Floor-Care Products for Industrial and Institutional Use

GREEN SEAL® 

Green Seal is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to use science-based programs to empower consumers, purchasers, and companies to create a more sustainable world. Green Seal sets leadership standards that aim to reduce, to the extent technologically and economically feasible, the environmental, health, and social impacts throughout the life-cycle of products, services, and companies. The standards may be used for conformity assessment, purchaser specifications, and public education. 

Green Seal offers certification of products, services, and companies in conformance with its standards. For additional information on Green Seal and contact information, visit greenseal.org. 

FOREWORD 

Edition. Edition 2.5 was issued on July 31, 2020 and replaces Edition 2.4 from November 17, 2017. Corrections and clarifications were last made to this standard on August 23, 2024. Information on changes made to this standard can be found on Green Seal’s website.¹Library of Standards Documents, www.greenseal.org/green-seal-standards/library#section13

General. The final issued standard was developed in an open and transparent process with stakeholder input that included producers, users, and general interests. 

Social impacts associated with the products, services, or organizations covered in the scope of the standard. These requirements are subject to revision, and generally cover aspects above and beyond regulatory compliance. This standard neither modifies nor supersedes laws and regulations. Any conformity assessment to this standard requires compliance with all applicable laws and regulations for the manufacturing and marketing of the products. 

Provisions for safety have not been included in this standard, since they are supervised by regulatory agencies. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property should be employed for all stages of production, and for all tests that involve safety considerations. 

Products, services, or organizations that are substantially similar to those covered by this standard in terms of function and life cycle considerations may be evaluated against the intent of the requirements of this standard, accounting for relevant differences between the intended scope of the Standard and the actual product, service, or organization to be evaluated. 

This standard may not anticipate a feature of the product that may significantly, and undesirably, increase its impact on the environment, health, or society. In such a situation, Green Seal will ordinarily amend a standard to account for the unanticipated environmental, health, or societal impacts. 

Normative references (e.g., other standards) in this standard intend to refer to the most recent edition of the normative reference. Test methods may be required for product evaluation. Unless explicitly stated that a specified method is the only acceptable one, the intent of the standard is that an equivalent test method may be accepted at Green Seal’s sole discretion. 

Certification to this standard shall be awarded only by Green Seal, or, with Green Seal’s explicit written permission, by a third-party certification program conducting on-site audits. 

Disclaimer of Liability. Green Seal, as the developer of this standard, shall not incur any obligations or liability for any loss or damages, including, without limitation, indirect, consequential, special, or incidental damages, arising out of or in connection with the interpretation or adoption of, reliance upon, or any other use of this Standard by any party. Green Seal makes no express or implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, nor any other express or implied warranty with respect to this Standard. 

1.0 SCOPE

This standard establishes environmental requirements for industrial and institutional floor-care products. The floor-care products addressed by this standard include floor finish and floor finish stripper. For purposes of this standard, floor finish (also called floor polish) is defined as any product designed to polish, protect, or enhance floor surfaces by leaving a protective wax, polymer, or resin coating that is designed to be periodically removed (stripped) and reapplied. Floor finish stripper (or floor finish remover – referred to here as “stripper”) is defined as a product designed to remove floor finish through breakdown of the finish polymers, or by dissolving or emulsifying the finish, polish, or wax. This standard does not address general-purpose cleaners that can be used to clean floors²GS-37 addresses general-purpose cleaners, including those that are used to clean floors., floor sealers, spray buffing products, or products designed to remove floor wax solely through abrasion. See Appendix 1 for an example list of products included in this standard.

Product users should follow the manufacturers’ instructions on compatibility. Each application must be designed to work together in an environmentally preferable system of overall floor care. Therefore, both the finish and its compatible stripper(s) must meet all of these criteria unless otherwise indicated.

Each criterion states whether it applies to the undiluted product or to the product as used. All criteria pertain to both finishes and strippers unless otherwise indicated.

2.0 SAFER CHEMICALS

2.1 Safer Ingredients

2.1.1 Carcinogens, Mutagens, and Reproductive Toxins

The undiluted product shall not contain any ingredients that are carcinogens, mutagens, or reproductive toxins.

