PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Page CSI CATEGORY 2 *** 02480 - MARINE WORK *** (Piers, docking) 2 *** 02600 - DRAINAGE & SEWER SYSTEMS (piping)*** see 15100 for full discussion of pipes 3 *** 02810 - IRRIGATION (piping & fittings) *** (note many of these companies make both PE & PVC products) 4 *** 02820 - FENCING (Coming) *** 4 *** 06150 - DECKING & RAILING (Coming) *** 4 *** 07100 - WATERPROOFING (Water stops) *** 5 *** 07450 - SIDING *** 7 *** 07530 - ROOF MEMBRANES for low slope roofs*** 7 *** 07712 – GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS *** 8 *** 08000 - DOORS & WINDOW FRAMES *** 9 *** 08800 - GLAZING ACCESSORIES - TAPE *** 10 *** 09510 - ACOUSTICAL CEILING TILE *** 11 *** 09640 - WOOD FLOORING (incl bamboo)*** (as substitute for 09650 vinyl resilient floor) 12 *** 09650 - RESILIENT FLOORING *** (see resilient flooring chart at www.healthybuilding.net for more detail) 13 *** 09680 - CARPET (PVC is used for backing) *** (See carpet chart for more detail) 15 *** 09700 - 09900 - WALL COVERINGS *** 16 *** 10260 - DOOR and WALL PROTECTION *** 17 *** 10400 - SIGNAGE *** 17 *** 10800 - BATH (shower curtains) *** 17 *** 12490 - WINDOW TREATMENTS *** See 9700 wall coverings for more discussion of fabrics 18 *** 12500 - FURNITURE/UPHOLSTERY *** See 9700 wall coverings for more discussion of fabrics 19 *** 15100 & 15400 - BUILDING SERVICES PIPING & PLUMBING (pipes)*** 20 *** 15100 & 15400 - BUILDING SERVICES PIPING & PLUMBING (corrosion wrap) *** 20 *** 15450 - FUEL OIL AND GASOLINE SYSTEMS *** 21 *** 16100 - ELECTRICAL CABLES *** 22 *** 16000 - CONDUIT, DUCT & EMT & JUNCTION BOXES *** This list surveys many of the primary categories of building materials where PVC is commonly used and is organized by the CSI numbering system commonly used in commercial building specifications. While there are products for all building types represented here, the emphasis is on materials suitable for commercial/institutional buildings. It is intended to provide a representative sampling of products and materials that do not contain PVC and are commercially available for a variety of applications. It is not intended to be comprehensive. In a rapidly changing market, the completeness and accuracy of this information cannot be guaranteed.
Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement of any product or manufacturer, nor any warranty of the appropriateness of listed products for a particular application.
Replication of this information for educational purposes is permitted with credit and the inclusion of these disclaimers. 7/5/2004 update
© Healthy Building Network 7/6/2004 page 1 of 24 Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE. PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description Characteristics Impacts Cost Manufacturer Bay area Web links features, installation, use, buy, install, application, composition maintenance, performance use & life cycle contact info contact info maintain /durability *** 02480 - MARINE WORK *** (Piers, docking) Sylvania, Sante Earthsource, Sylvania FSC certified decking and FSC certified wood Fe, NM, 800-468- Berkeley, CA www.certifiedwood.com Massaranduba marine wood 6139 866-549-9663 Tropical wood. Check for FSC Greenheart certification of sustainable harvest Concrete Coated Steel *** 02600 - DRAINAGE & SEWER SYSTEMS (piping)*** see 15100 for full discussion of pipes Advanced Drain- HDPE (High Density age Systems, ADS Drainage www.ads-pipe.com Polyethylene) Hilliard, OH 800- 821-6710 Santa Rosa CA, Post industrial recycled Hancor, Inc. Recycled HDPE EcoFirst Doug Allard, 707- www.hancor.com polyethylene for drainage 888-FOR PIPE 524-8181 Jefferson WI, Direct from Wisconsin Plastic Post industrial recycled Recycled HDPE Plastic Drain Tile manufacturer www.draintile.com Drain Tile polyethylene for drainage 800-362-6642 only Copper Ductile Iron Concrete
© Healthy Building Network 7/6/2004 page 2 of 24 Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE. PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description Characteristics Impacts Cost Manufacturer Bay area Web links *** 02810 - IRRIGATION (piping & fittings) *** (note many of these companies make both PE & PVC products) any plumbing Copper many widely available supply Jain Irrigation , HDPE Jain pipe & fittings Columbus, OH www.jains.com 888-473-7539 Antelco, Longwood FL www.berryhilldrip.com/Po HDPE Antelco PE pipe and acetal fittings 800-869-7597, lyPg.htm Berry Hill Irrigation
DripRite HDPE Drip Rite pipe & fittings Irrigation www.dripirr.com Roseville, CA 916-797-8707
Pepco, Fresno HDPE Pepco pipe and low flow fittings CA 800-695- www.pepcoirrigation.com 7171 Freedom Plastics www.freedomplastics.co HDPE Freedom Plastics PE pipe only. Also make PVC 800-356-9432 m Netafim Fersno, HDPE Netafin PE pipe only. Also make PVC www.Netafim-usa.com CA 559 453 6800 Star Nursery, HDPE irrigation supplies www.yardsupply.com Henderson, NV Oxford Plastics www.oxfordplasticsinc.co HDPE Oxford PE Pipe only Embro, ON m 800.263.0502
DigCorp Vista CA HDPE Dig complete irrigation kits www.digcorp.com (760) 727-0914
Recycled Tire Aquapour PE Soaker hose Many web distributors Rubber & HDPE Irriline, Vancouver, HDPE & Aluminum Irriline BC, (604) 608- www.irriline.com 4315
© Healthy Building Network 7/6/2004 page 3 of 24 Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE. PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description Characteristics Impacts Cost Manufacturer Bay area Web links *** 02820 - FENCING (Coming) *** *** 06150 - DECKING & RAILING (Coming) *** *** 07100 - WATERPROOFING (Water stops) ***
JPS Earth Shield, Direct from TPV (Thermo- elastomeric rubber ribbed JPS Earth Shield *Pro: withstands high temperatures Lk Elsinore, CA, manufacturer www.jpspecialties.com plastic vulcanizite) center bulb preformed fittings 800-821-3859 only
Henry, Huntington non swelling preformed Bitumen asphalt Henry Synkoflex Park, CA, 323-583- Home Depot www.henry.com adhesive 5000
