of unfired clays mixed with natural minerals and pigments. They provide a 100% natural alternative for gypsum plaster and paint wall finishing. Clayworks clay plasters are non-toxic, avoid synthetic additives and emit zero VOCs or formaldehyde. They are free of heavy metals and can be composted.

The clay plasters help regulate indoor relative humidity and temperature, absorb toxics and odors, and are easily repaired. They are made in the UK and supplied in a dried form, ready to mix with water and apply with conventional plastering tools and skills. The BM-1 hazard on the HPD relates to respiratory protection. The clay plasters also contribute to WELL and LEED certifications.

Per Claywork's product-specific EPDs, this product meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon.

Limestrong's Artisan lime plasters are a healthier alternative to traditional wall finishes like paint. This plaster is made of lime, pumice, and a plant-based binder, all sourced from within the US. It is available in 3 finishes of varying levels of shine - Marble, Stone, and Sand. Limestrong uses natural pigments only and has created a palette of 98 colors using a combination of 8 naturally occurring minerals. These plasters are petrochemical and fragrance-free.

Mineral paints, like this one, provide a great alternative to acrylic paints and primers. They are toxin-free, odorless, asthma-free, and naturally mold-resistant. BioGrip is Romabio’s mineral primer. This primer is designed for interior and exterior use and works well on drywall, portland cement, cementitious siding, and stucco. In 2015, this product was verified by a third party to be free of the harmful ingredients on the International Living Future Institute’s Red List. Titanium Dioxide is being used for pigmenting, the whiter the pigment, the more titanium dioxide.

Note: We will update the HPD once we received the renewed one. Manufacturer foresees early 2023 for renewal.

Mineral paints, like Romabio's EcoDomus, provide a great alternative to acrylic paints. They are toxin-free, odorless, asthma-free, and naturally mold-resistant. EcoDomus is available in Matte, Eggshell, and Satin finishes. EcoDomus is an extremely durable, high-performing, mineral paint. The matte paint is designed for interior use, and the eggshell and satin can be used both for interior and exterior wall and trim finishes. This product is also backed by a 20-year warranty against chipping, peeling, and flaking. Thirteen of Romabio's paints, including this one, are Cradle to Cradle Silver Certified. Titanium Dioxide is being used for pigmenting, the whiter the pigment, the more titanium dioxide.

Note: We will update the HPD once we received the renewed one. Manufacturer foresees early 2023 for renewal.

Mineral paints, like BioDomus SuperFlat, provide a great alternative to acrylic paints. They are toxin-free, odorless, asthma-free, and naturally mold-resistant. BioDomus SuperFlat is designed to be used on interior walls and ceilings. It is also backed by a 20-year warranty against chipping, peeling, and flaking. Thirteen of Romabio's paints, including this one, are Cradle to Cradle Silver Certified. Titanium Dioxide is being used for pigmenting, the whiter the pigment, the more titanium dioxide.

Note: We will update the HPD once we received the renewed one. Manufacturer foresees early 2023 for renewal.

The Fundermax biofiber board is made of 100% sustainable, certified wood. The production is based on a wet fiber process which avoids any petrochemical binder. Instead, the wood's own natural resins - lignin -  are dissolved and serve as binders in the board. The product can be used for interior wall construction, and furniture and also finds use in product design. The product is Natureplus certified and labelled as QNG Ready. Per the manufacturer, it has good paintability with a mineral-based paint such as Keim.