Wall surfaces make up a large portion of a room. So we are particularly interested in reducing exposure to toxics in these materials.
To meet code requirements, interior wall coverings such as wallpapers or interior wall cladding like wood paneling and cork boards can contain substances that can harm human health. Additives used to resist mildew, stains, and fire include PFAS, flame retardants, and antimicrobial chemicals. Wallpapers made with vinyl should be avoided for their hazardous impact throughout their entire lifecycle. Choosing a Healthier Finish options on wood panels can help prevent exposure to toxics in high-touch areas.
Below are a few examples of wall surfaces that meet our rigorous evaluation.
For further help searching for healthier wall cladding products, scroll down to "Spec Guidance”.
Wall Coverings
13 products
About Our Collections
The goal of our collections is to help promote transparency in the material ingredients of building products by fostering knowledge and awareness of products and materials for which life-cycle information is available, and that have environmentally, economically, and socially preferable life-cycle impacts.
Keep an eye out for the following symbols:
A Healthier Affordable Building Product
Products with the designation of "Healthier & Affordable" were specified and installed in at least one of our Case Studies of healthier affordable housing.
Available at the Donghia healthier Materials Library
The Donghia healthier Materials Library library is open to Parsons student and faculty. Learn more about access and opening hours here.
Low Embodied Carbon
“Embodied Carbon” is the total amount of carbon emitted during the process of making a material. *HML refers to a manufacturer's EPD to determine whether a product's A1-A3 carbon emissions falls within HML's threshold for Low Embodied Carbon.
New Product
This product has been added to the collection within the past six months.
Product in Development
Products with this designation identify they are currently scaling or only available in markets outside of the building industry. they could be experimental or in use in capsule collections.
Available in the EU
Products with this designation are currently available only in the European Union and identified as being an exemplary healthy option in the respective product group.
Ingredient Disclosures
There are several ways of evaluating a material’s health that we include with product information. Disclosures are reports by manufacturers about product ingredients, impacts, or other attributes.
Key Disclosures include:
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
A voluntary technical specification for reporting information on product contents and associated health information, intended to be the health-analogue to Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).
Declare Label
Declare is a transparency platform and product database that answers three questions:
1. Where does a product come from?
2. What is it made of?
3. Where does it go at the end of its life?
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
A standardized format for communicating the environmental effects associated with a product’s raw materials extraction, energy use, chemical makeup, waste generation, and emissions to air, soil, and water.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
A reporting format that provides basic information about a material’s chemical ingredients, the potential safety hazards to installers, and recommended practices for installation.
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the goal of the BioPreferred Program is to increase the purchase and use of biobased products.
Other
Manufacturer | Product | Ingredient Disclosures |
---|---|---|
Carnegie | Biobased Xorel Wallcovering |
Biobased Xorel WallcoveringAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryCarnegie's Biobased Xorel - Strie is a wallcovering made from biobased polyethylene and polypropylene. The fibers are derived from sugarcane, a crop showing carbon sequestration abilities. The wallcoverings are not topically treated with perfluorinated chemicals or antimicrobials and have received C2C Material Health Platinum certification, SCS Indoor Advantage Gold, it has a DECLARE label and is Living Product Certified. Additionally, Carnegie offers a takeback program. The Strie wallcovering contains 89% Biobased Content and has been awarded the USDA Certified Biobased Product Label in the BioPreferred® Program. CategoryWallpaper, BiobasedManufacturerCarnegieMaterial composition*100% Xorel® (85% Biobased PE 15% PE) *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING52" wide, sold by the yard COLORSComes in several colors and patterns CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Cradle to Cradle Material Health Certification
Declare | Living Building Challenge Compliant
Cradle to Cradle | Gold
SCS | Indoor Advantage Gold
Last UpdatedApril 02, 2024 |
Extra Organic | Extra Organic Flax Wallpaper |
Extra Organic Flax WallpaperExtra-Organic's flax wallpaper is made of 65% flax fibers and 35% viscose fibers. The product is Oeko-Tex certified. It can also be customized with embroidery of any color. It has excellent heat insulation properties and is tear resistant. It also has sound absorption and UV resistance performance qualities without additional petroleum-based coatings. The flax fibers are visible at the surface of the wallpaper. It is applied with a biobased glue that is pure methylcellulose which adds to the overall health and sustainability of the product. CategoryWallpaper, FlaxManufacturerExtra OrganicMaterial composition*Flax 65%, Viscose 35% *as reported by manufacturer *as reported by the manufacturer COLORSNatural, Printed, or Embroidered CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Oeko-Tex®
