Münster, 14 February 2013. – ArmaFlex premium products now bear the RAL quality mark for thermal insulating polymeric foam (FEF) and thus fulfil the quality and testing regulations of the Güteschutzgemeinschaft Hartschaum e.V. (GSH), the German quality assurance association for rigid foam. Technical insulation materials with the RAL quality mark provide distributors, installers and the end customer with a high degree of certainty when selecting products.
Strict monitoring of the quality and testing regulations
The RAL quality mark for insulation materials made of polymeric foam (RAL FEF/PEF) was introduced in spring 2011, thus creating the first monitoring system which applies to all industry participants throughout Europe and exceeds the minimum requirements of the European standards. At the same time, the RAL FEF/PEF Quality Mark prevents increased complexity by largely dispensing with voluntary national approvals and test certificates. Characteristic for RAL quality marks is the strict monitoring of quality and testing regulations. This ensures that they provide dependable guidance for the user.
Systematic market monitoring
The executive board of the GSH and the European FEF and PEF Interest Group (CEFEP) are currently developing a process of systematic market monitoring. Random samples are to be taken from wholesalers throughout Europe at regular intervals so that their key technical properties can be tested by independent institutes. If the technical values deviate from those communi-cated by the manufacturers, corrective measures take effect and in extreme cases the CE mark may be revoked. Since 1 August 2012 only technical insu-lation materials which comply with the European product standards and bear the CE mark may be sold in the European Community.
Information about RAL quality marks
(RAL German institute for quality assurance and marking)
RAL has been awarding quality marks since 1925. The bodies responsible for the quality marks are the quality assurance groups approved by RAL. There are currently over 130 quality assurance groups and almost 170 quality marks from nearly every area of life. More than 9,000 German and foreign companies use RAL quality marks in the German, European and worldwide market. RAL quality marks provide consumers, companies and the public sector with reliable guidance when selecting products and services.