Michigan, US – Enthalpy Analytical has been granted approval by the CertiPUR-US board of directors to conduct content analysis and emissions testing for flexible polyurethane foam. This approval comes after a comprehensive selection process spanning over two years. Enthalpy Analytical is now authorised to determine if submitted foams meet the certification program's requirements outlined in the technical guidelines. The scarcity of labs equipped to perform the necessary testing was a key factor in obtaining this approval.
According to Michael Crowell, the executive director of CertiPUR-US, Enthalpy underwent thorough vetting by the board and the Technical Advisory Group. In addition to possessing the required equipment, the company had to undergo round-robin testing with sample foams to ensure that their results matched those of other approved labs working with identical foams.
Sarah Mack, the business development manager for Enthalpy Analytical, said: "We are pleased to join the CertiPUR-US program as an approved laboratory". Mack emphasised the importance of supporting accountability programs in environmental and sustainability initiatives, noting that it aligns with their mission of safeguarding the air, water, and soil. Enthalpy Analytical aims to actively assist organisations in their efforts to protect consumers.
Enthalpy Analytical is only the second lab in the United States to be approved for testing compliance with CertiPUR-US program requirements. The remaining approved labs are located in Denmark and Germany, resulting in a total of four worldwide. Michael Crowell expressed satisfaction in welcoming Enthalpy Analytical, stating that having another U.-based testing facility provides greater options for the programme's participants, which include over 90 foam producers certifying more than 200 foam families annually.
The CertiPUR-US programme ensures that certified flexible polyurethane foam products are free from ozone depleters, lead, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and regulated phthalates. The foams are also screened for relevant chemicals, including flame retardants, that are classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic. Furthermore, the foams must have low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions for indoor air quality, with emissions levels below 0.5ppm.
Enthalpy Analytical, a subsidiary of Montrose Environmental Group, operates a network of accredited laboratories across the United States, specialising in the analysis of air, soil, water, and sediment. Its inclusion as an approved laboratory will contribute to the comprehensive testing and certification process conducted by the CertiPUR-US program.