Henry, Huntington Butyl rubber/ clay Henry Hydroflex expands with water contact Park, CA, 323-583- Home Depot www.henry.com 5000
Construction Cetco, Arlington Butyl Rubber/ Resource, CETCO RX expands with water contact Heights, Ill, 800- www.cetco.com Bentonite Oakland, 510- 527-9948 729-6300 MME, Miss- Direct from Butyl rubber/ clay MME Hydrotite expands with water contact issauga, Ontario, manufacturer www.multiurethanes.com 800-663-6633 only Beware: Green Streak also makes & White Cap, San Green Streak expands with water contact, Ontario, CA, 800- Butyl rubber/ clay sells PVC and chlorinated rubber Leandro, CA, www.greenstreak.com SwellStop for non moving joints 325-9504 stops 510-729-6464
© Healthy Building Network 7/6/2004 page 4 of 24 Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE. PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description Characteristics Impacts Cost Manufacturer Bay area Web links *** 07450 - SIDING *** Note that PVC siding has been connected with mold problems due to entrapment of moisture FSC Certified Pro: Third party Forest Ethics www.forestethics.org/htm Sustainably verification of sustainable database of l/eng/468.shtml harvested wood forestry suppliers flooring, plywood, molding laminates, some siding , Almquist Lumber, melamine; not all FSC. FSC Direct from Blue FSC wood Almquist Lumber Blue Lake, CA, www.almquistlumber.com certified woods are the Lake 707-668-5652 redwood, tan, oak, and madrone.
Big Creek Lumber, FSC redwood; they do Direct from FSC wood Big Creek Davenport, CA, www.big-creek.com flooring, siding, framing. Davenport 800-464-2770
ForestChoice, FSC cedar siding - T&G, Direct from FSC wood CedarPro Stockton, CA, www.forestchoice.com bevel & log cabin Stockton (209) 932-5008 Menominee, Direct from Menominee Tribal FSC multiple species, siding, www.menominee.edu/mt FSC wood Neopit, WI, 715- manufacturer Enterprises decking. e 756-2314 only
Direct from FSC certified and salvaged Windfall, Olympia, FSC wood Windfall Lumber manufacturer flooring, cedar and fir siding WA, 360-352-2250 www.windfalllumber.com only Home Depot; *Pro: SCS certified 50% Collins Company, Golden St CollinsWood Engineered wood Lap board siding recycled/reclaimed wood Portland, OR, 800- Lumber, www.collinswood.com TruWood FSC certified available 329-1219 American Cnyn, 707-648-7000 Sierra Pt *Pro: no formaldehyde Lumber, So SF, binder, uses fast growing Louisiana Pacific, OSB (Oriented Board siding of aspen and 25 year warranty (prorated after 5 415-468-5620; Louisiana Pacific species instead of old Portland, OR, 800- http://www.lpcorp.com/ Strand Board) pine and MDI binder yrs) Western growth *Con: MDI 648-6893 Plywood, SF 415- hazardous in manufacture 431-3600
© Healthy Building Network 7/6/2004 page 5 of 24 Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE. PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description Characteristics Impacts Cost Manufacturer Bay area Web links
*Pro: combined sheathing & siding = less material one of lowest use *Con: needs higher Tacoma, WA, 253- many lumber Textured plywood APA T1-11 Board siding cost www.apawood.org quality logs than OSB. 565-6600 yards alternatives Uses phenol formaldehyde binder
Many. Stucco *Con: cement has high Manufacturers Coating with cement and lime less than brick, Integral color can make painting embodied energy, Assoc or yellow Yellow pages www.stuccomfgassoc.co Stucco Many or polymer (acrylic or butyl) or more than unnecessary polymers release toxins in pages under under Stucco m combination others manufacture stucco for local contractor
Most $$, but check yellow longest lasting, Many. Brick Brick Many Masonry facing Durable low maintenance pages under www.bia.org least Industry Assoc masonry maintenance
competitive *Pro: wood process waste James Hardie many lumber James Hardie, Board or shingle siding of Durable (50 year warranty) low w/metal, Fiber cement fiber *Con: high embodied Building Products, yards, Home www.jameshardie.com Hardie Board wood waste and cement maintenance plastics, OSB, energy in cement 800-942-7343 Depot hard board
similar Durable, 3 yr unlimited, 2 owner 50 yr *Pro: all waste materials, Polyethyelene/ Board siding of PE (PC) and w/metal, fiber Boise Cascade Boise HomePlate prorated warranty, 16' lengths, wood no formaldehyde or other www.bc.com/homeplate/ wood wood waste (PC & PI+C70) cement, OSB, 866-274-6758 heft & look binders hardboard
DLH Dstrb., Board or shingle siding. Note Certainteed Cedar Low maintenance, 50 year failure CertainTeed, 800- Rancho Polypropylene Certainteed also makes vinyl www.certainteed.com Impressions warranty, 7 year "excessive fade" 233-8990; Cordova, CA, siding as well. 916-638-2156
Alcoa Home Rocky Mntn Alcoa Mastic Beware: Alcoa makes many Wholesale, Polypropylene Exteriors, www.mastic.com Cedar Discovery vinyl sidings as well Pittsburgh, PA, Alameda, 510- 800-962-6973 522-2700; Louisiana Pacific, Beware: LP makes many Polypropylene Louisiana Pacific Portland, OR, 800- www.lpcorp.com vinyl sidings as well 648-6893 Alside, Akron, Alside, Alside Pelican Polypropylene Ohio, 800-922- Sacramento, 1- www.alside.com Bay 6009 800-468-3401
© Healthy Building Network 7/6/2004 page 6 of 24 Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE. PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description Characteristics Impacts Cost Manufacturer Bay area Web links *** 07530 - ROOF MEMBRANES for low slope roofs*** Most membranes listed here are available as Energy Star surfaces White, gray, colors or black, heat Commercial / residential Stevens Roofing, Davey Roofing, TPO (Thermoplastic weldable, weather like EPDM w/o the *Pro: white for cool roofs, competitive or Stevens EP polyester reinforced Holyoke, MA 800- Hayward, CA www.stevensroofing.com Polyolefin) seam failure issues. Use 60mm or can be down-cycled less than PVC membrane 621-ROOF 877-321-7663 thicker for durability