2.1.2 Skin and Eye Damage

The undiluted product shall not cause skin corrosion or cause serious eye damage. Dispensing-system concentrates shall be tested as used. For purposes of demonstrating compliance with this requirement, data may be evaluated for each of the product’s ingredients. If the ingredients at their concentrations in the undiluted product are not shown to cause skin corrosion or serious eye damage, then the product will not be considered to cause skin corrosion or serious eye damage. Results from peer-reviewed studies or standard in vitro or in vivo test methods may be accepted. Testing is not required for any ingredient for which sufficient information exists.

Further, a product is considered to cause skin corrosion or to cause serious eye damage if it has a pH less than or equal to 2.5 or greater than or equal to 11.0, unless data prove otherwise.

2.1.3 Skin Sensitization

The undiluted product shall not be a skin sensitizer, as tested by the OECD Guidelines for Testing Chemicals, Section 406. Dispensing-system concentrates shall be tested as used. Green Seal shall also accept the results of other standard test methods, such as those described in Buehler (1994) or Magnusson and Kligman (1969), as proof that the product or its ingredients are not skin sensitizers. If a product contains a known skin sensitizer at or above a concentration of 0.1%, then the product as a whole shall be considered a skin sensitizer, except where explicit data demonstrate that it is not a skin sensitizer.

2.1.4 Aquatic Biodegradability

Each of the organic ingredients in the product as used shall exhibit ready biodegradability in accordance with the OECD definition, except for the polymer, wax, and/or resin portion of a floor finish. Biodegradability shall be measured by one of the following methods: OECD Methods 301A–F, OECD 310, ISO 7827, 9408, 9439, 10707, 10708, or 14593.

Specifically, within a 28-day test, the ingredient in the product as used shall meet one of the following criteria within 10 days of the time when biodegradation first reaches 10%:

• Removal of Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) > 70%
• Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) > 60%
• BOD, as % of Theoretical Oxygen Demand (ThOD) > 60%
• CO2 evolution, as % of theoretical CO2 > 60%

Per OECD guidance, the 10-day window requirement does not apply to structurally-related surfactant homologues.

Alternative Evaluation Options: Substances that Do Not Exhibit Ready Biodegradability For organic ingredients in the product as used that do not exhibit ready biodegradability, one of the following options may be acceptable:

1. The manufacturer may demonstrate biodegradability in sewage treatment plants using the Coupled Units Test found in OECD 303A by demonstrating DOC removal > 90%.
2. The manufacturer may demonstrate that the compound has low aquatic toxicity (acute LC50 ≥ 100 mg/L for algae, daphnia, or fish) and exhibits inherent ultimate biodegradability with biodegradation rates above 70% (measured as BOD, DOC, or COD), per ISO test methods 9887 or 9888 or OECD 302A-C.

Note: Testing is not required for any ingredient for which sufficient information exists concerning its biodegradability, either in peer-reviewed literature or databases. In the absence of experimental data, Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship data from EPA’s BioWin (EpiSuite) models may be considered.

2.1.5 Prohibited Ingredients

The product shall not contain the following ingredients:

• Alkylphenol ethoxylates
• Phthalates
• The heavy metals arsenic, zinc, lead, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, mercury, nickel, or selenium
• Optical brighteners
• Ozone-depleting compounds

2.1.6 Fragrances

Manufacturers shall identify any fragrances on their material safety data sheets. Any ingredient added to a product as a fragrance must follow the Code of Practice of the International Fragrance Association.

2.1.7 Flammability

The undiluted product or 99% by volume of the product ingredients shall have a flashpoint above 150°F, as tested using either the Cleveland Open Cup Tester (ASTM D92) or a closed-cup method International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 13736 or ISO 2719. Alternatively, the product shall not sustain a flame when tested using ASTM D4206.

2.2 Safer Products

2.2.1 Acute Toxicity

The undiluted product shall not be toxic to humans. Dispensing-system concentrates shall be tested as used. A product is considered toxic if any of the following criteria apply:

• Oral lethal dose 50 (LD50) < 2,000 mg/kg
• Inhalation lethal concentration (LC50) < 20 mg/L*

*If the vapor-phase concentration of the product at room temperature is less than 20 mg/L, it should be tested at its saturation concentration. If it is not toxic at this concentration, it passes the inhalation criterion.

The toxicity testing procedures shall follow the protocols put forth by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Testing of Chemicals. These protocols include: Acute Oral Toxicity Test (TG 401) and Acute Inhalation Toxicity Test (TG 403). Toxicity shall be measured on the product as a whole.

