If you are looking for a new floor, it is important to also take the environment into account. Fortunately, there are more and more flooring options that are environmentally friendly. But what actually makes a floor environmentally friendly? There are several factors that determine this. In this article, we will delve deeper into these factors and discuss the different types of environmentally friendly flooring available.
Eco-friendly materials
The materials used in a floor are of crucial importance to its environmental friendliness. Here are some materials that are considered environmentally friendly:
NATURAL MATERIALS
Natural materials, such as chicken, wood and bamboo, are durable and renewable. When harvesting these materials, the trees are not destroyed and can be regrown. The natural materials are also biodegradable and generally contain fewer harmful chemicals than synthetic materials.
RECYCLED MATERIALS
Recycled materials, such as recycled wood, glass, and rubber, reduce the amount of waste in landfills and conserve natural resources. In addition, recycling materials uses less energy than extracting new raw materials.
LOW-VOC MATERIALS
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are harmful chemicals released from certain materials, such as paint and glue. Low-VOC materials are less harmful to indoor air quality and reduce exposure to toxic substances.
The environmentally friendly materials as described above can all be found in our studio.
production process
Besides the materials that are processed into a floor, the production process also has a major impact on environmental friendliness. We have listed some characteristics of an environmentally friendly production process:
- Energy efficiency: During the production process, eco-friendly factories focus on reducing energy and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Waste management: Factories that manage waste efficiently minimize the amount of waste that is landfilled and reduce the burden on the environment. It is therefore important to check how the manufacturer handles waste and whether there are recyclable or biodegradable options.
- Maintenance and disposal: The maintenance and disposal of the floor affect its lifespan and environmental friendliness.
What certificates can be used to identify eco-friendly flooring?
There are various certificates by which environmentally friendly floors can be recognized. Duracryl is a company that holds sustainability in high regard, which is why all floors are provided with the Declare® Red List Free certificate.
The Red List includes chemicals, materials, and elements used in the construction industry that are known to pose serious risks to human health and the broader ecosystem. Declare® Red List Free acts as a ‘value label’ for building materials and is the gold standard for environmental certification and product transparency. Flooring with the Red List Free certificate offers absolute peace of mind for anyone looking to create a healthier, safer, and more sustainable home, office, or building.