Construction TPO (Thermoplastic Firestone, Carmel, Resource, Firestone UltraPly www.firestonebpco.com Polyolefin) IN, 800-428-4442 Oakland, 510- 729-6300
Carlisle, GAF, TPO (Thermoplastic Genflex, Johns many more Polyolefin) Mansville, Mule Hide, more
EPDM (Ethylene Firestone Construction Commercial / residential Black, White Energy Star now Firestone, Carmel, Resource, Propylene Diene Rubbergard www.firestonebpco.com membrane available IN, 800-428-4442 Oakland, 510- Monomer) MaxFR 729-6300
*Pro: white color for cool roofs, can be down-cycled FPO (Flexible Sarna, Canton, Sarnafil T Commercial membrane White, heat weldable (NOTE: most Sarnafil www.sarnafilus.com Polyolefin Alloy) MA 800-576-2358 products are PVC and poorly labeled )
MBM (Modified Commercial / residential * Con: asphalt & styrene Bitumen) SBS Conglas, MB asphaltic rubber membrane of butadiene manufacture Consolidated torch applied http://conglas.com (Styrene Butadiene Technology, styrene-butadiene styrene have significant toxic Fiberglas Products Styrene) added to asphalt emissions
MBM (Modified Commercial / residential Firestone, Carmel, Construction *Con: high emissions Bitumen) APP Firestone and asphaltic rubber membrane IN, 800-428-4442 Resource, hot asphalt, torch or cold applied from hot asphalt www.firestonebpco.com (Acstatic others (atactic polypropylene added and many other Oakland, 510- application polypropylene) to asphalt) manufacturers 729-6300
Metal Many Commercial / residential rigid *** 07712 – GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS *** Yellow pages Aluminum Many under Stucco Copper Not recommended Con: toxic to aquatic life
© Healthy Building Network 7/6/2004 page 7 of 24 Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE. PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description Characteristics Impacts Cost Manufacturer Bay area Web links *** 08000 - DOORS & WINDOW FRAMES *** Note: PVC windows have been susceptible to excess expansion and shrinkage under temperature changes, causing leaks between frame and wall. Note that many composite windows are part PVC and that PVC jamb liners and other parts are included in many "non PVC" windows Collier Andersen, Jeld- *Pro:Low thermal expansion coef Seek recycled, reclaimed Warehouse, Inc, *Con: requires more maintenance and/or FSC certified 415-920-9720; Wen, Marvin, Andersen Window, Residential and light than PVC but if maintained should sustainably harvested Truit & White, www.andersenwindows.c Wood Pella, Bayport, MN 612- commercial last longer. Clad products or wood. Note that many Berkeley 510- om/ 439-5150 Weathershield & engineered wood products will wood windows have PVC 644-2671; many others require less. jamb liners. Alexander Co, 650-583-0860. Milgard, Weathershield, *Con: Fiberglass & Residential and light aluminum processing look in yellow Marvin, Sierra *Pro:Much lower thermal expansion Milgard, 1-800- Wood/ aluminum or commercial. Wood with thin emits significant air pages under Pacific, Kolbe, coefficient, maintenance free and MILGARD and www.milgard.com fiberglass protective cladding of pollution. Fiberglass 'glass', 'window', generally more durable than PVC. many more Cara-daco, Fiber- aluminum or fiberglass difficult to recycle, no or 'doors' tec, Ander-son & recycled content more Less than Commercial / residential, *Con: Fiberglass Fibertec, Ontario, custom wood Wilson & Wells, polyester resins and glass *Pro: Much lower thermal expansion processing emits Canada, 888-232- Fibertec, Inline frames but San Leandro, Fiberglass fibers mixed and extruded. coefficients and generally more significant air pollution. 4956 or Inline, www.inlinefiberglass.com and others more than CA, 510-667- Carado uses Timberstrand durable than PVC. Low maintenance Difficult to recycle, no Ontario, Canada, other standard 0162 eng wood core. recycled content 416-679-1171 types
Center Industries Recycled HDPE *Pro: Much lower thermal expansion Sioux Center, IA direct from www.center- (high density Center Industries coefficients and generally more *Pro: 90% recycled HDPE 800-281-4049 866 manufacturer industries.com durable than PVC. Low maintenance polyethylene) 722-1488
Window frame made from ABS (acrylonitrile- Compozit™ C/G, a butadien-styrene)/ coextruded composite based *Con: ABS has significant Mandan, ND 800- ASA (acrylic- Thermal Line on Cycolac™ ABS with a UV toxic problems in www.tlwindows.com 662-1832 styrene- resistant exterior coating of manufacture acrylonitrile) Geloy™ ASA both from GE Plastics
*Pro: durable & low maintenance. Lower thermal expansion. *Con: *Pro: can use recycled check Yellow Aluminum Many Higher heat loss even with added materials *Con: energy Many suppliers. Pages thermal break. Prone to indoor intensive to make condensation
© Healthy Building Network 7/6/2004 page 8 of 24 Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE. PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description Characteristics Impacts Cost Manufacturer Bay area Web links *** 08800 - GLAZING ACCESSORIES - TAPE *** Tremco, Butyl Rubber Bostik AdChem, Polyethylene Frank Lowe Silicone rubber Tremco, GE, sealants others
© Healthy Building Network 7/6/2004 page 9 of 24 Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE. PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description Characteristics Impacts Cost Manufacturer Bay area Web links *** 09510 - ACOUSTICAL CEILING TILE *** Note: beware of PVC as protective scrubbable surface coating. Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) sometimes used as a coating is not PVC despite the "vinyl" in the name
*Pro: 25-85% recycled content - mineral wool Humiguard 10-15 year mold/mildew (mostly PI from steel Armstrong World AMS, San Jose, recycled mineral wool & warranty NOTE: some Armstrong industry waste ) & Industries, Mineral wool Armstrong CA, 408-279- www.ceilings.com newsprint paper ceiling products use vinyl latex newsprint paper. Lancaster, PA 877- 1141 surface finish Armstrong has aggressive 276-7876 PC recycling program for old panels.