To demonstrate compliance with this requirement, a mixture need not be tested if existing toxicological information demonstrates that each of the ingredients complies. It is assumed that the toxicity of the individual ingredients is additive and that there are no synergistic effects. The toxicity values are adjusted by the weight of the ingredient in the product and summed using the following formula:

The formula for toxicity is as follows:

Where:

• TP = toxicity of the product
• wti = the weight fraction of the ingredient
• TV = the toxicity value for each ingredient (LD50, LC50)
• n = number of ingredients

Inhalation toxicity will not be required for any ingredient with a vapor pressure of 1 mmHg or less.

2.2.2 Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Content

VOCs include all organic compounds that have a vapor pressure of greater than 0.1 mm mercury at 1 atm pressure and 20º C. “VOC content” means the total weight of VOCs in a product expressed as a percentage of the product weight.

For floor finish products as used, the VOC content shall not exceed the current regulatory limits of the Air Resources Board for the State of California (CARB) for its product category.

For floor finish strippers, the product as used shall meet both of the following criteria:

• For the greatest recommended amount of dilution (suitable for light to medium buildup), the VOC content shall not exceed the current CARB regulatory limit.
• For the least recommended amount of dilution (suitable for heavy buildup), the VOC content shall not exceed 7% by weight or the current CARB regulatory limit, whichever is lower.

The VOC content shall be determined in one of the following ways:

• By summing the percent by weight contribution from all volatile organic ingredients.
• According to the California Air Resources Board Method 310 (or equivalent), modified to include all fragrances and all volatile organic ingredients³Evaluation of the VOC content in this standard includes all fragrances and volatile organic compounds present in the product at 0.01% or more. Evaluation of the VOC content under Method 310 exempts fragrances and all volatile organic compounds present below 0.1%. .

Current CARB regulatory limits for VOCs.³These limits are a reference to the current CARB regulatory limits and will be updated to reflect any amendments made by CARB in the future.

Product Category	Effective Date	Limit (%)
Floor polish or wax (floor finish)	12/31/2010	1
Floor wax stripper (non aerosol), dilution for light or medium buildup	1/1/2002	3
Floor wax stripper (non aerosol), dilution for heavy buildup	1/1/2002	12

2.2.3 Toxicity to Aquatic Life

The product as used shall not be toxic to aquatic life. A compound is considered not toxic to aquatic life if it meets one or more of the following criteria:

• Acute LC50 for algae, daphnia, or fish > 100 mg/L.

For purposes of demonstrating compliance with this requirement, aquatic toxicity testing is not required if sufficient aquatic toxicity data exist for each of the product’s ingredients to demonstrate that the product mixture complies. Aquatic toxicity tests shall follow the appropriate protocols put forth in ISO 7346-2 or OECD test guidance 203 for fish and in OECD test guidance 201 and 202 for algae and daphnia, respectively.

2.2.4 Eutrophication

Phosphates and phosphonates shall not be present in the product as used in quantities above 0.5% by weight of total phosphorus.

2.2.5 Animal Testing

To avoid new animal testing, previous test results will be accepted as evidence of meeting a criterion. When existing data are not available, the preferred methods for new testing include methods that replace, reduce, or refine animal use, particularly those recommended by the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods or the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods, unless indicated otherwise. In addition, other non-animal (in vitro) test results, modeling data, data from structural analogs, and other lines of evidence may be accepted, provided that the methods are peer-reviewed and applicable. Specific in vitro or modeling methods may be noted in the standard, but additional options may be accepted by the certification program.

Further, a mixture need not be tested if existing information demonstrates that each of the applicable components complies with the criterion.

3.0 SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING

3.1 Packaging Materials

3.1.1 Plastic Package

A plastic primary package shall be one of the following:

• A source-reduced package
• Recyclable
• Contain at least 25% post-consumer material
• A refillable package with an effective take-back program
• An alternative approach that has been independently proven to have a similar life cycle benefit as one of the options listed above

3.1.2 Non-Plastic Package

For materials other than plastic, the primary package shall contain at least 25% post-consumer material or be recyclable.

3.2 Packaging Label

3.2.1 Resin Identification Code

The package must be marked with the appropriate Resin Identification Code.

3.3 Restricted Substances

3.3.1 Heavy Metal Restrictions

The heavy metals lead, mercury, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium shall not be intentionally introduced to the primary package. Further, the sum of the concentration levels of these metals shall not exceed 100 ppm by weight (0.01%); an exception is allowed for refillable packages or packages that would not exceed this maximum level but for the addition of post-consumer material.

