EN 688:2011

Overview

EN 688:2011 - Resilient floor coverings: Specification for corklinoleum - is a European Standard published by CEN that defines the essential characteristics, identification, testing and marking requirements for corklinoleum supplied in roll form. The standard helps manufacturers, test laboratories, specifiers and buyers ensure product conformity, clarify performance expectations and support informed consumer choice. Note: products based on PVC or rubber are explicitly excluded - the term “linoleum” in EN 688 refers only to cork-based linoleum produced with a linoleum cement binder.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope & identification
  • Applies to corklinoleum produced by calendering a mix of linoleum cement, granulated cork, pigments and inorganic filler onto a fibrous backing.
  • Identification test: disintegration in 0.5 mol/L potassium hydroxide/methanol solution.
  • Maximum inorganic filler (ash residue) = 25 % (test: EN 670).
  • Density requirement: ≤ 850 kg/m³ (EN 436).
• Dimensional and physical properties
  • Roll length/width per EN 426; overall thickness per EN 428; layer thickness per EN 429; mass per unit area per EN 430.
• Comfort and durability
  • Residual indentation limits given by nominal thickness (3.2 mm, 4.5 mm, 6.0 mm) using EN 433.
  • Flexibility: no cracking when bent around defined mandrels (EN 435).
  • Impact sound reduction targets by thickness measured per EN ISO 10140-3 and expressed per EN ISO 717-2.
• Colour fastness
  • Colour fastness to artificial light (xenon arc) requirements: ≥ grade 5 (EN ISO 105‑B02) with pre‑exposure conditioning.
• Classification & marking
  • Classification of intended use follows EN 685 (level of use linked to nominal thickness). Typical examples: domestic moderate (class 21, ~3.2 mm), domestic general (class 22, ~4.5 mm), commercial moderate (class 31, ~6.0 mm).
  • Mandatory marking on product/packaging includes: EN 688:2011 reference, manufacturer, product name, colour/pattern and batch, class/symbol, roll dimensions and thickness.

Applications and users

• Who uses EN 688:2011:
  • Flooring manufacturers (product specification & quality control)
  • Test laboratories (type and conformity testing)
  • Architects, specifiers and procurement teams (performance criteria for contracts)
  • Installers and building owners (selection for acoustic comfort and durability)
• Practical uses:
  • Writing technical datasheets and tender specifications
  • Verifying compliance for CE/market access in CEN member countries
  • Comparing corklinoleum options by comfort, durability, acoustic performance and colour stability

Related standards

• EN 685 (classification of resilient floor coverings)
• EN 670 (linoleum identification & ash)
• EN 426, EN 428, EN 429, EN 430, EN 433, EN 435, EN 436
• EN ISO 105‑B02, EN ISO 10140‑3, EN ISO 717‑2

Keywords: EN 688:2011, corklinoleum, resilient floor coverings, linoleum specification, flooring standard, EN 685, product marking, floor covering testing.