*Pro: Astro has high NRC rating of .50 to .60, a CAC rating of 35 to 39 and a high LR (light reflectance) *Pro: 40-85% recycled value of .85. "Aegis Microbe Shield" content - mineral wool California treatment for mold mildew resistant (mostly PI from steel Wholesale recycled mineral wool & USG, Chicago, IL Mineral wool USG w/10-30 yr warranty(humidity not industry waste ) & Materials, San www.usg.com newsprint paper 800.874.4968 water) NOTE: some USG products newsprint paper. Some Francisco, 415- come vinyl faced: Clean Room PC recycling of old panels 282-0711 ClimaPlus, Orion 210, Premier Hi-Lite from "select customers" ClimaPlus, SHEETROCK® Brand Lay-in Clean Room Vinyl.
Eurostone has perlite, ceramic clay and a liquid Ceiling Systems, Chicago Metallic glass binder, no phenol *Pro: not support mold, bacteria, or 415-642-6750; Chicago-Metallic Corporation, www.chicago- Perlite resins; also glass reinforced fungus, impervious to water, Pacific Supply, Eurostone Chicago, IL, 708- metallic.com gypsum, fabric/fiberglass, humidity, heat and flame, 30 yr + life 510-832-5734, 563-4600 metal (steel/aluminum), 415-285-1010 drywall
Finish Line, Tectum, Inc, aspen wood fibers in an Portola Valley, more Newark, OH (888) inorganic hydraulic cement *Pro: more durable *Con: lower CA, 650-233- Wood fiber Tectum expensive than 977-9691, (740) www.tectum.com. binder, commonly used in acoustical performance, harder to cut 1360; Pinnacle, standard ACT 345-9691 schools, Hayward 510- 264-5470
© Healthy Building Network 7/6/2004 page 10 of 24 Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE. PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description Characteristics Impacts Cost Manufacturer Bay area Web links *** 09640 - WOOD FLOORING (incl bamboo)*** (as substitute for 09650 vinyl resilient floor) Forest World, FSC certified plank and Sante Fe, NM, 1- Wood ForestWorld Middleburg, VT, www.forestworld.com floating floors 800-468-6139 802-382-8888 Earth Source, Plywood & FSC certified plank and Oakland, CA, 866- Lumber Sales, www.earthsourcewood.c Earthsource floating floors 549-9663, 510-208 SF, 415-648- om 7257 7257 Ecotimber, San FSC certified plank and See San Rafael EcoTimber Rafael, CA www.ecotimber.com floating floors location 415.258.8454 Bamboo Hardwoods, *Pro: rapidly renewable resource (4 years to Flooring standard plank flooring maturity) *Con: unknown Alternatives, product made from laminated *Pro: more resilient than red oak, comparable to See resilient flooring Bamboo labor practices in SE See resilient chart Moso, PlyBoo, bamboo (also available in good water resistance hardwood floor chart Asia, some bamboos use floating floor) Smith & Fong, urea formaldehyde Timbergrass, and binders many others
© Healthy Building Network 7/6/2004 page 11 of 24 Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE. PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description Characteristics Impacts Cost Manufacturer Bay area Web links *** 09650 - RESILIENT FLOORING *** (see resilient flooring chart at www.healthybuilding.net for more detail)
Pro:rapidly renewable, *Pro: anti static, anti bacterial, long Forbo plant based tile and sheet decomposes in dump wear life (40+ yrs?), minimal (Marmoleum, goods from flax linseed oil, *Con: Outgases VOCs maintenance requirements (no Artoleum), wood flour, pine resins, and (no known carcinogens or $3 - $6 Natural linoleum stripping and waxing), *Con: not See resilient chart See resilient chart Armstrong DLW, natural colorants, sheet good repro development toxins, installed in 02 recommended for wet environments. w/ jute backing or tile with but can be allergen Prontolino, Nova, NOTE: Forbo is heavier duty polyester backing problem for certain Tarkett Linosom commercial grade than Armstrong sensitive people)
*Pro: anti bacterial, mildew, mold, rot Expanko, Duro resistant, fire retardant, thermal, *Pro: rapidly renewable Design, Flooring vibration and acoustic barrier, soft, (harvestable every 9-10 Alternatives warm under foot, self healing, years for 100-150 yrs) tile and plank and floating $3 - $8 Cork Gerbert, We Cork, thermally stable, hypo-allergenic, healthy for tree, Often use See resilient chart See resilient chart floor from natural cork installed in 01 Wicanders and durable, long wear life (many high cork waste *Con: Some many other traffic installs from 1920s still in use), manufacturers use urea manufacturers minimal maintenance requirements formaldehyde binders (no stripping and waxing)
slightly above sophisticated patterns, realistic wood *Pro: VOC, PVC and polymer resin/ ethylene high end vinyl and stone prints, drop in replacement plasticizer free, solvent copolymer product akin to ($6.50/sf per for vinyl, Claims highly stain resistant free adhesive, certified high end vinyl, comes in 333 Amtico rep in Amtico Intl., and 10X tough as lino (same Surlyn ISO 14001, recyclable Ann Donkle Polymer Amtico Stratica mm (13'1/2) & 500 mm 19" 01 in CA), Atlanta, GA 404- www.stratica.com/ wear layer as golf balls - 10 yr wear *Con: petrochemical (925) 838-9490 squares and 100mm (4") X installation 267-1900 out guarantee) plus eliminates need based, due to adhesives 1000mm (39") planks. (Base equal, for waxing, claims low impact and probably only practical for sheet is 1000mm square) maintenance reflected noise post industrial recycling near 0 Nora, Mondo, ToMarket, Dodge + anti bacterial, mildew, mold, rot Rubber floor products Both virgin and recycled resistant, long wear life, some have differ widely. Some $3- $10/sf in Rubber Regupol and See resilient chart See resilient chart rubber sheet and tile goods minimal maintenance requirements outgas VOCs, have odor, 01 many other (no stripping and waxing) others are very clean manufacturers
