ekoa is exempt from ASTM E84 flame spread testing under International Building Code (IBC) Section 802.3 because its thickness is less than 0.036”(.09mm).
Despite this exemption, we have voluntarily tested ekoa through a third party to ASTM E84 and achieved a Class B rating. According to IBC Section 803.13, Class B materials are permitted in spaces where Class A materials would otherwise be required if the building is fully sprinklered.
ekoa Fire Classification and Code Pathways
- Class B Rating: ekoa has a flame spread index of 26–75 (Class B) per ASTM E84 testing. This rating is suitable for many interior applications under the IBC.
- Thickness Exemption: Under IBC Section 802.3, interior finish materials less than 0.036” thick, when applied directly to walls or ceilings, are exempt from flame spread testing and classification. ekoa meets this criterion, allowing broad use in interior applications without the need for additional fire testing.
- Sprinklered Buildings: IBC Chapter 8 allows Class B materials in locations where Class A finishes are otherwise required, as long as the space is protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system. This provision enables the use of ekoa in most areas of sprinklered buildings, even where stricter fire performance is mandated.
- Additional Allowances: In certain occupancies and spaces–such as administrative areas, small rooms, wainscoting, and areas with limited surface coverage–Class B (and sometimes Class C) materials are explicitly permitted by code, providing further flexibility for specifying ekoa in interior design.
Summary Table: ekoa and Fire Code Compliance
| Code Requirement | ekoa Status/Pathway |
| Flame Spread (ASTM E84) | Class B (26-75) |
| Thickness Exemption | Exempt (<.036” per IBC 802.3) |
| Use in Sprinklered Buildings | Class B allowed where Class A required (IBC 803.13) |
| Additional Occupancy Allowances | Class B/C permitted in select spaces |
*Always consult project-specific code requirements for final compliance.
Transparency and Health Considerations
ekoa is tested as a complete product, not as a partial assembly or with added fire-retardant backers. This ensures that the fire rating reflects the actual product as it will be installed. Many interior materials rely on chemical flame retardants to achieve Class A ratings in E84 testing, but these additives are persistent environmental pollutants and pose health risks, remaining in the human body and environment for years.
The IBC provides clear pathways–such as the thickness exemption and allowances for sprinklered buildings–that enable architects and designers to specify natural, non-toxic products like ekoa without the
need for added flame retardants. Thoughtful product selection, guided by a strong understanding of building codes, empowers design professionals to create healthier indoor environments and reduce ecological impact.