EN 259-1:2001

Wallcoverings in roll form - Heavy duty wallcoverings - Part 1: Specifications

This European Standard :
- specifies requirements for dimensions, washability, impact resistance and grades of colour fastness to light, and for the maximum migration of heavy metals and certain other elements, the vinyl chloride monomer content and formaldehyde release,
- establishes the method of marking,
- gives a designation system.
The marking requirements of this standard are primarily for the information of the consumer to enable optimum use of the product.
This standard applies to heavy duty wallcoverings supplied in rolls for hanging on walls and ceilings by means of an adhesive covering the whole of the interface between the wallcovering and the support and that are not intended to be decorated after hanging.
Excluded from this standard are rigid materials, materials not attached or not wholly attached by adhesive, wallcoverings for subsequent decoration, textile wallcoverings and non-decorative wallcoverings such as wall linings or those with special properties, e.g. thermal or acoustic insulation.

Wandbekleidungen in Rollen - Hoch beanspruchbare Wandbekleidungen - Teil 1: Anforderungen

Anwendungsbereich
Diese Europäische Norm:
- legt Anforderungen an die Maße, an die Waschbarkeit, an die Stoßfestigkeit und an die Stufen der
Farbbeständigkeit gegen Licht fest sowie an die maximale Migration von Schwermetallen und
EN 259-1:2001 (D) bestimmten anderen Elementen, den Gehalt an monomerem Vinylchlorid und die Freisetzung von
Formaldehyd;
- stellt Kennzeichnungsverfahren auf;
- gibt das Bezeichnungssystem.
Die in dieser Norm festgelegten Kennzeichnungen dienen in erster Linie der Verbraucherinformation zur
Sicherstellung einer bestmöglichen Anwendung des Produktes.
Diese Norm gilt für hoch beanspruchbare Wandbekleidungen in Rollen, die an Wänden und Decken mit
einem Klebstoff angeklebt werden, der die Fläche zwischen Wandbekleidung und Untergrund vollständig
bedeckt und die nachträglich nicht mehr behandelt werden.
Nicht Gegenstand dieser Norm sind harte Stoffe, Stoffe, die nicht oder nicht vollständig angeklebt wer-
den, Wandbekleidungen, die für eine nachträgliche Behandlung vorgesehen sind, Textilwandbekleidun-
gen und Wandbekleidungen, die keine dekorative Funktion haben, wie z. B. Unterlegstoffe oder Wandbe-
kleidungen mit besonderen Eigenschaften, z. B. Wärme- oder Schalldämmvermögen.

Revêtements muraux en rouleaux - Revêtements muraux à usage intense - Partie 1: Spécifications

La présente Norme européenne :
- spécifie des prescriptions pour les dimensions, la lavabilité, la résistance à l'impact et les niveaux de solidité des coloris à la lumière, ainsi que pour les migrations maximales de métaux lourds et certains autres éléments, la teneur en chlorure de vinyle monomère et le dégagement de formaldéhyde ;
- établit le mode de marquage ;
- donne un système de désignation.
Les spécifications de marquage de la présente norme visent en premier lieu l'information du consommateur afin de permettre un usage optimal du produit.
La présente norme s'applique aux revêtements muraux à usage intense fournis en rouleaux à appliquer sur les murs et les plafonds à l'aide d'un adhésif couvrant la totalité de l'interface entre le revêtement mural et le subjectile, revêtements qui ne sont pas supposés être décorés après leur pose.
Sont exclus de cette norme les matériaux rigides, les matériaux qui ne se fixent pas à l'aide d'adhésif ou pas sur toute leur surface, les revêtements muraux pour décoration ultérieure, les revêtements muraux textiles, et les revêtements muraux non décoratifs tels que les revêtements d'apprêt, ou ceux ayant des propriétés particulières par exemple isolation thermique ou acoustique.

Wallcoverings in roll form - Heavy duty wallcoverings - Part 1: Specifications

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 03-Apr-2001
• Withdrawal Date: 30-Oct-2001
• ICS: 91.180 - Interior finishing
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 99 - Wallcoverings
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 99 - Wallcoverings
• Current Stage: 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 19-Oct-2022
• Completion Date: 14-Apr-2025
• Directive: 305/2011 - Regulation (eu) No 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 march 2011 laying down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products and repealing council directive 89/106/eec
• Directive: 89/106/EEC - Construction products
• Ref Project: SIST EN 259-1:2002 - Wallcoverings in roll form - Heavy duty wallcoverings - Part 1: Specifications

Relations

• Replaces: EN 259:1991/AC:1997 - Wall coverings in roll form - Specification for heavy duty wall coverings
• Effective Date: 22-Dec-2008
• Replaces: EN 259:1991/A1:1996 - Wall coverings in roll form - Specification for heavy duty wall coverings
• Effective Date: 22-Dec-2008
• Replaces: EN 259:1991 - Wall coverings in roll form - Specification for heavy duty wall coverings
• Effective Date: 22-Dec-2008

Overview

EN 259-1:2001 is a European Standard developed by CEN that specifies the requirements for heavy duty wallcoverings supplied in rolls. These wallcoverings are designed for use in high traffic areas or commercial premises where durability is crucial. This standard defines specifications related to dimensions, washability, impact resistance, color fastness to light, and limits on chemical migration and emissions, ensuring safety and performance for consumers and professionals.