© Healthy Building Network 7/6/2004 page 12 of 24 Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE. PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description Characteristics Impacts Cost Manufacturer Bay area Web links *** 09680 - CARPET (PVC is used for backing) *** (See carpet chart for more detail) Naturlich Floor- coverings, Sebastapol; Natural fibers (Jute, many Anderson, Broadloom carpet other grasses) manufacturers Oakland; Dick's Carpet, Berkeley, many other outlets
*Pro: true closed loop Nylon 6 tile on thermoplastic Shaw Contract, Shaw Eco recyclable, chemicals Jim Thompson, Polyolefin polyolefin back (Alll Shaw will Dalton GA 800- www.shawcontract.com solution/ EcoWorx being screened by MDBC 1-800-637-2849 be PVC free by 2005) 441-7429 for low toxicity
Nylon 6,6 on PVB backing *Pro: 96% post consumer Tandus - C&A Drew PVB (Polyvinyl Collins & Aikman (Note: some C&A backings recycled content, whole Floorcoverings, McCallister, 925- www.tandus.com butryal) ethos contain PVC. All faces ar carpet recyclable into Dalton, GA 735-1090 available with PVB) backing
Nylon 6,6 on polypro unibond *Pros: some recycled backing, RE product uses content in face (all PI) and Lees Carpet, Lees Unibond & biobased resin to laminate EcoRep Group Polypropolene biobased content in Glasgow VA 800- www.leescarpet.com Unibond RE backings (NOTE Lees 510-536-2600 binder. *Con: Backing 545-9765 Thermobond backing only downcycled contains PVC)
Renewal process of deep *Pro: true reuse, tho SF, 415-773- cleaning, retexturing and Milliken limited to two reuses Milliken, 5389, 415-454- restyling modular carpet 2X *Pro: Non VOC adhesive is Reuse EarthSquare cycles before down- Spartanburg, SC, 8575; Jeremy www.earthsquare.com/ for up to 30 year life. (can be releasable for easier change out cycling, company wide 877-E2-RENEW Rude, 408-366- Renewal process done on many non Milliken approach to enviro issues 6570 (for govt) carpets)
*Pro: designed for SF, 415-773- *Pro: Non VOC adhesive is EarthSquare process. Milliken, 5389, 415-454- Polyurethane modular carpet releasable for easier change out, 3' Polyurethane Milliken Image *Con: only 4% recycled Spartanburg, SC 8575; Jeremy www.milliken.com in 3' tile tiles mean fewer seams, custom content, urethane only 864-503-2506 Rude, 408-366- patterns available downcycled 6570 (for govt)
*Pro: closed loop Mohawk, Atlanta Nylon 6 Broadloom & modular recycling (face only Mohawk GA, SW office, Urethane carpet - also do woven limited capacity, *Con: www.mohawkcarpet.com Evergreen Marty Spillman, backless carpet urethane backing only 909-898-4600 downcycled
© Healthy Building Network 7/6/2004 page 13 of 24 Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE. PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description Characteristics Impacts Cost Manufacturer Bay area Web links
*Pro: incorporates recycled material, "zipper" for easy 100% recycling, Nylon 6,6 20" tile on high *Pro: polycarbite seam sealer some solar power in density urethane NexStep San Francisco, Interface Wabi & moisture impervious, Non VOC manufacture, low energy Interface, Atlanta 415-421-7700 or Urethane backing, (NOTE Some www.interfaceinc.com Sabi / NexStep adhesive is releasable for easier dye process. Will recycle GA, 770-437-6800 Mark Iberri (800) Interface backings contain change out or repurpose old carpet 336-0225 X1705 PVC) Also have *Con: Can only downcycle at this time. Not closed loop
Mannington, Nylon 6,6 broadloom on Commercial Urethane Mannington www.mannington.com urethane backing Calhoun GA 800- 241-2262 *** 09700 - 09900 - WALL COVERINGS *** Note: PVC wall coverings are associated with serious mold problems due to entrapment of moisture in wall cavity Also have products made Type II rating, Class A flame, from sisal, cellulose, honey *Pro: no heavy metals or Innovations in SKAAR Wood fiber/ Innvironments washable, but not scrubbable, more $13/yd in Furnishing, San suckle vines, and cork NOTE: formaldehyde, low Wallcoverings NY, www.innovationsusa.com polyester Allegory permeable than vinyl. Not for high 6/2000 Francisco, 415-487- Some Innovations products emissions NY, 212-807-6300 moisture areas 9900 contain vinyl
Len-Tex, N. Note: Also have PVC Type II, Class A, stain resistant and *Pro: no BFRs, heavy Walpole, NH Polyethylene Surface IQ www.lentexcorp.com products scrubbable, antimicrobial metals or formaldehyde 03609 603-445-2342
Roos Intl, Roos Moment direct from www.momentwallcoverin Cellulose/ polyester Type I, Class A flame, washable Deerfield, FL 800- Environmental manufacturer g.com 888-2776
Tapeter Decorative Wall Non woeven cellulose Type I & II, Class A, breathable and Polyester/ Cellulose Envision Solutions, oplyester blend scrubbable Deerfield Beach, FL 877-867-4430
Polyester, and recycled Pallas, Green Bay, Ann Greiner, Pallas Cares & polyester, (NOTE: Pallas Some use Avora FR flame and stain $20-$55/yd Polyester recyclable WI 800-4PALLAS, Pallas Textiles, www.pallastextiles.com Terratex also produces vinyl wall resistant (05/02) 920-468-1600 415-252-0943 coverings).
