(ISO: Geneva) -- A new ISO standard will help to ensure consistent communication about one of the most ubiquitous and versatile materials in the global economy: plastics. ISO 19712-1:2008, “Plastics—Decorative solid surfacing materials—Part 1: Classification and specifications,” will ensure that manufacturers, fabricators, installers, and specifiers around the world use the same terminology, performance indicators, and requirements when working with solid surfacing materials made from plastic.

“This new ISO standard will facilitate international trade by providing worldwide common requirements to ensure the quality, safety, and performance of solid surfacing materials found in products of our daily life,” says Mike Fisher, Chair of ISO/TC 61, plastics.

Solid surfacing materials are characterized by their homogenous appearance, renewable surfaces, and inconspicuous seams. These materials can either consist of sheet goods designed for horizontal and vertical applications (whether in wet or dry conditions); or of solid surface shapes, such as kitchen and bathroom sinks, vanity tops, showers, tubs, and spas.

The new standard establishes a classification system for solid surfacing materials based on performance.

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