about green seal
Green Seal is an independent, nonprofit organization that develops environmental leadership standards for a wide variety of products and industries. It works with manufacturers, industry sectors, purchasing groups, and governments at all levels to “green” the production and purchasing chain. The organization also certifies products and services that meet its standards. Green Seal certification ensures that a product meets strict requirements for both environmental safety and performance.
Green Seal uses a life-cycle approach, which means evaluating a product or service beginning with material extraction, continuing with manufacturing and use, and ending with recycling and disposal. Products become Green Seal certified only after rigorous testing and evaluation, including on-site plant visits.
Green Seal standards for paint are much more stringent than government standards: for interior flat paint, the EPA allows 250 grams of VOCs per liter, while Green Seal allows only 50 grams per liter, and Green Seal prohibits the use of more than two dozen harmful chemicals and heavy metals. In addition, Green Seal Certified paints must meet performance requirements for opacity, abrasion-resistance and stain-removal.