© Healthy Building Network 7/6/2004 page 14 of 24 Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE. PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description Characteristics Impacts Cost Manufacturer Bay area Web links 38 designs, 400 colorways, water repellant, stain resistant and Carnegie Fabrics, aggressively scrubbable, inherently Nancy Dul, Rockville Cntr, NY Polyester Xorel flame retardant Class A & Class 1, *Pro: non toxic $21.50/yd+ Sausalito, CA, 415- www.xorel.com 516-678-6770 800- anti-bacterial, antifungal and anti- 339-9112 727-6770 staph, self healing, no fade in 10 years of use
100% recycled & poly blends Galleria San w/natural fibers (NOTE: some DesignTex 800- Polyester DesignTex 9 colorways $18/yd Francisco Design, www.dtex.com Design Tex products are 221-1540 415-864-4144 vinyl)
Muraspec NA, Natural Variouos lines from linen and Bio fibers Randolph, MA 800- www.muraspecna.com Environments mulberry fibers, flax, recycled paper, water-based vegetable 717-5651 dyes, and glass fibers
Class A fire rating, equiv to Type II Galleria SF reprocessed cellulose fibers $15-18/yd Blumenthal 860- www.blumenthalwallcove Cellulose Duraprene vinyl, abrasion and stain resistant, Design, 415-864- (2/02) 824-8000 ring.com from tree farms bonded in washable and scrubbable 4144 latex under high pressure
Ann Greiner, 50-75% recycled phone $13.50-$15/yd Pallas, Green Bay, Recycled paper Dialtones, Thatch Pallas Textiles, www.pallastextiles.com books, rest paper pulp (05/02) WI 800-4PALLAS Japanese phonebooks 415-252-0943
100s of color combinations, Class A Tri-Kes Wall- fire rating, stain resistant, abrasion Polychromatic look for low VOC water-based covering Source, Polmyx, Zolotone resistant, washable, scrubbable, $4.5 to $13/yd www.zolatone.com/ finish coatings formulas Dallas, TX, 800- resistant to fungus and bacteria, 200-8120 unlike vinyl, can be touched up
Galleria SF McDonough Pro: low impact DesignTex 800- Wool/ Ramie Custom high end fabric $59/yd Design, 415-864- www.dtex.com Collection manufacturing 221-1540 4144
See 09510 acoustical ceiling Tectum, Newark, Pinnacle, 510- Wood fiber Tectum www.tectum.com tile OH, 888-977-9691 264-5470
Many other natural fiber and many Fabric other fabric alternatives are manufacturers available
© Healthy Building Network 7/6/2004 page 15 of 24 Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE. PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description Characteristics Impacts Cost Manufacturer Bay area Web links *** 10260 - DOOR and WALL PROTECTION ***
Handrails and corner guards InPro Corp., Ron Lee 530- Recycled HDPE InPro EnviroGT from recycled HDPE & FSC Muskego, WI, 800- www.inprocorp.com 867-1895 certified wood 222-5556
EM Hundley, SF 415-777-5050; Tubular Alpha West, So Metal (Stainless Tubular Specialties, Los SF, 650-952- An-geles, CA, 800- 6886; steel, aluminum, Specialties and grab rails, corner guards www.calltsm.com 225-5876 (see Specialties, SF, brass and bronze) Pawling also Pawling 415-626-9895; below) Bay Area Bldrs Hdwe, SF, 415- 431-9600
C/S (Construction Aluminum & bamboo is more rapidly Specialities), Acrovyn G5 www.c-sgroup.com bamboo renewable than wood Lebanon, NJ 908- 236-0800
C/S (Construction Note: do not use chlorine Specialities), ABS/ Polycarbonate Acrovyn 3000 bleach as ABS/oplycarb www.c-sgroup.com Lebanon, NJ 908- may leach bisphenol-A 236-0800
Lindsey Pawling, NY, (800) Pawling and corner guards (Note: many of Associates, Palo 431-0101 (see Lexan Tubular Pawlings products contain Alto, Susan at www.pawling.com also above for vinyl) 650-324-1133 Specialties Tubular ) (Call) Pawling and Wood handrails Many others
© Healthy Building Network 7/6/2004 page 16 of 24 Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE. PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description Characteristics Impacts Cost Manufacturer Bay area Web links *** 10400 - SIGNAGE *** Aluminum Acrylic PVA/urethane photopolymer/ polyester *** 10800 - BATH (shower curtains) *** Note: PVC shower curtains have serious outgassing problems Valiant Products, Direct from Look for reversed bottom Denver, CO., 800- www.valiantproducts.com Nylon Valiant manufacturer hem for water runoff $10-30 347-2727
Brookstone Stores, San Francisco, 415-731-8046, 415- www.brookstone.com Polyethylene Brookstone Tyvek 546-6667; Concord, CA, 925- 609-7138 $20 Brookstone, 800-84 Chatsworth, CA, Direct from Polyester A-1 Textiles www.a-1textiles.com Pro: breathable <$10 wholesale800-351-1819 manufacturer
Cotton many Con: requires more care (regular Pro: renewable resource, washing and airing) to keep mold free available in organic cotton $15-60 Cotton Duck Green Home, Real Pro: better at resisting absorption of Green Home www.greenhome.com Canvas Goods water than regular cotton $26 - 90 415.282.6400 Glass many rigid door design open shower without none curtain *** 12490 - WINDOW TREATMENTS *** See 9700 wall coverings for more discussion of fabrics TPO (Thermoplastic MechoShade, Long Mecho EcoVeil Island, NY 718-729- www.mechoshade.com polyolefin) 2020 Ashland, VA 800-446- www.vimco.com Fiberglass Lutron Vimco 1503 Trevira® Calgary, Alberta Polyester/ CS polyester to which a Nysan Canada 403-204- www.nysan.com polyurethane polyurethane 8675 coating has been applied.
