The Nordic Swan Ecolabel clarifies its labelling for sustainable-resistant wood

Under the durable/resistant wood category, it recently became possible to also assess fire retardant wood products. For the product category, in addition to the environmental assessment, an assessment of the rot-resistant properties is carried out, but it is very important to know that - although fire-retardant products can now be assessed - the fire-resistant properties are not assessed.

- "The Nordic Swan Ecolabel is not a documentation of fire retardant properties over time, but that the products have documented durability in relation to biodegradation" - quotes Aina Seland, Head of Department at Ecolabelling Norway.

This means that a Nordic Swan Ecolabelled fire-impregnated wood product can potentially pose a danger to life and property in the event of fire - if a check of the fire protection properties and fire class has not been carried out in parallel in accordance with current regulations.

The actual fire class of the product is verified by the Declaration of Performance according to the EU Construction Products Directive and/or Type Approval Certificate. Fire-retardant wood panels intended for exterior use should always be classified by a notified body, such as RISE, according to EN16755 EXT. Several insurance companies have required EN16755 for some time.