Testing for toxics

The report reveals that hazardous substances, including phthalates, flame retardants, and PFASs, are present in carpets from several of Europe's largest manufacturers. It argues that current EU regulations contain loopholes—such as exemptions for recycled PVC—and that voluntary certification schemes are often insufficient. The findings suggest that while non-toxic, recyclable carpets are possible, systemic policy changes and ecodesign are required to scale these solutions.

• Testing of 15 carpet samples from seven of the largest European manufacturers found hazardous chemicals in all but three samples. Detected substances included phthalates, flame retardants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), and indications of antimicrobials, isocyanates, nonylphenol, and bisphenol A (BPA).
• The report identifies a significant regulatory loophole where the phthalate DEHP, banned in the EU since 2015, is still permitted in recycled PVC for certain uses, including carpets. This was specifically detected in the Forbo Westbond carpet.
• Chlorinated flame retardants TCPP and TDCPP were detected in Milliken carpets. TDCPP is classified by the EU as a suspected carcinogen, and both are restricted to 5ppm in toys under the EU Toy Safety Directive, though this limit does not apply to carpets.
• PFASs, used as stain or water repellents, were detected in the Milliken Light Trails carpet. The report notes that some of these, such as PFHxA and PFHpA, are suspected carcinogens or reprotoxic substances.
• The investigation found that recycled content does not guarantee the absence of toxics; four out of six carpets with recycled content contained tested hazardous substances, including phthalates and flame retardants.
• Three carpets—Beaulieu Avenue, Desso Airmaster, and Interface Composure—showed no detected toxics within the scope of the testing. The Desso and Interface products also contain recycled content, suggesting that non-toxicity and circular economy goals can be achieved simultaneously.
• Voluntary certification schemes are described as insufficient. The GUT label is noted for covering only 13 of 59 potentially hazardous chemicals identified in previous research, while Cradle to Cradle allows some phthalates and flame retardants at basic and bronze levels.
• The report argues that the presence of toxic substances hinders the circular economy because they must be eliminated before materials can be safely reused or recycled, and they can decrease the quality and value of the resulting recyclate.

APA

Changing Markets Foundation (2018). Testing for toxics. https://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SMALL-changing-markets-layout-EN.pdf

Chicago

Changing Markets Foundation. Testing for toxics. 2018. https://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SMALL-changing-markets-layout-EN.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Changing Markets Foundation |title=Testing for toxics |date=October 2018 |url=https://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SMALL-changing-markets-layout-EN.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{changingmarketsfoundation2018testing, author = {{Changing Markets Foundation}}, title = {{Testing for toxics}}, institution = {Changing Markets Foundation}, year = {2018}, month = oct, url = {https://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SMALL-changing-markets-layout-EN.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }