Why DECLARE labels matter when choosing and specifying acoustic products
One of the key drivers for AllSfär has always been to make it as easy as possible for architects and interior designers to specify sustainable acoustic products. As part of our journey towards this goal, we are pleased to announce our investment in DECLARE labels for three of our product ranges: Ora, Breeze, and Lull.
The construction industry generates 62% of the UK’s waste and 32% of all waste sent to landfill, this is something that we are actively looking to reduce and attaining DECLARE-labelled is a key milestone for us. We are actively working to reduce our environmental impact, not only through our materials and processes, but also by increasing product transparency.
The DECLARE label is fast-becoming increasingly important in the specification of acoustic products because it provides transparent and verified information about a product’s composition and environmental impact, and here’s why it matters:
What is a DECLARE Label?
The DECLARE label, often called a “nutrition label for building products,” is a certification by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI). It discloses:
- Product ingredients down to 0.01% (100 ppm)
- Material sources
- End-of-life options
- Red List status (i.e. whether the product contains chemicals of concern, such as formaldehyde or phthalates)
IMPORTANCE IN ACOUSTIC PRODUCT SPECIFICATION
1. Health and Indoor Air Quality
- Acoustic products can sometimes contain adhesives, binders, or additives that release VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which may impact indoor air quality.
- DECLARE-labeled products clearly state whether these substances are present, helping specifiers to avoid materials on the ILFI Red List (such as halogenated flame retardants or PVC).
- This is critical for environments like schools, healthcare facilities, and offices, where indoor air quality directly affects occupants’ health and cognitive performance.
2. Material Transparency and Compliance
- More projects now require transparency documentation to comply with green building certifications like:
- LEED v4.1 (Materials and Resources credits)
- WELL Building Standard
- Living Building Challenge
- A DECLARE label satisfies the LEED MR: Material Ingredients credit and can streamline documentation efforts.
- By using DECLARE-labelled products, specifiers can more easily demonstrate alignment with key certification goals.
3. Sustainable Design
- Acoustic products with DECLARE labels support life-cycle thinking, giving specifiers insight into sourcing, manufacturing, and end-of-life considerations.
- This helps architects and designers make informed choices that align with net-zero carbon goals and the principles of the circular economy.
4. Client Assurance and Risk Mitigation
- Using DECLARE-labelled products helps design teams and clients avoid liability and enhances trust by showing due diligence in choosing safe materials.
- Specifying such products sends a clear message about the project’s values and environmental responsibility.
Including AllSfär DECLARE labeled acoustic products in your specifications is an essential step to achieving:
- Healthier indoor environments
- Material transparency and compliance
- Sustainable design
- Reduced environmental and human health risk
Investing in DECLARE labels is just one of the steps we are taking to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to operating as sustainably as possible.
Look out for the DECLARE logo on our Ora, Breeze and Lull product pages.
