How Vinyl and LVT is Going Sustainable

Vinyl floor coverings are made up of a combination of PVC, fillers and plasticisers to enhance the product performance characteristics. Vinyl floorings are attractive, cost effective and have excellent in-use performance and durability. These properties support lasting, sustainable design.

Sheet and tiles are generally manufactured using one of the following constructions:

• HOMOGENOUS – these products are made up of one or more layers of material of the same composition, colour and pattern throughout their thickness. They are usually made up of a mixture of PVC and mineral fillers. They are manufactured to ensure a consistent, dense and smooth or embossed wear surface.
• HETEROGENOUS – these products are made up of a wear layer and other compact layers which differ in composition and/or design. This construction is common in sheet and tiles with printed designs which are sandwiched between a hard-wearing unfilled PVC wear layer and supported by a filled PVC backing layer. This construction is also used for products with a solid colour wear layer. Heterogenous vinyl products usually incorporate a glass fleece in the backing layer for additional dimensional stability.

Manufacturers continue to prove that thanks to their impressive durability and constantly improving recyclability, vinyl and LVT have a sure place in a more sustainable future. Below highlights some of their environmentally-friendly innovations.

Amtico, for example, is making strides as the first company in the world to offer what they call ‘bio-attributed’ PVC. Amtico’s UK range provides the consumer with the option to upgrade to this environmentally-friendly variation of PVC, which replaces the carbon emissions associated with ethylene with the dramatically reduced environmentally impacts of crude tall oil or cooking oil. The process saves more than 90% of carbon emissions compared to the manufacture of standard fossil fuel derived PVC and is accredited by ISSC (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification) PLUS Certification at every stage. Amtico’s bio-attributed PVC has existed for 12 months out in the market and is picking up sales, especially for government building projects.

At Gerflor, the PVC floors have approximately 25% recycled materials. Some of their more technical products can contain up to 50% recycled materials. These secondary raw materials can come from manufacturing waste, circular economy (laying waste or end of life) or other industries. All Gerflor recycled components are controlled and compliant with European REACH regulations. Its business goal is to continue to increase recycled materials in its products by 2025.

The Karndean Evolve™ strategy made a commitment to reduce carbon emissions by at least 50% by 2023 across six key areas: confronting climate change, sustainable resource use, supply chain transparency, individual health and wellbeing, inclusion and diversity, and education. The manufacturer reported being in the process of setting verifiable science-based targets in line with the standards set by the Business Ambition for 1.5°C Campaign. It is also trialling a scheme with independent retailers and contractors to take back clean off-cuts and recycle into street furniture that, once the company knows the volumes and impact, it hopes to roll out as a full initiative throughout the UK.

For more technical information on vinyl, LVT and resilient flooring visit the CFA Guide to Contract Flooring. To find out more about vinyl and LVT’s sustainability journey and manufacturers paving the way, visit the CFA Guide to Sustainability.