Ian Spreadborough reviews the developments in modular vinyl flooring that are driving forward improved health and sustainability.
MODULAR vinyl flooring and LVT has surged in popularity for commercial and residential spaces thanks to its durability, versatility, and affordability.
Traditional LVT is primarily made from the synthetic polymer, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a material known for its robustness and versatility. However, this poses some environmental challenges owing to the high levels of greenhouse gas emissions associated with PVC manufacturing and the potential release of harmful chemicals like dioxins during its incineration at end of life.
These health and environmental concerns have led to design companies and clients not specifying vinyl-based flooring for some commercial projects.
Manufacturers are responding to market demand for more sustainable options in many innovative ways. The modular vinyl flooring landscape is moving towards products that incorporate increased recycled content and bio-based materials, and innovative approaches that enhance recyclability and reusability, ultimately lowering carbon footprint across the product lifecycle.
Renewable energy production
Major manufacturers now target climate-neutral production, using state-of-the-art facilities powered by renewable electricity and with minimal waste streams, which where possible are diverted back into the production of new product.
For example, woven vinyl manufacturer Bolon reports the solar panels on the roof of their Swedish manufacturing plant cover 25% of their annual electricity demand whereas ntgrate’s Belgian production facility is BREEAM certified for its sustainable practices.
High recycled content
Increasing the recycled content in products reduces the need for virgin materials, lowering the environmental impact of production.
Manufacturers are always striving to increase the percentage of recycled content in their products. The source of this content can be their own production waste streams and end-of-life product or post-industrial waste from products such as window frames and blister packaging. Bolon report an impressive 68% recycled content for their woven vinyl range, as well as no more than a third fossil-based raw materials, demonstrating significant progress in this area.
Bio-sourced materials
Bio-based PVC is derived from plant-based renewable resources such as pulp and paper industry waste, rather than traditional fossil fuel derived material.
Many vinyl-based flooring manufacturers are actively working to increase the bio-based content of their products, whilst not compromising performance. For instance, Tarkett’s iQ Natural range is a homogeneous vinyl featuring a high percentage of bio-attributed content from renewable biomass feedstock.
PVC-free options
Non-PVC alternatives can offer similar performance characteristics to traditional LVT but with a significantly lower environmental impact.
For instance, Shaw Contract EMEA’s new EcoWorx Resilient flooring has comparable performance and aesthetics to LVT yet is PVC-free and 100% closed-loop recyclable. At the end of its life, it can be recycled back into EcoWorx carpet tile.
Circularity
Designing products for recyclability ensures that end-of-life products can be efficiently processed and repurposed, closing the loop in the product lifecycle.
Vinyl is 100% recyclable and can be recycled multiple times without losing performance. Many manufacturers use the REACH list to demonstrate their vinyl products don’t contain harmful substances such as heavy metals, formaldehyde or carcinogenics and are therefore safe to use and recycle.
However, in practice, contaminants and adhesive residues can hamper the recycling process. To address this, adhesive-free installation systems like IOBAC MagTabs and Tab-It eliminate the need for glue, enabling easier and cleaner removal, reuse and recycling.
As the flooring is left uncontaminated, it can be more easily recycled back into new products, supporting manufacturers’ take-back schemes such as Tarkett’s ReStart and Forbo’s Back to the Floor programmes.
Adhesive-free installation not only extends the lifespan of the flooring but also protects the subfloor to which it was affixed, which is often the highest embodied carbon component of a flooring system. This approach saves on remedial costs and reduces the carbon footprint associated with new materials.
IOBAC tabs have been extensively used or approved by leading manufacturers including Forbo, Tarkett, Shaw Contract EMEA, Milliken, Bolon and ntgrate for their LVT and woven vinyl products.
A changing landscape
The landscape of modular vinyl flooring is evolving towards sustainability and improved health standards. Innovations in renewable energy use, high recycled content, bio-sourced materials, and adhesive-free installation systems are driving this transformation with leading manufacturers at the forefront of change.
As the industry continues to innovate, the future promises to be greener, healthier, and more resilient, meeting the growing demand for sustainable building materials while protecting our planet and enhancing indoor environments.
www.iobac.com
Ian Spreadborough is co-founder and
director at IOBAC