© Healthy Building Network 7/6/2004 page 17 of 24 Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE. PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description Characteristics Impacts Cost Manufacturer Bay area Web links *** 12500 - FURNITURE *** Chair w/mesh instead *Pro: recyclable, Herman Miller, Herman Miller of upholstery (no MDBC protocol to Zeeland MI, 888- www.hermanmiller.com Mirra BFRs) and no PVC get rid of toxics 443-4357 parts *Pro: chrome-, and adhesive-free, and Chair w/water-blown powder-coated Steelcase, Grand Steelcase cushioning foams, no metal finishes. Rapids, MI 888- www.steelcase.com Jersey Seating adhesives High recycled STEELCASE content; recyclable. Pro: chrome free, low VOC, high Knoll, New York, Knoll Life www.knoll.com recycled content, NY 212-343-4125 recyclable *** 12500 - FURNITURE/UPHOLSTERY *** See 9700 wall coverings for more discussion of fabrics
Carnegie Fabrics Wool/Ramie blend, no *Pro: low impact Nancy Dul, 800-727-6770, Wool/ Ramie Climatex Lifecycle carcinogens, toxic chemicals manufacture, Sausalito, CA, 415- www.carnegiefabrics.com Rockville Centre, or heavy metals compostable at end of life 339-9112 NY, 516-678-6770
Many other natural fiber and Natural fibers many other fabric alternatives are DesignTex available
Carnegie Fabrics Nancy Dul, See description above under 800-727-6770, Polyethylene Xorel Sausalito, CA, 415- www.xorel.com wall coverings Rockville Centre, 339-9112 NY, 516-678-6770
Nylon HBF DesignTex, Deepan, Human Polyurethane Scale, Architex, Jhane Bharnes, Ultra Fabrics
© Healthy Building Network 7/6/2004 page 18 of 24 Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE. PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description Characteristics Impacts Cost Manufacturer Bay area Web links *** 15100 & 15400 - BUILDING SERVICES PIPING & PLUMBING (pipes)***
Varies. Can be *Pro: light, flexible, more resilient least expensive than PVC, stronger in cold weather, plastic ($.40/lf for joints are fused rather than glued for High Density Polyethylene 4" compared to better seal (almost leak free) and no plastic often used in natural *Pro: lower embodied $1.20 for PVC in Maskel Robbins HDPE (High Density CPChem fumes, long continuous coils, *Con: 94, 25-35% CPChem 800-527- www.CPChem.com/perfo gas, water supply, sewer, energy (1/3 of PVC), Hayward, CA Polyethylene) Performance Pipe high expansion coefficient (3X PVC) more expensive 0662 rmancepipe perimeter drain pipe and easy to recycle 800-638-4373 that must be accommodated in high in 2002), Fusion relining applications temp fluctuation environments, not installation takes recommended for high temperature more time, but comes in long apps (140+F) continuous rolls
P&F Distributing Rinker, QWH, Endot Industries HDPE Brisbane, CA www.endot.com/market Quail 800-345-3990 415-467-4630
Isco Industries, John Hancock, HDPE Isco Louisville, KY, www.isco-pipe.com 559-291-4725 800-345-4726
Cal-Steam Vanguard Piping, Plumbing Cross linked Action Sales, San PEX Supply, www.vanguardpipe.com polyethylene Jose, CA, 408-406- Hayward, 510- 3218 633-0900
*Pro: highly chemical resistant, *Pro: Low toxic lowest thermal expansion coefficient, manufacture, non toxic Clay Pipe Institute, Fired clay used in industrial comparable to Vitrified Clay most durable of all pipe materials, disposal *Con: low Lake Geneva WI, www.ncpi.org and sewer applications PVC in 94 many manufacturers give 100 year embodied energy (1/3 of 262-248-9094 warranties *Con: heavy PVC), Groeniger, Santa Rosa 707-586- Gladding McBean, Gladding Mc Bean 3333, Sacto 916- www.gladdingmcbean.co Vitrified Clay Lincoln CA, 916- & Co. 455-3333, m 645-9525 Hayward 510- 786-3333
© Healthy Building Network 7/6/2004 page 19 of 24 Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE. PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description Characteristics Impacts Cost Manufacturer Bay area Web links
Mission Clay, Mission Clay, Vitrified Clay Mission Clay Corona CA, 909- Oakland, 510- www.missionclay.com 277-4600 568-0800
material up to Cast Iron Soil Pipe 2X as Institute, widely Primarily used in sanitary and *Pro: low thermal expansion *Pro: US foundries make widely available expensive as available. Avoid Cast iron storm drain, and soil/waste coefficient (1/5 of PVC), quieter, very entirely from recycled at plumbing www.cispi.org PVC, McWane due to piping and venting durable scrap steel and iron supply houses installation can serious OSHA be lower violations *Con:- slightly more energy intensive to equal to PVC widely available ABS (Acrylonitrile- *Con: nearly twice the thermal produce, also has for 4" pipe in widely available at plumbing Butadiene-Styrene) expansion coefficient of PVC significant toxic problems 94 supply houses in manufacture *** 15100 & 15400 - BUILDING SERVICES PIPING & PLUMBING (corrosion wrap) ***
Tyco Adhesives, Pacific Pipeline, Polyethylene Polyken 900 Norwood, MA, 800-Lafayette, 925 www.polyken.com 343-7875 284-1515
Tapecoat, 847-866- Polyethylene Tapecoat www.tapecoat.com 8500 *** 15450 - FUEL OIL AND GASOLINE SYSTEMS ***
Total Con- www.totalcontainment.co Polyethylene Enviroflex tainment, Oaks, m PA, 877-66TOTAL
© Healthy Building Network 7/6/2004 page 20 of 24 Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE. PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description Characteristics Impacts Cost Manufacturer Bay area Web links *** 16100 - ELECTRICAL CABLES *** Note: Insulation is often PVC, but has been eliminated from many subway systems internationally and from many US military applications due to fire smoke hazards
