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Healthy living: why healthy living is becoming increasingly important in renovations
Renovating your own home is a top priority for many households, and a central issue here is indoor air quality. Especially in times of increasing awareness of environmental and health issues, there is a growing awareness of indoor pollution. In the B+L refurbishment study 2024 shows that the desire for healthy materials is a strong motive for renovation decisions. Choosing pollutant-free building and renovation materials not only helps to improve the indoor climate, but also to ensure the long-term health of the residents.
Pollutants in everyday life: an underestimated risk
Indoor pollutants often develop unnoticed and can have a significant impact on health. Products used in the home – including furniture, paints and, in particular, floor coverings – may contain substances of concern such as formaldehyde, plasticisers and heavy metals. These pollutants can evaporate over time and enter the indoor air, which can lead to breathing problems, allergies and, in the long term, even serious health Danger from plasticisers and the effects on indoor air quality.
Healthy living materials remain a priority
The renovation study surveyed consumers on the most important product characteristics. Most respondents in 2022 and 2024 rated ‘high indoor air quality’ as ‘important’. The trend towards health-friendly materials continues and is particularly relevant for renovations involving large surfaces such as floor coverings. More and more renovators are looking for alternatives to conventional products that contain harmful substances and can have a negative impact on indoor air quality. However, the labelling requirements and voluntary information provided by manufacturers on this topic are still inadequate.
Certificates to help you decide
Floor coverings are among the largest surfaces in the interior and are in direct contact with the residents – especially if there are children in the household. They are therefore an important factor for indoor air quality. Natural materials such as wood are a good choice, but even low-quality wood can be exposed to pollutants during its production and surface treatment. Particular caution is advised with man-made floor coverings such as design flooring, vinyl flooring and PVC products. The best way for consumers to protect themselves is through trustworthy certificates and seals of quality, consumer protection recommends. The ministry cites labels such as the Blue Angel or the eco-Institut as a reliable guide. Neither organisation awards its seal to PVC products or other floor coverings containing substances of concern. Buyers can also ask manufacturers directly for information about the ingredients, but a satisfactory answer is unlikely.
Conclusion: indoor air quality as a key issue for future renovations
Healthy living remains a key issue for many consumers. The trend towards pollutant-free materials continues and shows that renovators consider not only aesthetic but also health aspects when choosing materials. A healthy home is therefore not a short-term trend, but a future-proof decision that has a long-term positive effect on well-being and the environment.
We explain here why we avoid PVC, plasticisers and phthalates in our products and how we create a healthy living alternative to design flooring.
