Arauco, Sherwin-Williams join UL Product Lens disclosure tool
Underwriters laboratory, UL

MARIETTA, Ga. - A construction materials chemical disclosure system has been launched by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). The Product Lens report is intended to meet  product transparency demands for LEED v4 and in furniture and architectural interior production. So far Sherwin-Williams paint and primers and Arauco particleboard are taking part in the program.

UL, known for its certification of electrical components, says architects and designers are getting more requests for transparency about the impacts of chemicals in their work, much of driven by green building standards and the need for improving the approach of disclosing hazards. UL says its Product Lens program was designed specifically with LEED v4 in mind, and that it targets the LEED Material Ingredient disclosure credit within the Building Product Design and Optimization grouping.
 

"UL's Product Lens report is unique compared to other reports on the market because it is a hazard disclosure tool that adds context and greater transparency about where the hazards exist within the value chain. This prevents people from focusing on just the risk associated with chemicals and drawing potentially inaccurate conclusions that a product is harmful," said Alberto Uggetti, vice president and general manager of UL Environment. "It adds value to manufacturers who strive to be transparent in their chemical disclosures, and allows their buyers clarity of the actual results so they can make smart purchasing decisions."

The program is a result of collaboration between UL Environment, MBDC and the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, with the Product Lens™ program basing the chemical assessment on the Materials Health Assessment Methodology from the Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Products program. The tool was developed in partnership with MBDC and with the input of over 15 A&D professionals. The result is a credible, easy to understand solution for the product transparency demands in the marketplace today.

Ten companies are part of UL Environment's pilot program and have either completed some of their Product Lens™ reports or are in the middle of the process. Some of the participating companies include Allegion, Arauco North America, Belden, Mannington, Milliken and Sherwin-Williams.

Belden, a producer of connectivity and networking products, has been an early adopter. "After thoroughly reviewing various options, we decided to partner with UL Environment, a globally recognized and respected company, to participate in the pilot launch of the Product Lens™ program. The highly visual format of the Product Lens™ report allows for quick interpretation and understanding of potential risks, while also protecting proprietary information. In the near future, Belden will continue to lead the way by obtaining the Product Lens™ reports on hundreds of our products," states Alice Albrinck, Sr. Materials Product Engineer.

Product Lens reports are available in UL's Sustainable Product Guide.

About UL Environment
UL Environment works to advance global sustainability, environmental health, and safety by supporting the growth and development of environmentally preferable products, services, and organizations. We help companies achieve their sustainability goals—and help purchasers, specifiers, retailers, governments, and consumers find products they can trust. UL Environment offers environmental claim validations, multi-attribute product certifications, environmental product declarations, indoor air quality certification, product emissions testing, organizational sustainability certification, and consulting. For more information, visit www.ul.com/environment, and connect with us via Twitter, LinkedIn, or Facebook.

About UL
UL is a premier global independent safety science company that has championed progress for 120 years. Its more than 11,000 professionals are guided by the UL mission to promote safe working and living environments for all people. UL uses research and standards to continually advance and meet ever-evolving safety needs. We partner with businesses, manufacturers, trade associations and international regulatory authorities to bring solutions to a more complex global supply chain. For more information about our certification, testing, inspection, advisory and education services, visit

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Bill Esler | ConfSenior Editor

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines. 

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers. 

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.