Last UpdatedFebruary 15, 2024 |
bioMASON | bioMASON |
bioMASONUsed in Healthier Affordable HousingAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibrarybioMASON grows tiles using technology similar to hydroponics - units mixed with microorganism are fed an aqueous solution to harden the tiles to specification. bioMASON’s process eliminates the need for firing by replacing the curing/hardening process with biologically controlled structural cement. CategoryPourables and Aggregates, ConcreteManufacturerbioMASONMaterial composition*Sand, Sporosarcina pasteurii (bacteria) *as reported by the manufacturer CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Last UpdatedFebruary 12, 2024 |
Homasote | Homasote NovaCork Panels |
Homasote NovaCork PanelsHomasote NovaCork Panels are interior panels with a cork veneer over a Homasote 440 board (see also in our Wallboard Collection), made of 100% FSC Certified cellulose fiber. The product uses a nontoxic and no VOC adhesive. The boards are fire rated without the use of urea formaldehyde or asbestos additives. The declared R-Value is 1.2 and the NRC is .20. Homasote NovaCork Panels add insulation and acoustic properties to a wall assembly, a great retrofitting option. This product contains a small amount of paraffin wax. According to the manufacturer, "It's added to the mix to make the boards slightly hydrophobic in nature." CategoryWall Panel, CelluloseManufacturerHomasoteMaterial composition*Cork Veneer, Cellulose 94-98%, Paraffin Wax Emulsion 1-5%, Copper Metaborate .002%, Copper Sulfate Pentahydrate 0.01-1% *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING4' x 8' square edged panels CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
FSC | Chain of Custody Certification
Last UpdatedJuly 13, 2023 |
Thermacork | Thermacork Decorative Panels |
Thermacork Decorative PanelsThermacork's Decorative wallboard is made of 100% cork and can be designed and molded to any custom design. Under the effect of pressure and superheated steam, cork granules expand and are agglomerated avoiding any type of added adhesives. The product comes in 2"-2 3.4" thickness which gives it acoustic properties and allows it to work as thermal insulation as well. Cork is a 100% biodegradable material. The product installation is via an adhesive, please check with the manufacturer for a recommended healthier adhesive. CategoryWall Panel, CorkManufacturerThermacorkMaterial composition*100% cork *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING39” x 19 5/8” CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Last UpdatedJuly 13, 2023 |
Forbo Flooring Systems | Forbo Bulletin Board |
Forbo Bulletin BoardAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryForbo's Bulletin Board is made of linseed oil, granulated cork, pine rosin binders on a jute back. It contains 43% pre-consumer recycled content (cork & tall oil) and is biodegradable at the end of its life. It comes in a variety of colors that coordinate with their Marmoleum flooring products. It has excellent acoustic properties. Forbo's Bulletin Board has been noted for its longevity and durability to heavy use. When first installed it can have a strong scent, however, it is not harmful as it's just the scent of linseed oil and will fade over time. CategoryWall Panel, CorkManufacturerForbo Flooring SystemsMaterial composition*Cork 43%, Linseed Oil 34%, Titanium Dioxide 9%, Gum Rosin 5%, Jute 5% *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING≤ 90 ft x 48 in x .24 in thickness COLORSVariety CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Last UpdatedJuly 14, 2023 |
Columbia Forest Products | PureBond Classic Core® Plywood |
PureBond Classic Core® PlywoodUsed in Healthier Affordable HousingAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryClassic 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. CategoryDimensional Surface, PlywoodManufacturerColumbia Forest ProductsMaterial composition*Wood Dust 98%, Polymerized Methylenediphenyl-Diisocyanate <10% *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING4’x 8’, 4’x 10’ Panels - 1/2”, 5/8”, 3/4”, 1” and 1-1/4” thickness COLORSVariety of wood species CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
FSC Certification
Rainforest Alliance Certification
Contributes to LEED credits
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Additional DocumentsLast UpdatedFebruary 14, 2024 |
Lunawood | Thermowood |
ThermowoodLow-Embodied Carbon MaterialLunawood Thermowood avoids chemicals in its manufacturing processes, relying solely on a treatment with high heat and steam that enhances the wood's durability. This allows for an extended lifetime and a surface that requires no finishing and less routine maintenance, regardless of climate. However, applying paints, oils, and other finishes is possible (please see HML's list of healthier finishes for recommendations). Since the processing eliminates natural resins, no resin will secrete through any applied finish or paint. Per EPD, this product meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon. CategoryDimensional Surface, Solid WoodManufacturerLunawoodMaterial composition*Solid Wood 100% *as reported by the manufacturer CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Nordic Swan Ecolabel
PEFC
Last UpdatedJanuary 23, 2024 |
Columbia Forest Products | Hardwood Veneer |
