Overview
EN ISO 24011:2012 (identical to ISO 24011:2009) is the European/International specification for plain and decorative linoleum supplied as tiles or rolls. The standard defines identification, minimum composition limits, dimensional and performance requirements, and a user-focused classification system (intensity of use) so consumers and specifiers can make informed choices about resilient floor coverings. Note: materials such as PVC or rubber are not linoleum and are excluded from this standard.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Identification and composition
- Linoleum is identified chemically (disintegration in 0.5 mol/L KOH/methanol) and by tests for cement content and ash residue (ISO 26985).
- Minimum linoleum cement: 30% (by ISO 26985).
- Maximum inorganic filler (ash residue): 50% (by ISO 26985).
- Dimensional and manufacturing tolerances
- Performance requirements
- Resistance to castor-chair action (ISO 4918) - no delamination, only slight appearance change allowed.
- Residual indentation limits (ISO 24343‑1) and flexibility (ISO 24344).
- Colour fastness to artificial light (EN ISO 105‑B02 or ASTM F1515), with procedures to remove stove-yellowing before measurement.
- Classification by intensity of use
- Uses ISO 10874 scheme (classes 21–23 domestic, 31–34 commercial, 41–43 light industrial).
- Typical minimums: surface layer 0.8 mm / nominal overall thickness 2.0 mm for many domestic/commercial classes; 1.3 mm surface / 2.5 mm overall for higher-intensity commercial/industrial classes.
- Marking, labelling and packaging
- Must include standard reference, manufacturer ID, product name, colour/pattern, class symbols, dimensions, batch/roll numbers, and package area.
Applications and users
- Who uses this standard:
- Manufacturers for product specification, quality control and labelling.
- Architects, interior designers and specifiers choosing linoleum for residential, commercial or light industrial projects.
- Test laboratories performing conformance testing (thickness, cement/ash content, colour fastness, indentation).
- Procurement officers and building owners verifying suitability (intensity of use classification).
- Regulatory bodies and certification schemes referencing consistent product requirements.
- Practical uses:
- Product development and formulation control.
- Creating datasheets and compliance documentation.
- Selecting linoleum grades for expected traffic and environment.
Related standards
- ISO 26985 (linoleum ID, cement/ash)
- ISO 10874 (classification)
- ISO 24340/24346/24341/24342 (thickness, dimensions)
- ISO 4918 (castor chair), EN ISO 105‑B02 (colour fastness)
- Annexed optional tests: EN 1081 (electrical resistance), EN 1815 (static), EN 1399 (cigarette resistance), ISO 9239/11925 (reaction to fire)
Keywords: EN ISO 24011:2012, ISO 24011, linoleum specification, resilient floor coverings, linoleum tiles, linoleum rolls, linoleum classification, linoleum testing.
