Sustainable Porcelain Tiles: Why Certifications Matter

What makes a porcelain tile a more sustainable choice? It is a question that is becoming increasingly important as more designers, developers, retailers and buyers consider the environmental impact of the materials they specify.

But sustainability is not determined by a single factor. From manufacturing and materials to product performance and environmental certifications, there are different aspects to consider when evaluating a tile.

So, What Makes a Tile a More Responsible Choice? 

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There isn’t one simple answer. For us, sustainability is about looking at the bigger picture. It means thinking about how we manufacture our tiles, how resources are used during production, how the products perform, and how we can continue improving our processes over time. 

It also means being able to provide our customers with something more than just a claim. Evidence. This is where third-party certifications become important. 

Why Do Certifications Matter? 

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Walk into any building materials or tile showroom today and you will probably see plenty of products described as “eco-friendly”, “green” or “sustainable”. 

But what do these terms actually mean? Certifications can help provide a clearer picture. Rather than simply saying that a product is environmentally responsible, recognised certification schemes assess products against specific criteria. This gives customers a more reliable reference when comparing different materials. 

At Heritage Ceramics, we are proud that our tiles have achieved certifications including Singapore Green Building Product (SGBP) 4 Ticks, Leader Certification and the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS) Certification.  

For us, these certifications are more than logos on a brochure. They represent independent benchmarks that our products have been assessed against, giving customers greater confidence in the environmental credentials behind our tiles. 

Singapore Green Building Product (SGBP) 4 Ticks, Leader Certification 

Explore SGBP Certification: https://www.sgbc.sg/sgbc-certifications/sgbp-certification

Our Space and Studio porcelain tile collections are certified under the Singapore Green Building Product (SGBP) Certification Scheme, achieving 4 Ticks, Leader — the highest rating within the SGBP framework. 

SGBP is one of the key benchmarks for green building products in Singapore. SGBP-certified products are recognised under Singapore’s BCA Green Mark Scheme, where certified products can contribute points towards a project’s Green Mark rating, with higher-rated products receiving greater recognition. 

While SGBP is Singapore-based, its relevance extends beyond the local market. The scheme is widely accepted by regional green building rating tools such as GreenRE in Malaysia and LOTUS in Vietnam and complies with many of the requirements of ISO 14024 Type I environmental labelling. It is also comparable to several internationally recognised ecolabels, providing our international customers with an additional reference when evaluating the sustainability of our products. 

Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS) Certification 

Explore SGLS Certification: https://sgls.sec.org.sg/about-singapore-green-label/

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Our Space and Studio brand porcelain tile products are certified under the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS), a Type 1 ecolabel based on ISO 14024. For ceramic tiles, the certification evaluates key requirements including environmental management, restricted substances such as carcinogens and heavy metals, and relevant tile performance standards. This provides assurance beyond self-declared environmental claims. 

SGLS is administered by the Singapore Environment Council (SEC), a member of the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN) since 2003. The scheme achieved GENICES accreditation in 2011, demonstrating its alignment with international ecolabelling practices. SGLS also has Mutual Recognition Agreements with selected ecolabelling schemes overseas, further strengthening its relevance for international markets. 

For Heritage Ceramics, SGLS provides our customers with an independently assessed and internationally connected benchmark when evaluating the environmental performance of our porcelain tiles. 

What Should You Look For When Choosing a Sustainable Tile? 

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We understand that sustainability can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when different products come with different certifications, labels and claims. 

Our advice is simple: Look beyond the logo. Ask what the certification actually assesses. Look at who conducted the assessment. Understand whether the certification applies to the product, the manufacturing process, or both. 

And most importantly, consider whether the information is relevant to your project’s location and requirements. There is no single certification that answers every sustainability question. The more information you have, the better equipped you are to make an informed decision. 

Sustainability Is a Journey 

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We don’t claim to have all the answers. Sustainability is an ongoing journey, and as technologies, standards and customer expectations evolve, so must we. 

Our certifications — including Singapore Green Building Product (SGBP) 4 Ticks, Leader, and Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS) Certification — are part of that journey. They provide recognised benchmarks and give our customers additional information when evaluating our products. 

At Heritage Ceramics, we believe making better tiles goes beyond how they look. It means continuously considering how they are made, how they perform, and how we can improve for the future. 

Looking for sustainable porcelain tiles for your next project? Explore our Space and Studio collections, or get in touch with our team at info@heritageceramics.com to discuss your project requirements.