upcharge over Omni Hayward PVC THNN XLP / XLPE Building wire (alternate to PVC General Cable, 510-887-8600; varies by size, (Thermoset XHHW-2, USE-2 RHH/RHW- insulated THHN), XHHW for genrl Highland Heights, Houston Wiring General ~50% for www.generalcable.com Crosslinked 2 purpose, color coded, USE-2 for Kentucky, 859-572-Cable Norwalk AWG2, (2001 burial or wet apps 8000 CA 562-623- Polyethylene local SF 9787 electric house)
Cerro Wire & XHHW-2, USE-2 RHH/RHW- XLP / XLPE Cerrowire resin maker is Scapa Polymerics Cable, Hartselle, www.cerrowire.com 2 AL 256-773-2522 Nexans Energy, XLP / XLPE Exelene New Holland PA www.nexansenergy.com 717 354 6200 Service Wire VW-1, XHHW-2, USE-2, XLP / XLPE Service Wire Culloden, WV 800- www.servicewire.com RHH/RHW-2 624-3572 Independent Electric Supply, 415-861-8558; Southwire Substitute for PVC coated NM City Electric Southwire, Company, XLP / XLPE B, THHN, and THWN building Supply, 415-821- www.southwire.com Solonon Carrolton Ga., 800- wire (also datawire) 3011; Maltby 444-1700 Electric Supply, 863-5000; Pacific Electric Alcan, Atlanta, GA aluminum conductor with XLP XLP / XLPE Nual 800-347-0571 www.cable.alcan.com insulation
Low smoke polyethylene or LLDPE (Linear Low Linear low density Houston Wiring polyethylene, used in airports, Cable Norwalk Density Belden, Carol security, military other places CA 562-623- Polyethylene) where smoke from a fire is 9787 high concern
© Healthy Building Network 7/6/2004 page 21 of 24 Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE. PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description Characteristics Impacts Cost Manufacturer Bay area Web links *** 16000 - CONDUIT, DUCT & EMT & JUNCTION BOXES *** varies, some- times cheaper, *Pro:D69 More flexible, ductile, and currently (early resilient than PVC, stronger in cold 02 25-35% Chevron Phillips weather, joints are fused or pressure more HDPE (High Density CPChem High density polyethylene Chemical P&F, Brisbane, www.CPChem.com/perfo fit rather than glued for better seal expensive Polyethylene) Performance Pipe (ENT) (CPChem), Plano 415-467-4630 rmancepipe and no fumes , lower COF = easier to material costs. TX 800-527-0662, run cable, *Con: higher thermal Similar install- expansion coef but can handle it. ation. Better maintenanc+A 127e costs
Graybar, San Francisco, 415- Arnco Arnco, Elyria, OH HDPE 970-5445; www.arncocorp.com PermaGuard 800-321-7914 Wesco, 415-865- 3917
Greybar, San Endot Industries, Francisco, 415- HDPE Endot Rockaway NJ, 800- www.endot.com/market 970-5445; CSC, 443-6368 510-818-7111
TVC Comm- unications San http://tvccatalog.tvcinc.co HDPE Vikimatic Clemente, CA 1- m 800-755-1415
Electrigroup CA 562-981-8340; Lamson & Most L&S product line is Maltby 415-863- Lamson & Sessions, www.lamson- HDPE PVC. Just beginning to offer 5000; Sessions Cleveland OH, 216 sessions.com HDPE Independent 464-3400 Electric Supply 415-861-8558
Allied Tube, Galvanized Steel or Harvey IL 800-882- Any electric Allied Tube Conduit (EMT) www.alliedtube.com Aluminum 5543, widely supply house available
© Healthy Building Network 7/6/2004 page 22 of 24 Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE. PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description Characteristics Impacts Cost Manufacturer Bay area Web links can replace PVC coated Champion conduit in corrosive Any electric www.championfiberglass. Fiberglass Champion Pro: low coefficient of friction Fiberglass, Spring, environments. Also make supply house com TX 281-353-5052 trays
FRE Composites, Maltby 415-863- Fiberglass Quebec Canada, 5000; FRE www.frecomposites.com Reinforced Epoxy 888-849-9909, 503 Independent 415- 799-6610 861-8558
Greybar, San Endot Industries, Francisco, 415- Nylon Endot Rockaway NJ, 800- www.endot.com/market 970-5445; CSC, 443-6368 510-818-7111
Quail Sealcon Sealcon Standard Electronics, Nylon liquid tight flexible conduit Centennial, CO www.sealconusa.com and Superflex Livermore 925- (303) 699-1135 373-6700 Maltby 415-863- Electri-Flex, IL 5000; Nylon Liquitite Corrlok liquid tight flexible conduit www.electriflex.com (800) 323-6174 Independent 415- 861-8558
Maltby 415-863- Type ATX, ZHLA, liquid tight flexible conduit - Electri-Flex, IL 5000; Coated steel www.electriflex.com CEA or ACEA steel with polyurethane (800) 323-6174 Independent 415- 861-8558
© Healthy Building Network 7/6/2004 page 23 of 24 Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE. PVC Free Building Material Alternatives Material Brands Description Characteristics Impacts Cost Manufacturer Bay area Web links *** OTHER materials to watch out for not yet listed here*** Molding Divider panels Furniture Weatherstrip Flashing
This list surveys many of the primary categories of building materials where PVC is commonly used and is organized by the CSI numbering system commonly used in commercial building specifications. While there are products for all building types represented here, the emphasis is on materials suitable for commercial/institutional buildings. It is intended to provide a representative sampling of products and materials that do not contain PVC and are commercially available for a variety of applications. It is not intended to be comprehensive. In a rapidly changing market, the completeness and accuracy of this information cannot be guaranteed.
Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement of any product or manufacturer, nor any warranty of the appropriateness of listed products for a particular application.
Replication of this information for educational purposes is permitted with credit and the inclusion of these disclaimers.
7/5/2004 © Healthy Building Network www.healthybuilding.net
© Healthy Building Network 7/6/2004 page 24 of 24 Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by HBN or SFE.