The Classen Group has received Cradle to Cradle Material Health certification for CERAMIN®.

Kaisersesch, 13 March 2025 – Following a comprehensive and thorough testing process, the Classen Group has been awarded the Cradle to Cradle Certified® Material Health Certificate in bronze for its innovative flooring CERAMIN. This certification confirms that the chemicals and materials used in CERAMIN have been selected with due regard to the protection of human health and the environment, and thus have a positive impact on the quality of the materials available for future use and reuse. This confirms the CLASSEN Group's strategic focus on developing sustainable, safe and recyclable products with a high level of environmental and health compatibility.

Sustainability as a guiding principle

CERAMIN is a completely PVC-free flooring made of recycled and recyclable polypropylene (PP). The use of harmless raw materials and energy-efficient production reduce the ecological footprint. The CLASSEN Group has been producing CERAMIN in Germany for over ten years and has continuously promoted environmentally friendly innovations in the flooring industry. In addition to the Cradle to Cradle certification, CERAMIN has been awarded further environmental and quality certificates such as the ‘Blue Angel’ environmental label.

The Cradle to Cradle Certified® Material Health certificate was issued for CERAMIN in February 2025. The certification has the number 8902 and was carried out by EPEA GmbH – Part of Drees & Sommer as the leading assessment body. It is valid until 27 February 2028 and confirms compliance with the strict, globally recognised material health assessment method of the Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard at the bronze level. 

Assessment aspects of certification

As part of the certification process, CERAMIN was tested for material health and environmental compatibility. The test results confirmed that the product is free of PVC and other substances that are harmful to health and that it meets the requirements of the Version 4.0 Restricted Substances List. In addition, it does not contain any substances that are classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction. Furthermore, the product has been optimised for complete recycling.

Circularity for a better future

The Cradle to Cradle principle aims to design products in such a way that they can be fully recycled without creating waste. CERAMIN is made of recycled and recyclable polypropylene (PP) and can be reintroduced into the production cycle at the end of its useful life as a floor covering. Thanks to its material properties, it is not only suitable for reuse in new floor coverings, but also for use in other products. This helps to conserve resources and supports a sustainable circular economy.

A strong signal for the industry

With the Cradle to Cradle Material Health certification, the CLASSEN Group is sending a strong signal for sustainable innovation in the flooring industry. ‘This certification is another milestone for our company and shows that sustainable business and high-quality product solutions can go hand in hand,’ explains Sebastian Wendel, responsible for the strategic business development of the CLASSEN Group.

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Press contact
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About the CLASSEN-Group

As a leading German manufacturer of wall and floor coverings, the family-owned company stands for technological leadership and sustainability. Under the motto "Floors For A Better Tomorrow", the approximately 2,000 employees of the CLASSEN Group are committed to a sustainable future in all areas of the value chain. With great passion and expertise, they achieve outstanding results - from the conservation of resources and the long life cycle to the complete recycling of healthy living wall and floor coverings.

CLASSEN deliberately avoids the use of chlorine, PVC and plasticizers for its healthy living wall and floor coverings. With numerous patents, which are available to the entire industry, the company not only underlines its own independence, but also its continuous commitment to our livelihoods. With CERAMIN®, CLASSEN has developed a material that consists largely of plastic recyclates and is 100 percent recyclable. In this way, CLASSEN makes an exemplary contribution to the circular economy.

The family business, founded in 1962 by Dr. Hans-Jürgen Hannig, is currently run by three generations, including the founder himself, in operational management.