The 3Ps of sustainability have everything to do with People, Planet and Profit. By understanding the interaction between these pillars, companies can create new opportunities for growth, make a positive social impact, and contribute to a more sustainable future. But how does the flooring industry relate to people?.
People: empowering lives and promoting well-being
The ‘People’ pillar, within the 3 P's of sustainability, recognizes that the success of any organization lies in the hands of its people. Prioritizing employee well-being, diversity, and inclusivity leads to better performance, innovation, and a happier workforce. Flooring manufacturers bear a great responsibility for the working conditions of flooring installers, as these depend heavily on the size, weight, and shape of the delivered flooring product.
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment has instructed employers to organize work in accordance with strict regulations regarding lifting, kneeling, sitting, and squatting. In general, to organize physical labor in the least stressful manner for an employee. A general acceptance in the Dutch market is the non-delivery of products weighing more than 23 kg (50.6 lbs). This has led to a major change in application from rolls of carpet to carpet tiles. On the side of resilient floors, however, major manufacturers still deliver rolls weighing more than 200 kg (440 lbs), thereby ignoring their social responsibility and concern for the concept of sustainability with regard to flooring installers.
According to labor legislation, you are not allowed to work on your knees for longer than 30 minutes at a time, with a maximum of 60 minutes per day. Laying rolls of linoleum, rubber, or PVC is very heavy work and practically unfeasible under these regulations. Pourable floor finishes (Corks is a liquid linoleum based on natural materials), which can be installed vertically, have major advantages and contribute to better working conditions.
Planet
The 3 P's of sustainability have everything The ‘P’ in Planet stands for the organization's commitment to environmental stewardship. A forward-thinking organization takes a proactive approach to promoting a thriving natural living environment and addressing environmental challenges. This commitment can be expressed in various ways, such as implementing a robust waste recycling policy, selecting suppliers based on sustainability considerations (preferring regional over international options), and promoting eco-friendly forms of mobility.
Profit:
The third ‘P’ stands for Profit/Prosperity and emphasizes the importance of a robust financial position for the organization's viability. Maintaining a healthy financial position is fundamentally important, as profitability is the foundation of the business. Adding economic value becomes a precondition for improving the other two dimensions.
