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Having developed Clean Vinyl TechnologyTM in 2009, Len-Tex innovates again using a soybean oil (natural, bio-based) softener to replace phthalate and terephthalate plasticizers.

Our journey to sustainable manufacturing and sustainable PVC chemistry began in 1986 when we required our suppliers to eliminate lead from all the raw material we sourced. Soon after we converted to a water-based ink system – an industry first – from a VOC-based printing ink, creating a much healthier factory floor.

In 2007 we introduced the first olefin-based wallcovering but discontinued this after learning olefin chemistry offered no benefit over bio-based PVC. In fact, olefins are virtually 100% ethylene derived only from fossil fuels and are difficult to recycle. The use of bio-based PVC has allowed us to participate in the circular economy with our non-mylar patterns by returning even the smallest scraps of wallcovering to our primary supplier for reuse.

A conversation with Don Lennon, founder and president of Len-Tex follows. 

Q. What inspired you to pursue the development of cleaner chemistries?

Washington State instituted the first volatile organic compound (VOC) guidance for the specification of carpeting in state buildings in the late 1980s, which was then adopted by the GreenGuard Environmental Institute in 2001. In 2002 California formalized VOC testing and quantification in its CDPH 01350 standard, so it was obvious that VOCs were becoming very important for interior design products. This inspired us to create products that would meet (and eventually exceed) these standards. Cleaner chemistry became our mantra, and Len-Tex began demanding that our suppliers develop low-emitting vinyl. In July 2008, our vinyl formula passed the testing requirements and met the standards set for emissions in classrooms, and qualified Len-Tex Wallcovering for listing in California’s Collaborative for High Performing Schools (CHPS) acceptable products compendium. This led to the development of Clean Vinyl TechnologyTM in 2010 and ultimately set us on the path we are on now.

Q. What makes Len-Tex Wallcovering different from other brands?

Len-Tex products speak for themselves in terms of quality, design, and chemistry. The list of differences is extensive, but here goes:

  • We have replaced phthalate and terephthalate plasticizers with a natural Soybean oil plasticizer, which contributes to our bio-based content and eliminates phthalates from our products, a commonly found chemical in commercial wallcoverings. 
  • Our citrate-based plasticizer in the laminating adhesive also contributes to our bio-based content. 
  • We have replaced barium-zinc and phenol stabilizers with a Calcium-Zinc stabilizer, removing carcinogenic heavy metals that were used historically. 
  • Len-Tex products come standard with an antimicrobial/antifungal called UltraFreshTM, that controls the spread of mold, mildew, etc.
  • Our water-based urethane protective clear coat provides best-in-class protection for easy cleanability.
  • In pursuing cleaner chemistries, we have also made sure our products do NOT contain halogenated flame retardants, formaldehydes, perfluorocarbons, PFOAs, and PFCs. These are just some of the things we have done to create a cleaner product, for both the built and natural environments. 

“Cleaner chemistry became our mantra, and Len-Tex began demanding that our suppliers develop low-emitting vinyl.”

Don Lennon, founder and president of Len-Tex

Q. I’m not a chemist – can you make this easier to understand and communicate?

Sure! Most importantly this bio-based PVC withstands the rigor needed for durability in commercial settings. We supply certified low VOC, low toxin wallcoverings, made in the USA, for use in all sectors of commercial interiors. We are committed to supporting healthy indoor air quality, product transparency, and reducing environmental impacts by certifying our products. All this, plus great color and design, allows Len-Tex to provide exceptional solutions to the interiors market. 

Learn more about our third-party certifications at www.lentexwallcoverings.com and on our page in Design for Health. 

To request samples, visit our distributor MDC Interior Solutions. They will provide the Clean Vinyl solutions to meet your project needs.