Key highlights of EN 259-1:2001 include standardized methods for testing wallcovering properties, mandatory product marking for consumer information, and a comprehensive designation system for product classification. This standard is essential for manufacturers, decorators, and quality controllers involved in the production and installation of heavy duty wallcoverings.

Key Topics

• Dimensions Requirements

  • The standard mandates declaration of nominal width, length, and area with strict tolerance limits (±3% for area, ±1.5% for width and length).
  • Measurements should be conducted according to EN 12956.

• Washability and Durability

  • Heavy duty wallcoverings must be extra-scrubbable, surviving at least 300 scrubbing cycles without visible damage.
  • Washability is assessed via enhanced methods ensuring resistance to heavy cleaning regimes.

• Color Fastness to Light

  • Establishes two grades: Very good (rating ≥ 6) and Excellent (rating ≥ 7).
  • Testing follows EN ISO 105-B02 with controlled humidity and temperature conditions.

• Impact Resistance

  • Products must be declared impact resistant based on test methods described in EN 259-2, confirming suitability for demanding environments.

• Chemical Safety Limits

  • Maximum migration levels for heavy metals and other hazardous elements like lead, cadmium, mercury, etc., are strictly defined to protect health.
  • Vinyl chloride monomer content must not exceed 0.2 mg/kg, while formaldehyde release is limited to 120 mg/kg.

• Product Marking and Labelling

  • Mandatory markings include the standard number, manufacturer name, product description, dimensions, washability rating, color fastness grade, adhesive application method, and other relevant handling instructions.
  • Fire behavior and antimicrobial treatment claims must be clearly stated if applicable.

• Classification and Designation System

  • A structured code system facilitates product identification, including width, length, washability, color fastness, adhesive application, and removal method (e.g., EN 259-1 - 130 X 1500 E 7 J 3).

• Sampling and Testing Procedures

  • Sampling methods are based on EN ISO 186, ensuring representative testing with criteria adapted for wallcoverings.

Applications

EN 259-1:2001 applies primarily to heavy duty wallcoverings installed on walls and ceilings in environments requiring enhanced durability and safety, such as:

• Commercial buildings and office spaces
• Public buildings including schools, hospitals, and airports
• High traffic residential areas demanding robust wall finishes
• Industrial premises where washability and impact resistance are important

By adhering to this standard, manufacturers can ensure their products meet stringent quality, safety, and environmental criteria. Decorators and specifiers benefit from clear product information that aids in selecting suitable wallcoverings tailored to specific use cases.

Related Standards

EN 259-1:2001 interacts with several related European and international standards including:

• EN 259-2 – Heavy duty wallcoverings: Determination of impact resistance
• EN 12956 – Wallcoverings in roll form: Determination of dimensions, washability, and straightness
• EN ISO 105-B02 – Textiles: Color fastness to artificial light
• EN 12149 – Migration of heavy metals, vinyl chloride monomer, and formaldehyde release tests
• prEN 235:1998 – Vocabulary and symbols for wallcoverings
• EN 71-3:1994 – Safety of toys: Migration of certain elements (used for testing methodology references)

These interconnected standards form a comprehensive framework assuring product quality, safety, and consumer information transparency in the wallcovering industry.

