-- New facility helps European manufacturers show compliance to product emissions requirements in LEED® – providing global access to sustainability markets.

COLOGNE-MUELHEIM, Germany, April 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Global product testing and certification leader UL (Underwriters Laboratories) announced today the launch of a new product emissions testing laboratory in Cologne-Muelheim, Germany. The lab represents an expansion of UL Environment's capabilities and connects product manufacturers in Europe to UL Environment's GREENGUARD Certification, and can qualify products for use in LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) projects.

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The new lab, along with UL's acquisition of Eco-Institut in 2012, provides European manufacturers with one single regional partner to conduct chemical content, chemical emissions, and odor testing required to access markets in Europe, Asia, and North America. The new 500m3 lab is in a refurbished factory setting with historical industrial architecture within a well-supported public infrastructure. It features stainless steel chambers ranging in size to accommodate everything from small product material samples to an entire room of furniture, including large scale testing of upholstery for Blue Angel certification.

Stainless steel chambers are required to conduct specialized testing for GREENGUARD Certification, BIFMA emissions test protocols, and the widely referenced California Section 01350 criteria. Now UL is providing access to both glass and stainless testing technologies with the addition of large scale stainless chambers, enabling compliance to global indoor air quality criteria.

"Concern about indoor air quality has continued to rise over the past decade as people around the world have become increasingly focused on creating healthier environments in which to live and work," says Gitte Schjotz, President & SVP, UL Europe & Latin America. UL is proud to help manufacturers create healthier products that show compliance with the various product emissions and leadership standards around the globe. Through our extensive emissions testing and certification capabilities, we are able to help our customers gain access to global markets."

This new UL lab represents a significant opportunity for European manufacturers of furniture, finishes, building materials, and electronics who now have the ability to test at a local lab in Germany to achieve GREENGUARD Certification and demonstrate how their products contribute to LEED credits. This connection then makes them more attractive for specification on LEED projects, which have been successfully established in 135 countries.

For an opportunity to tour the new lab and speak with a product emissions expert, visit UL Environment at the interzum 2013 show in Cologne from May 13-16, 2013 – Boulevard B072.

About UL ECO-INSTITUT
UL ECO-INSTITUT became part of UL Environment in May 2012. In celebration this year of 25 years of providing excellent service and quality, it ranks among the world's leading providers for product emissions testing. Additional information about UL ECO-INSTITUT may be found at eco-institut.de.

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. It helps companies achieve their sustainability goals – and helps purchasers, specifiers, retailers, governments, and consumers find products they can trust. For more information, visit ul.com/environment.

About UL
UL is a premier global safety science company with more than 118 years of proven history. Employing nearly 10,000 professionals in 100 countries, UL is evolving the future of safety with five distinct business units – Product Safety, Environment, Life & Health, Verification Services and Knowledge Services. For more information, go to ul.com.

SOURCE UL Environment