3.3.2 Other Restrictions

Phthalates, bisphenol A, and chlorinated packaging materials are prohibited from being intentionally introduced to plastic primary packaging. An exception is allowed for primary packaging that would not have added phthalates, bisphenol A, or chlorinated packaging material but for the addition of post-consumer material.

4.0 VERIFIED PERFORMANCE AND CLAIMS

4.1 Product Performance

4.1.1 Slip Resistance

Floor finish products shall have a static coefficient of friction of at least 0.5 as measured by either ASTM International (ASTM) D2047 or Underwriters Laboratories Method 410.

4.1.2 Additional Performance Requirements

Each product shall perform effectively, as measured by the following standard test methods:

For each of the below tests, products shall be diluted, as required, just prior to testing using water from the cold tap at no more than 50ºF.

• Removability: The floor finish and compatible stripper shall achieve a removal ease rating of “good” as measured by ASTM D1792, Standard Test Method for Long-Term Removability Properties of Floor Polishes. In the case of a floor finish and stripper proposed for certification together, they should be tested together, with the candidate stripper replacing the ASTM standard-defined stripper. In the case of a floor finish alone proposed for certification, it should be tested with a Green Seal-certified stripper, with the Green Seal-certified stripper replacing the ASTM standard-defined stripper. In the case of a stripper alone proposed for certification, it should be tested with a Green Seal-certified finish, with the candidate stripper replacing the ASTM standard-defined stripper.
• Soil Resistance: The floor finish shall perform as well as a nationally recognized or market-leading product of its type as measured by ASTM D3206, Standard Test Method for Soil Resistance of Floor Polishes.
• Detergent Resistance: The floor finish shall demonstrate minimal deterioration by achieving a detergent resistance rating of “very good,” as measured by ASTM D3207, Standard Test Method for Detergent Resistance of Floor Polish Films. The floor finish shall be tested using a GS-37 certified floor cleaner at the recommended dilution rate for routine floor maintenance as listed on packaging, or the ASTM cleaning solution specified in ASTM D3207.

5.0 TRADEMARK USE REQUIREMENTS

5.1 Trademark Use

Any use of the Green Seal® Certification Mark or the Green Seal name, e.g., on the product, product label, packaging, secondary documents, or promotional materials, must be in accordance with Green Seal’s Trademark Use Guidelines⁵www.greenseal.org/trademark-use-guidelines.

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ANNEX A – DEFINITIONS (Normative)

Note that the defined terms are italicized throughout the standard.

Carcinogen

A chemical listed as a known, probable, or possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the National Toxicology Program, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or the Occupational Health and Safety Administration.

Dispensing-System Concentrate

Products that are designed to be used in dispensing systems that cannot be practically accessed by users.

Ingredient

Any constituent that comprises at least 0.01% by weight of a product, whether it is intentionally added or present as a contaminant⁶Naturally occurring elements and chlorinated organics that may be present as a result of chlorination of the water supply that may be present as impurities if the concentrations are below the applicable maximum contaminant levels in the National Primary Drinking Water Standards found in 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 141..

5.2 Misleading Claims

Green Seal trademarks shall not be used in conjunction with any modifying terms, phrases, or graphic images that might mislead consumers as to the extent or nature of the certification.

Intentionally Introduced

The use of substances for their desired or deliberate presence in the primary package for the purpose of providing a specific characteristic or quality. It does not refer to the use of substances as processing aids or the use of an intermediate that imparts certain chemical or physical changes during manufacturing, as long as the substance or intermediate is present in the primary package at concentrations below 100 ppm.

Mutagen

A chemical that meets the criteria for Category 1: Chemicals known to induce heritable mutations or to be regarded as if they induce heritable mutations in the germ cells of humans, under the Harmonized System for the Classification Of Chemicals Which Cause Mutations in Germ Cells (UN, 2003).

Optical Brighteners

Additives designed to enhance the appearance of colors and whiteness in materials by absorbing ultraviolet radiation and emitting blue radiation. Also known as fluorescent whitening agents.

ANNEX A – DEFINITIONS (Normative)

Note that the defined terms are italicized throughout the standard.

Carcinogen

A chemical listed as a known, probable, or possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the National Toxicology Program, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or the Occupational Health and Safety Administration.

Dispensing-System Concentrate

Products that are designed to be used in dispensing systems that cannot be practically accessed by users.

