GS-
36

Adhesives for Commercial Use

Upcoming Revision:  In 2020, Green Seal committed to a multi-year phased approach for restricting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in all certified products due to their adverse health and environmental impacts. We completed Phase I in 2022 by prohibiting PFAS in formulas for certified cleaning and personal care products. Now, in the second phase of this initiative, Green Seal is proposing criteria to prohibit PFAS in this standard.  To learn more or receive project updates, visit our  Standard P rojects page .

The Green Seal Standard for Commercial Adhesives, GS-36, establishes environmental requirements for adhesives intended and labeled for commercial use, adhesives applied onto substrates, and aerosol adhesives.

The standard includes product performance requirements and environmental and health requirements such as reduced toxicity, hazardous ingredients, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The standard can serve as a tool to help companies begin to take action to improve their products and is available for Green Seal certification.

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Resources

standard revisions

Latest version:Edition 2.1, July 12, 2013

Recent Changes:GS-36 underwent corrections and/or clarifications and was re-published on January 26, 2024. For details on the non-substantive changes made to this standard, please see the Standard Documents Library

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CRITERIA THAT HELP PRESERVE THE CLIMATE
Many of the standards for human health and minimizing waste also help preserve the climate:
  • Content limits on volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
  • Limits on phosphorus
  • Prohibition on ozone-depleting substances
RESTRICTIONS TO PREVENT ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS
Acute Toxicity (Inhalation) LC50 < 2,000 ppm of vapor/gas or 20 mg/L mist, dust, fumes
Ozone Depleting Substances Prohibited above 1,000ppm
Volatile Organic Compounds VOC Content > level specified in CARB or SCAQMD for product type
Carcinogens Prohibited above 1,000ppm
Reproductive Toxins Prohibited above 1,000ppm
Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic Compounds Prohibited above 1,000ppm
RESTRICTIONS TO PREVENT ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
REQUIREMENTS TO PREVENT WASTE
Product Packaging Must be resealable after the first use unless single-use
Shipping Packaging Must be reusable, recyclable, or reconditionable
Corrugated Shipping
Packaging
Must contain a minimum of 30% postconsumer recycled content
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