Overview
ISO 17889-2:2023 is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) focusing on the sustainability of ceramic tiling systems, specifically tile installation materials. This part of the series specifies sustainability requirements, assessment methods, and evaluation schemes for ceramic tile installation materials, encompassing adhesive, grouts, membranes, and related products. The standard covers the entire product life cycle - from raw material sourcing and manufacturing to installation and end-of-life management - to enable consistent and comparable evaluation of sustainability in the ceramic tile industry.
ISO 17889-2:2023 is a valuable resource for manufacturers, designers, contractors, and stakeholders seeking to specify, assess, or procure sustainable ceramic tile installation materials. By implementing this standard, the tile industry can support greater environmental responsibility, economic value, and social well-being throughout the supply chain.
Key Topics
- Sustainability Criteria:
The standard applies a three-pillar model of sustainability, integrating environmental, economic, and social criteria:
- Environmental: Focus on resource efficiency, emissions, packaging, use of recycled content, and overall environmental performance.
- Economic & Functional: Ensures product quality, durability, and functional adequacy to minimize waste and create long-term value.
- Social: Promotes health, safety, and fair labor practices throughout manufacturing and installation processes.
- Life Cycle Assessment:
Sustainability requirements are assessed across the product's full life cycle, including raw material extraction, manufacturing, distribution, installation, use, and end-of-life management.
- Assessment Methods:
Clear evaluation schemes using both qualitative and quantitative indicators, with requirements classified as mandatory (pass/fail) or multirating (contributing to overall sustainability ratings).
- Supplier Responsibility:
Provides guidelines for environmental buying agreements, supporting sustainable procurement and responsible sourcing.
Applications
ISO 17889-2:2023 is intended for various stakeholders in the building and construction industry who are involved with ceramic tile installation systems. Key applications include:
- Manufacturers:
- Guidance for developing, certifying, and marketing sustainable tile installation adhesives, grouts, membranes, and related materials.
- Framework for implementing environmental management systems (EMS), energy efficiency systems, and responsible sourcing of raw materials.
- Design Professionals and Specifiers:
- Reference point for specifying installation materials that meet recognized sustainability standards in project documentation.
- Supports green building certification efforts and sustainability-driven procurement.
- Contractors and Installers:
- Assists in choosing materials that meet health, safety, and environmental performance expectations.
- Encourages best practices in material handling, installation safety, and waste reduction.
- Building Owners and End-Users:
- Enables informed decisions in selecting construction products with lower environmental impact and higher durability.
- Enhances transparency through environmental labelling (such as Environmental Product Declarations and eco-labels).
Related Standards
ISO 17889-2:2023 works in concert with a series of international and regional standards. Key related documents include:
- ISO 17889-1 - Sustainability for ceramic tiles and installation materials - Part 1: Specification for ceramic tiles
- ISO 14024 - Environmental labels and declarations - Type I environmental labeling
- ISO 14025 - Environmental labels and declarations - Type III environmental declarations
- ISO 21930 - Sustainability in buildings and civil engineering works - Core rules for environmental product declarations of construction products and services
- ISO 16000 series - Indoor air determination methods (relevant for emissions assessment)
- EN 13284-1 - Stationary source emissions - Dust determination
- ISO 50001 - Energy management systems (for energy efficiency requirements)
Conclusion
By using ISO 17889-2:2023 as a reference for sustainability in ceramic tile installation materials, organizations and professionals can ensure compliance with internationally recognized practices, improve environmental outcomes, and respond to growing market demand for sustainable construction products. Implementing this standard supports better resource management, health and safety, and social responsibility in ceramic tiling systems.