EN 688:2026

• Abstract:

  This document specifies the characteristics of corklinoleum, supplied in roll form.; To encourage the consumer to make an informed choice, this document includes a classification system based on intensity of use, which shows where resilient floor coverings should give satisfactory service (see EN ISO 10874). It also includes requirements for marking.; The term 'linoleum' is frequently incorrectly applied to a range of floor coverings, often to those based on polyvinyl chloride or rubber. This document does not apply to such.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 26-May-2026
• ICS: 97.150 - Floor coverings
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 134 - Resilient and textile floor coverings
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 134/WG 7 - Resilient floor coverings
• Current Stage: 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
• Start Date: 27-May-2026
• Due Date: 09-Feb-2026
• Completion Date: 27-May-2026
• Ref Project: SIST EN 688:2026 - Resilient floor coverings - Specification for corklinoleum

• Replaces: EN 688:2011 - Resilient floor coverings - Specification for corklinoleum
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023

Overview

EN 688:2026 - Resilient Floor Coverings: Specification for Corklinoleum is the authoritative European standard developed by CEN for the specification of corklinoleum floor coverings supplied in roll form. This standard defines the required characteristics, identification, and classification systems for corklinoleum products, ensuring that consumers and professionals can make informed choices when selecting resilient floor coverings for various environments. Importantly, EN 688:2026 does not apply to floor coverings based on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or rubber, as the term "linoleum" is often mistakenly used for these types.

Key Topics

• Product Characteristics
  EN 688:2026 specifies essential properties for corklinoleum, including dimensions, thickness, mass per unit area, density, residual indentation, flexibility, and colour fastness to artificial light. These requirements guarantee product reliability and performance for end users.

• Classification by Intensity of Use
  The standard incorporates a classification system, referencing EN ISO 10874, based on the intensity of use. Classes distinguish corklinoleum suitable for domestic (moderate and general use) and moderate commercial environments, helping specifiers select the right product for the anticipated level of foot traffic.

• Identification and Compliance
  Corklinoleum is distinct due to its specific composition (linoleum cement and granulated cork) and must be verified by chemical testing and density parameters. Accurate product identification prevents misapplication and ensures compliance.

• Mandatory Marking
  Clear marking is required on all corklinoleum flooring and packaging, including reference to EN 688:2026, manufacturer identity, product name, batch number, and classification symbols, supporting full traceability within the supply chain.

Applications

Corklinoleum specified according to EN 688:2026 is designed for durable, resilient flooring installations in a wide range of settings:

• Residential buildings
  Ideal for living rooms, corridors, bedrooms, and other areas subject to moderate to general domestic use, providing comfort underfoot and potential impact sound reduction.

• Commercial environments
  Appropriate for light to moderate commercial traffic spaces such as small offices, consultation rooms, or retail boutiques, where enhanced durability and hygiene are priorities.

• Sustainable and acoustic requirements
  Corklinoleum’s natural composition and potential for optional properties like sound reduction and resistance to stains or static make it suitable for projects with sustainability or acoustic demands.

By using EN 688:2026-compliant corklinoleum, architects, designers, contractors, and building owners can ensure flooring solutions that meet stringent quality, performance, and sustainability standards.

Related Standards

Several related standards are referenced and complement EN 688:2026 in specifying requirements and test methods for corklinoleum and other resilient floor coverings:

• EN ISO 10874: Classification of resilient, textile, and laminate floor coverings by use intensity
• EN ISO 23996 / EN ISO 23997: Determination of density, mass per unit area, and thickness
• EN ISO 24340 / 24341 / 24343-1 / 24344 / 24346: Methods for measuring various dimensional and physical properties of floor coverings
• EN ISO 26985: Identification of linoleum and assessment of cement content and ash residue
• EN ISO 105-B02: Tests for colour fastness to artificial light
• EN 1081, EN 1815: Determination of electrical resistance and assessment of static electrical propensity
• EN ISO 26987: Stain resistance and chemical resistance of resilient floor coverings
• EN ISO 10140-3, EN ISO 717-2: Laboratory measurement and rating of impact sound insulation

By adhering to these standards alongside EN 688:2026, stakeholders can select and install high-quality corklinoleum flooring that meets European requirements for performance, safety, and sustainability.

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-julij-2026
Netekstilne talne obloge - Specifikacija plutovinastih linolejev
Resilient floor coverings - Specification for corklinoleum
Elastische Bodenbeläge - Spezifikation für Korklinoleum
Revêtements de sol résilients - Spécifications pour le linoléum sur liège
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 688:2026
ICS:
79.100 Pluta in izdelki iz plute Cork and cork products
97.150 Talne obloge Floor coverings
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN 688
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
May 2026
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 97.150 Supersedes EN 688:2011
English Version
Resilient floor coverings - Specification for corklinoleum
Revêtements de sol résilients - Spécifications pour le Elastische Bodenbeläge - Spezifikation für
linoléum sur liège Korklinoleum
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 27 April 2026.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 688:2026 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3
1 Scope . 4
2 Normative references . 4
3 Terms and definitions . 4
4 Identification . 5
5 Requirements . 5
5.1 General requirements . 5
5.2 Classification requirements . 7
6 Marking . 7
Annex A (informative) Optional properties . 8
Bibliography . 9

European foreword
This document (EN 688:2026) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 134 “Resilient, textile,
laminate and modular mechanical locked floor coverings”, the secretariat of which is held by NBN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by November 2026 and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by November 2026.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 688:2011.
— adjusted classification table and requirements;
— product with a nominal thickness of 2,5 mm (see Table 1) added;
— update of the normative references;
— requirement for thickness adjusted;
— requirement for density adjusted;
— impact sound reduction changed from requirement to optional property.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,
Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North
Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United
Kingdom.
1 Scope
This document specifies the characteristics of corklinoleum, supplied in roll form.
To encourage the consumer to make an informed choice, this document includes a classification system
based on intensity of use, which shows where resilient floor coverings should give satisfactory service
(see EN ISO 10874). It also includes requirements for marking.
The term 'linoleum' is frequently incorrectly applied to a range of floor coverings, often to those based
on polyvinyl chloride or rubber. This document does not apply to such.
2 Normati
...