Ingredient

Any constituent that comprises at least 0.01% by weight of a product, whether it is intentionally added or present as a contaminant⁶Naturally occurring elements and chlorinated organics that may be present as a result of chlorination of the water supply that may be present as impurities if the concentrations are below the applicable maximum contaminant levels in the National Primary Drinking Water Standards found in 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 141..

Intentionally Introduced

The use of substances for their desired or deliberate presence in the primary package for the purpose of providing a specific characteristic or quality. It does not refer to the use of substances as processing aids or the use of an intermediate that imparts certain chemical or physical changes during manufacturing, as long as the substance or intermediate is present in the primary package at concentrations below 100 ppm.

Mutagen

A chemical that meets the criteria for Category 1: Chemicals known to induce heritable mutations or to be regarded as if they induce heritable mutations in the germ cells of humans, under the Harmonized System for the Classification Of Chemicals Which Cause Mutations in Germ Cells (UN, 2003).

Optical Brighteners

Additives designed to enhance the appearance of colors and whiteness in materials by absorbing ultraviolet radiation and emitting blue radiation. Also known as fluorescent whitening agents.

Ozone-Depleting Compounds

Any compound with an ozone-depletion potential greater than 0.01 (CFC 11 = 1).

Post-Consumer Material

Material that would otherwise be destined for solid waste disposal, having completed its intended end-use and product life cycle. Post-consumer material does not include materials and by-products generated from, and commonly reused within, an original manufacturing and fabrication process.

Primary Packaging

This packaging is the material physically containing and coming into contact with the product, not including the cap or lid of a bottle.

Product as Used

This is the most concentrated form of the product that the manufacturer recommends for a product’s intended use. For example, if a manufacturer recommends a concentrated floor-stripping product be diluted 1:4 with water, the product shall meet the environmental and performance requirements at a dilution of 1:4.

Recyclable

The package can be collected in a substantial majority of communities, separated or recovered from the solid waste stream, and used again, or reused in the manufacture or assembly of another package or product through an established recycling program.

Refillable Package

A package that is routinely returned to and refilled by the product manufacturer at least five times with the original product held by the package, and demonstrated in practice. For the purpose of this standard, the product manufacturer or the product manufacturer’s agent may refill a package.

Reproductive Toxin

A chemical listed as a reproductive toxin by the State of California under the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 2, Subdivision 1, Chapter 3, Sections 1200, et seq.).

Serious Eye Damage

The production of tissue damage in the eye, or serious physical decay of vision, following application of a test substance to the anterior surface of the eye, which is not fully reversible within 21 days of application. Substances classified as Category 1 for Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation (H318) under the GHS are also considered to cause serious eye damage.

Skin Corrosion

The production of irreversible damage to the skin, namely visible necrosis through the epidermis and into the dermis, following the application of a test substance for up to 4 hours. Corrosive reactions are typified by ulcers, bleeding, bloody scabs, and, by the end of observation at 14 days, by discoloration due to blanching of the skin, complete areas of alopecia, and scars. Substances classified as Category 1A, 1B, or 1C for Skin Corrosion/Irritation (H314) under the GHS are also considered to cause skin corrosion.

Source-Reduced Package

A package that has at least 20% less material (by weight) compared to containers commonly used for that product type. For bag-in-the-box type packages, the box is included in the weight if the box is used during product use or in product merchandising.

Take-Back Program

A program sponsored by the original product manufacturer that has been demonstrated to receive at least 50% of sold packages for recycling or reuse.

Undiluted Product

This is the most concentrated form of the product produced by the manufacturer for transport outside its facility.

APPENDIX 1 – SCOPE (Informative)

Examples of products included in or excluded from the scope of GS-40:

Products Included in GS-40

• Floor finish (also called floor polish)
• Floor finish stripper (or floor finish remover – referred to here as “stripper”)

Products Excluded from GS-40

• Cleaners/degreasers marketed as suitable for cleaning soils in production and maintenance applications without enzymes or microorganisms (included in GS-34)
• Floor sealers
• General-purpose, restroom, glass and carpet cleaners for industrial and institutional use (included in GS-37)
• General-purpose, bathroom, glass, and carpet cleaner products marketed specifically for household use (included in GS-8)
• Hand cleaning products for industrial and institutional use (covered in GS-41) or household use (covered in GS-44)
• Products designed to remove floor wax solely through abrasion
• Specialty cleaning products for industrial and institutional use (GS-53)
• Specialty cleaning products for household use (GS-52)
• Spray buffing products