The reuse and recycling of construction materials help conserve natural resources while reducing the emissions and waste generated by the production of new products.
However, when selecting recycled materials and products, it is important not only to consider the recycled content but also to ensure that the materials are safe and do not compromise indoor air quality. The UMT and M1 classifications provide complementary solutions to address these aspects.
At the Habitare, afurniture, design and interior event on 2 September 2026, Hanna Leppänen, Team Manager at Rakennustieto Oy, presented how the UMT and M1 classifications work together to support safe circular economy practices and healthy indoor environments.
The use of recycled materials and products in construction is steadily increasing. Examples include concrete products, insulation materials, bricks, asphalt, acoustic panels and façade materials. However, wider adoption is often hindered by uncertainty regarding the quality and safety of recovered materials.
UMT Classification Verifies Safety and Recycled Content
The UMT classification for recycled materials and products is intended for construction products, fixed furniture and other furnishings manufactured from recycled materials.
The UMT classification assesses the following harmful substances and verifies that their concentrations meet strict classification criteria:
• Asbestos
• Selected PAH compounds
• PCB compounds
• Short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs)
In addition, the manufacturer must verify its production process as well as the amount and origin of recycled material used in the product. This increases transparency regarding the properties of recycled products and provides clients and designers with comparable information to support product selection decisions.
M1 Emission Classification Complements the Assessment Through Indoor Air Emissions
While the UMT classification focuses on key circular economy aspects such as the management of harmful substances and the verification of recycled content, the M1 Emission Classification evaluates a product’s impact on indoor air quality.
An M1-classified product is scientifically proven to be low-emitting, meaning that it releases only small amounts of chemical compounds into indoor air. In addition, the product must have an acceptable odour level.
Today, there are already more than 10,000 M1-classified construction products and furniture items on the market. The range covers a wide variety of building and surface materials, furniture products and factory-manufactured composite products. This means that both new construction projects and renovation projects can specify low-emission products for almost every major application.
Two Classifications, More Comprehensive Product Information
When a product has both UMT and M1 classifications, it can be demonstrated that the harmful substances in a product containing recycled materials are effectively managed and that the product also meets stringent requirements for indoor air emissions and odour.
The two classifications complement each other:
• UMT Classification provides transparency regarding recycled content, production processes and the management of harmful substances.
• M1 Emission Classification provides independently verified information on low emissions and acceptable odour performance.
Together, these classifications offer clients, designers and building users a more comprehensive basis for selecting safe and low-emission circular economy products. This helps build confidence in the quality and safety of recycled materials while supporting the wider adoption of circular economy solutions in the construction sector.