Sustainable tile adhesive and grout: what to look out for when choosing

on Oct 11, 2026

in Building Materials & DIY, DIY Guides & Building Tips

Sustainable tile adhesive and grout: what to look out for when choosing

Anyone who tiles chooses not only a tile, but also an adhesive and a grout. These materials help determine how long a tiled surface lasts, how healthy it is for those who work with it and how much it burdens the environment. This blog explains what to look for if you want to tile sustainably, what certifications such as the GreenBuilding Rating mean and how to work economically and safely. We use Kerakoll as an example and rely only on what the company publishes itself. We leave out concrete figures: they are on the technical data sheet of each product.

👷 Calling in a professional is never superfluous. A good tiler chooses an adhesive and grout that suit the substrate, the tile and the room, works economically and avoids repair work. That is also sustainable: what is right the first time does not need redoing.

What does sustainable mean for adhesive and grout?

Sustainable is more than 'green' on the packaging. Think of:

Origin and composition of raw materials. Kerakoll states that it looks for raw materials with a low environmental impact.
Emissions during use. For interiors, air quality is important. Kerakoll tests products according to international measurement standards and researches emissions in its own laboratory.
Service life. A tiled surface that stays good for years does not have to be replaced.
Application. Mixing economically, not throwing away leftovers and buying the right amount reduces waste.
Verifiability. A claim is only worth something if it has been checked and documented.

Certifications that help you choose

The Kerakoll website states that the company works with several certification schemes for product performance (such as CE marking) and for environmental impact (EPD, GreenBuilding Rating and ISO 14021).

EPD (Environmental Product Declaration): a verified 'environmental passport' of a product, based on a life cycle assessment (LCA).
GreenBuilding Rating: Kerakoll's system for assessing the environmental impact of a product on a scale from ECO 0 to ECO 5, certified by SGS. A higher ECO value means a lower environmental impact. You will find a product's score on its technical data sheet.
Management systems: Kerakoll mentions, among others, ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment), ISO 45001 (health and safety) and ISO 50001 (energy).

So look at the technical data sheet of the product you want to use. Compare scores and classifications there instead of relying on a packaging colour or a slogan.

Tiler wearing a helmet laying tiles in a room under renovation with combed adhesive and spacers

Kerakoll products in this range

At Saniso you will find Kerakoll products for tiling, such as the gel adhesives Kerakoll H40 gel adhesive, grey and Kerakoll H40 gel adhesive, white, and the grouts Kerakoll Fugabella Color grout and Kerakoll Fugalite Color grout. Kerakoll describes Fugabella Color as a cement-and-resin grout and Fugalite Color as a waterproof epoxy grout for demanding rooms. Both are available in the same colour range, so you can match the colour. You can read more about grout colours in our blog on choosing the right grout colour, and about the system in our blog on the Kerakoll tile system. Before you choose a product, always read the technical data sheet and the safety data sheet. Check that the product is suitable for your substrate, your tile and the room.

Working economically: less waste, a better result

Measure and calculate carefully. Determine the area and the adhesive consumption according to the data sheet, and do not buy much more than you need.
Prepare the substrate well. A clean, flat and primed substrate prevents repairs. A deep-penetrating primer may be needed, according to the adhesive's data sheet.
Mix only what you can use. Use a mortar mixer and a construction bucket and mix per portion.
Comb the adhesive well. A suitable notched trowel with soft grip gives an even layer and good bonding.
Lay flat and tight. With a tile levelling system and adjustable 4 mm tile spacers you get a flat result without having to redo tiles.
Grout neatly. Use a grout spreader and clean with a ABS sponge float and floor sponge.
Dispose of leftovers according to the rules. Never pour adhesive or grout down the sink or drain.

You can read how to tile step by step in our blog on tiling a wall and our blog on tiling a floor.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Cement-based and epoxy products can irritate the skin and eyes. Protect yourself:

Gloves: work gloves with nitrile coating protect your hands. With epoxy grout, choose the glove that the safety data sheet prescribes. See our buying guide for work gloves.
Safety glasses: a safety goggles protects against splashes and dust.
Dust mask: an FFP2 dust mask protects when opening and mixing powder products.
Knee pads: knee pads spare your knees on floor work.

You can read more about safe working in our blog on safe working on the construction site.

⚠️ Work with epoxy products only in a well-ventilated room and always follow the safety data sheet.

When do you call a professional?

For large areas, large-format tiles or underfloor heating.
For damp rooms such as a bathroom, where waterproofing is essential.
If in doubt about the substrate or the chosen product.
For epoxy grout in demanding situations.

A professional is never superfluous.

Checklist

Technical data sheet and safety data sheet read.
Certifications (EPD, GreenBuilding Rating) compared, not only the packaging.
Quantity calculated properly.
Substrate prepared.
Mixed per portion, leftovers handled correctly.
Gloves, glasses and mask on.

Frequently asked questions

What is the GreenBuilding Rating?

It is Kerakoll's assessment system for the environmental impact of products, on a scale from ECO 0 to ECO 5 and certified by SGS. You will find a product's score on its technical data sheet.

Is sustainable adhesive as strong as ordinary adhesive?

Sustainability and performance are not mutually exclusive, but strength depends on the product and the application. Read the technical data sheet and choose an adhesive for your tile and substrate.

Which grout suits a wet room?

That depends on the situation. Kerakoll describes Fugalite Color as a waterproof epoxy grout for demanding rooms. In doubt, ask a professional for advice.