Hardwood VeneerHardwood veneer sheets from Columbia Forest Products are LBC Red List Free, bound with a soy-based adhesive to a NAUF core, meaning they won't offgass or shed harmful substances in interior spaces. The broad range of hardwood grades and varieties make this a highly versatile product. The expected lifespan per manufacturer is approximately 50 years with appropriate care. This product is available unfinished, please consult our Healthier Finishes for finishing recommendations. CategoryWall Panel, Wood VeneerManufacturerColumbia Forest ProductsMaterial composition*Wood (core veneer) 60-90%, Wood (Decorative veneer) 5-35%, Defatted soy flour <5%, Magnesium oxide <1%, Hexanedioic acid, Polymer with N-(2-aminoethyl)-1,2-ethanediamine and (chloromethyl)oxirane <1%, Polyvinyl acetate<1%, Monopotassium phosphate <1%, Corn starch <0.1%, Glycerin <0.1%, Borax <0.1%, Calcium hydroxide <0.1% *as reported by the manufacturer COLORSVariety of wood species & cut styles CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Last UpdatedMarch 29, 2024 |
Urban Evolutions | Wood Panels |
Wood PanelsUrban Evolution offers wood panels for interior projects. The veneer and slate wall panels are LBC Red List Approved, to avoid isocyanates present in the resin of the MDF though, the solid wood panel systems should be preferred where possible. Solid slat wall planks, slat wood wall panels, and veneer panels may be ordered unfinished by request, allowing for finishing on-site using a product vetted by HML. See the Healthier Finishes Collection for options. CategoryWall Covering, BiobasedManufacturerUrban EvolutionsMaterial composition*Ultrastock MDF: Wood/wood dust 59.808-96.711%, 4,4'- Methylenediphenyl diisocyanate 0.616-4.858%, Polymethylene polyphenyl isocyanate 0.616-4.858%, Benzene 1-isocyanato-2-[(4-isocyanatophenyl)methyl]- 0.308-1.457%; Solid Wood Slats: Wood/wood dust < 36.6%; Wood Veneer: wood/wood dust 0.28-0.63% *as reported by the manufacturer COLORSVariety of wood species CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Intertek Sustainability
Last UpdatedMarch 29, 2024 |
Søuld | Søuld |
SøuldAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryLow-Embodied Carbon MaterialSøuld creates eelgrass acoustic boards for ceilings and walls which achieves C2C Gold and Material Health Platinum certification. Eelgrass is a renewable marine plant and local in Denmark, traditionally used over decades for roof thatching. Note: A synthetic binder is used. Panels are to be 100% recyclable. Per Søuld's EPD, this product meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon. CategoryAcoustics, EelgrassManufacturerSøuldMaterial composition*70-87.5% Eelgrass, 10-12.5% Bi-component Synthetic Binder (Fibervision), 0-20% Flame Retardant (Burnblock) *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING18mm, 35 mm, and 40mm thicknesses CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Cradle to Cradle | Gold
Cradle to Cradle Material Health | Platinum
Last UpdatedAugust 27, 2024 |
Plexwood | Plexwood |
PlexwoodPlexwood veneers are from virgin wood such as birch, oak, pine and beech. The veneers can be applied to substrates for planks/ tiles for flooring and panels for wall, ceiling and furniture applications. They use a water-based glue for application to the substrate with no formaldehyde or VOCs. Look for a substrate with a biobased binder such as from soy or lignin. CategoryWall Panel, Wood VeneerManufacturerPlexwoodMaterial composition*Wood (Veneer) 99%, Polyvinyl acetate 0.01%, Undisclosed 0.02% *as reported by the manufacturer CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Last UpdatedJune 13, 2024 |
SEASTEX | Seastex |
SeastexProduct in DevelopmentSeastex are wall or ceiling tiles made of a 100% byssus fiber core, a byproduct of the mussels industry. The product has a stainless steel frame and a fabric covering. The product is free of adhesives, binders and VOC's. Fabric can be selected by the customer, Seastex recommends Camira's Main Line Flax, which consists of Virgin Wool and Flax. CategoryWall Covering, BiobasedManufacturerSEASTEXMaterial composition*100% Byssus Fiber, Stainless Steel, Textile *as reported by the manufacturer CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Additional DocumentsLast UpdatedOctober 28, 2024 |
The products in this collection have been evaluated holistically for their contents and performance. To be considered, a product must disclose at least 75% of its ingredients by weight. It should avoid the biggest health concerns (such as those indicated in the HML Spec guidance for this product category) or be third-party certified. For wall surfaces, this means that they avoid hazardous flame retardants, antimicrobials, stain repellents made with PFAS, and vinyl (PVC).
Spec Guidance
Avoid Vinyl Products - Type II wallcovering (heavy duty, high traffic areas) are often made of vinyl or vinyl blends. Backings often also contain PVC or other harmful plastics. Look for products that are made of natural materials like flax, cellulose, or bioplastics awarded the USDA Certified Biobased Product Label in the BioPreferred® Program. For the backing, look for products that have FSC-certified paper, flax, or other natural material backings.
Avoid stain and water repellents containing PFAS.
Avoid added flame retardants if possible. Sometimes they are required to meet code. Be sure to double-check the code specific to your project.
Check to make sure adhesives are low to no VOC. Peel and stick come with adhesives on the back of paper. For traditional paper you paste yourself, check for natural options such as rice or wheat paste. Consider options from our Collection for Adhesives, Mortars Grouts and Sealants
Check whether a copper additive could be an option to fulfill antimicrobial performances
Look for inks that are GreenGuard or Nordic Swan certified if possible
Opt for cladding made from natural materials such as cork, FSC certified or reclaimed wood or FSC certified cellulose based wallpaper
Opt for stenciling or a wash with mineral based paint
Opt for tile or natural coverings that are inherently durable
Updated June 20, 2023
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