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Keywords: EN 259-1:2001, heavy duty wallcoverings, wallcovering specifications, washability, impact resistance, color fastness, chemical migration limits, vinyl chloride monomer content, formaldehyde release, product marking, European standard wallcoverings, CEN wallcovering standards, wallcoverings in roll form.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-januar-2002
1DGRPHãþD
SIST EN 259:2000
SIST EN 259:2000/A1:2000
SIST EN 259:2000/AC:2001
Wallcoverings in roll form - Heavy duty wallcoverings - Part 1: Specifications
Wallcoverings in roll form - Heavy duty wallcoverings - Part 1: Specifications
Wandbekleidungen in Rollen - Hoch beanspruchbare Wandbekleidungen - Teil 1:
Anforderungen
Revetements muraux en rouleaux - Revetements muraux a usage intense - Partie 1:
Spécifications
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 259-1:2001
ICS:
91.180 1RWUDQMD]DNOMXþQDGHOD Interior finishing
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 259-1
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
April 2001
ICS 91.180 Supersedes EN 259:1991
English version
Wallcoverings in roll form - Heavy duty wallcoverings - Part 1:
Specifications
Revêtements muraux en rouleaux - Revêtements muraux à Wandbekleidungen in Rollen - Hoch beanspruchbare
usage intense - Partie 1: Spécifications Wandbekleidungen - Teil 1: Anforderungen
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 20 January 2001.
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 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 Management Centre has the same status as the official
versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36  B-1050 Brussels
© 2001 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 259-1:2001 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Page 2
Contents
Page
Foreword. 3
Introduction. 4
1 Scope . 4
2 Normative references . 4
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Specifications. 5
5 Marking, labelling, packaging.8
6 Classification and designation. 9
Annex A (normative) Sampling for testing.10
Bibliography. 11

Page 3
Foreword
This European Standard has been prepared by Technical Committee 99 “Wallcoverings in roll
form”, the secretariat of which is held by BSI.
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 October 2001, and conflicting national
standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by October 2001.
This European Standard supersedes European Standard EN 259:1991 and Amendment
EN 259:1991/A1:1996. Part 1 covers the specifications for heavy duty wallcoverings. Part 2
specifies the method of test for the determination of impact resistance, which is particular to
heavy duty wallcoverings. The other test methods common to several types of wallcoverings
are contained in EN 12956.
EN 259-1 includes an annex A, Sampling (normative) which is an integral part of the
standard.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of
the following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium,
Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United
Kingdom.
Page 4
Introduction
A heavy duty wallcovering is a wallcovering intended for use in areas of heavy traffic or in
commercial premises.
There are many types of wallcovering and many processes used in their manufacture. To
ensure satisfactory performance, it is important that decorators follow the manufacturer’s
recommended hanging instructions for each particular product.
Various degrees of colour fastness to light of heavy duty wallcoverings are recognized.
Symbols to illustrate theses grades are given in prEN 235:1998, as well as symbols to
indicate washability, impact resistance, pattern matching, means of application and methods
of subsequent removal. This will facilitate the selection by the user of wallcoverings
appropriate to his particular needs and guide the decorator.
1 Scope
This European Standard :
- specifies requirements for dimensions, washability, impact resistance and grades of
colour fastness to light, and for the maximum migration of heavy metals and certain other
elements, the vinyl chloride monomer content and formaldehyde release,
- establishes the method of marking,
- gives a designation system.
The marking requirements of this standard are primarily for the information of the consumer to
enable optimum use of the product.
This standard applies to heavy duty wallcoverings supplied in rolls for hanging on walls and
ceilings by means of an adhesive covering the whole of the interface between the
wallcovering and the support and that are not intended to be decorated after hanging.
Excluded from this standard are rigid materials, materials not attached or not wholly attached
by adhesive, wallcoverings for subsequent decoration, textile wallcoverings and non-
decorative wallcoverings such as wall linings or those with special properties, e.g. thermal or
acoustic insulation.
2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other
publications. These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and
the publications are listed hereafter. For dated references subsequent amendments to, or
revisions of any of these publication apply to this European Standard only when incorporated
in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the publication
referred to applies (including amendments).

Page 5
EN ISO 105-B02 Textiles - Tests for colour fastness - Part B02: Colour fastness to
artificial light: Xenon arc fading lamp test (ISO 105-B02:1994,
including amendment 1:1998)
EN ISO 186 Paper and board - Sampling to determine average quality (ISO
186:1994)
EN 12956 Wallcoverings in roll form - Determination of dimensions,
straightness, spongeability and washability
prEN 235:1998 Wallcoverings in roll form - Vocabulary and symbols
EN 259-2 Wallcoverings in roll form - Heavy duty wallcoverings - Part 2:
Determination of impact resistance
EN 12149 Wallcoverings in roll form - Determination of migration of heavy
metals and certain other elements, of vinyl chloride monomer and of
formaldehyde release
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this European Standard, the terms and definitions given in
prEN 235:1998 apply.
4 Specifications
4.1 Dimensions
4.1.1 Methods of measuring dimensions
The length, width and area of the roll shall be determined in accordance with EN 12956.
4.1.2 Requirements
The area of the roll is not standardized but shall be declared (see 5.1 e), the permitted
deviation from the declared values shall not be more than ± 3 %.
The nominal width, or the useable width for untrimmed wallcoverings, and the nominal length
shall be declared; the permitted deviation from the declared values shall not be more than
± 1,5 %.
4.2 Washability
4.2.1 Method of determining washability
The was
...