Declare Label, Explained

Creating healthy living spaces is more critical than ever.

As consumers grow increasingly concerned about the impacts their environments have on their well-being, the interior design industry is responding with a stronger focus on sustainability and health.

This commitment is epitomized by the adoption of certifications that promote transparency and user health, one of which is the Declare Label.

## What is the Declare Label?

The Declare Label is akin to a "nutrition label" for building products. It is a transparency tool and eco-label that provides a clear, informative, and user-friendly method for disclosing the ingredients within building materials.

Operated by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), it intends to transform the building materials industry toward healthier products through ingredient transparency.

### Relevance in Healthy Interior Design

Health-focused interior design scrutinizes not only aesthetics but also the health impacts of materials used inside buildings.

From paint to flooring to furniture, every item can positively or negatively affect indoor air quality and, consequently, the inhabitants' health.

The Declare Label serves as a crucial instrument for designers and architects looking to prioritize the health of their clients, ensuring that the materials chosen are free from harmful chemicals and toxins.

When a product boasts a Declare Label, it communicates that the manufacturer has disclosed all ingredients, highlighting those that may be of concern.

This transparency allows for healthier decisions in selecting materials that support better living environments.

## Key Aspects of the Declare Label

### Red List Free

Products that achieve a "Red List Free" designation are free from all chemicals on the ILFI's Red List, which catalogs the "worst in class" materials, chemicals, and elements known to pose serious risks to human health and the environment.

### Living Building Challenge Compliance

Many products with the Declare Label are compliant with the strictest level of the Living Building Challenge, a building certification program that champions the most rigorous performance standards for buildings, focusing on their life-enhancing rather than life-depleting qualities.

### Expiration Date

Declare Labels provide an "expiration date," a unique feature that signifies the manufacturer's commitment to reassessing and improving their products continually.

This date compels them to either reformulate their products to maintain compliance with evolving standards or reaffirm their commitment to ingredient transparency.

## Incorporating Declare Label Products in Interior Design

For professionals in the healthy home space, integrating Declare Label products is a step towards constructing spaces that promote wellness.

### Ingredient Transparency

Designers can utilize Declare Labels to review and carefully select materials that align with their health and sustainability goals, giving them the means to make informed choices for their clients.

### Indoor Air Quality

By choosing products free from harmful chemicals, designers can improve the air quality of the interior space, mitigating health risks associated with off-gassing and other forms of toxic exposures inherent in non-disclosed materials.

### Client Trust and Education

Designers can educate their clients on the importance of material selection while building trust by demonstrating their commitment to transparency and health.

## FAQs on the Declare Label

### Is the Declare Label a Certification?

Yes, the Declare Label is a type of certification that evaluates building products based on their ingredients and compliance with the ILFI's standards for health and transparency.

### Can Any Product Receive a Declare Label?

No, to receive a Declare Label, products must meet specific criteria regarding ingredient transparency and human and environmental health. Additionally, they cannot contain any chemicals from the Red List unless disclosed and for the lack of viable alternatives.

### How Do You Verify if a Product Really Has a Declare Label?

Products with a valid Declare Label will be listed in the Declare product database found on the ILFI's website. Additionally, manufacturers usually showcase the label on their product packaging or marketing materials.

## What Does 'LBC Compliant' Mean on a Declare Label?

LBC Compliant signifies that the product meets the high standards of the Living Building Challenge, ensuring it adheres to the program's stringent requirements for building materials.

### Does a Declare Label Mean a Product is Completely Safe?

While a Declare Label indicates a high level of safety and sustainability, the term "completely safe" is relative. Declare Labels do promote transparency and the avoidance of harmful chemicals, which is a significant step toward safer interior environments.

### How Frequently Is a Declare Label Updated?

The "expiration date" on a Declare Label indicates when the product's compliance will be reassessed. Manufacturers are expected to either update or revalidate their information by this date to maintain their product's status.

### Are There Any Notable Brands with Declare Label Certification?

Many brands aim to carry the Declare Label to exhibit their commitment to transparency and health. Notable examples cross a variety of sectors in building materials, from insulation and roofing products to furniture and flooring.

## Implementing Declare Label Products for Healthier Interiors

### Case Studies of Brands Using Declare Label

Various brands have embraced the Declare Label to differentiate themselves and align with the values of healthy home design.

**Kirei**

Known for its unique and sustainable architectural solutions, including eco-friendly acoustic products and finishes, Kirei offers a range of products that have earned the Declare Label, conforming to the highest standards of ingredient transparency.

**Armstrong Ceiling Solutions**

Armstrong Ceiling Solutions is a veteran in providing ceiling products designed to meet the well-being and sustainability demands of modern architectural projects. Their products feature Declare Labels, ensuring they're crafted with attention to environmental and human health.

**Interface**

Interface, a pioneer in modular carpet tiles, consistently demonstrates responsibility towards the environment and health through sustainably made products, many of which come with the Declare Label, reassuring customers of their nontoxic and eco-conscious approach.

## Conclusion

The Declare Label represents a paradigm shift in the interior design industry towards the creation of healthier living spaces. For consumers and professionals alike, it serves as a beacon, guiding the choice of safer, more sustainable materials, a task that is paramount for the future of building and design.

With ingredient transparency, improved indoor air quality, and bolstering client trust at its core, the Declare Label is an essential part of the movement toward healthier homes where people can thrive.

Informed by the data and implications of the Declare Label, you are better equipped to craft spaces that align with the values of wellness and sustainability, pivotal for the well-being of occupants and the planet.