When is a floor eco-friendly?

If you are looking for a new floor, it is important to consider the environment. Fortunately, there are more and more floors that are eco-friendly. But what actually makes a floor environmentally friendly? There are several factors that determine this. In this article, we take a closer look at these factors and discuss the different types of eco-friendly flooring available

Environmentally friendly materials

The materials used in a floor are crucial to its environmental friendliness. Here are some materials that are considered eco-friendly:

NATURAL MATERIALS

Natural materials, like cork, wood and bamboo, are sustainable and renewable. When these materials are harvested, the trees are not destroyed and can be grown again. Natural materials are also biodegradable and generally have fewer harmful chemicals than synthetic materials.

RECYCLED MATERIALS

Recycled materials, such as recycled wood, glass and rubber, reduce landfill waste and save natural resources. Moreover, recycling materials uses less energy than extracting new raw materials.

MATERIALS WITH LOW VOC CONTENT

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are harmful chemicals released from some materials, such as paints and glues. Low-VOC materials are less harmful to indoor air quality and reduce exposure to toxic substances.

The eco-friendly materials described above can all be found in our atelier.

Production process

Besides the materials used in a floor, the production process also has a big impact on its environmental friendliness. We have listed some characteristics of an eco-friendly production process:

Energy efficiency: During the production process, eco-friendly factories pay attention to reducing energy and greenhouse gas emissions.
Waste management: Factories that manage waste efficiently minimise the amount of waste sent to landfill 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 eco-friendly floors be recognised by?

There are several certificates by which eco-friendly floors can be recognised. Duracryl is a company that values sustainability, which is why all our floors carry the Declare® Red List Free certificate.

The Red List lists chemicals, materials and elements used in the construction industry that are known to pose serious risks to human health and the wider ecosystem. Declare® Red List Free acts as a ‘value label’ for building materials and is the gold standard for environmental certification and product transparency. Floors with Red List Free certification offer absolute peace of mind for anyone who wants to create a healthier, safer and more sustainable home, office or building.

In addition, all floors are also EPD-certified, which stands for Environmental Product Declaration. This shows the extent to which the floors have a positive impact on the environment.

Is eco-friendly flooring more expensive than traditional flooring?

An eco-friendly floor may be more expensive than a traditional floor, but this is not always the case. Prices can vary depending on the type of flooring and the manufacturer. It is important to compare different options before making a choice. Important to include in your consideration is the lifespan of the floor.

How long does an eco-friendly floor last?

The lifespan of an eco-friendly floor depends on several factors, such as the type of flooring, usage and maintenance. In general, eco-friendly floors have a long lifespan and can last for many years.

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