Innovations in Resilient Flooring
Material Future: What a Healthy, Sustainable PVC-Free Resilient Flooring Spec can Look Like
Demand continues to grow for sustainable alternatives to PVC flooring. From the raw materials chosen to the energy source used during production to the safety and lasting performance of the flooring solution, manufacturers are bringing out new flooring solutions that take human and environmental health seriously.
Photo courtesy of Matter Surfaces and provided by Windmoeller Inc.
Understanding what drives performance and the meaning behind industry testing standards allows designers to identify PVC-free resilient flooring materials suitable for commercial environments. Identifying the sustainability and carbon footprint attributes of PVC-free resilient flooring materials allows for confident environmental decision-making.
Photo courtesy of Matter Surfaces and provided by Windmoeller Inc.
Not only can bio-based polyurethane flooring achieve exceptional durability and performance, but leading compositions can also attain certifications including Cradle to Cradle Certified®, FloorScore, and GREENGUARD Gold.
Advances in highly resilient bio-based polyurethane flooring allow the product to attain both high performance and a composition of natural ingredients. Newer composite materials are being produced from plant-based oils such as castor oil and naturally occurring mineral components like chalk. These formulations completely avoid the use of plasticizers, solvents, or chlorine. Leading bio-based polyurethane compositions meet ASTM F3403 and F3404 specification standards, are up to five times more durable than LVT, and surpass the standard chair caster test requirement for commercial flooring by more than 25 times. Certifications for bio-based polyurethane resilient flooring include Cradle to Cradle Certified®, FloorScore, and GREENGUARD Gold, as well as third-party verified Declare LBC compliance. Leading manufacturers make products in facilities powered by electricity from renewable sources, such as solar photovoltaic systems, climate-neutral green electricity, and climate-neutral process heat.
Sunnyvale Elementary's hallways and classrooms were transformed. The bio-based polyurethane flooring gleamed in an array of colors, each section reflecting a different learning theme–from a calming ocean scene to a stimulating jungle adventure. The easy-to-clean surface meant less time spent on maintenance and more time for learning. The school community had peace of mind knowing their environment was not only beautiful but also healthy and sustainable. The "Colorful Crusade," as it came to be known, proved that functionality and aesthetics could co-exist, creating a space that nurtured both the minds and bodies of Sunnyvale's young learners, all while contributing to a greener future.
SOURCES
1 “Healthy Environments: What’s New (and What’s Not) With PVC". Perkins & Will Research. January 6, 2017. Accessed May 20, 2024.
2 Kaiser Permanente. Safer Products. Accessed May 20, 2024.
3 Harvard University. Sustainable Purchasing Guide. Accessed May 20, 2024.
4 “Two New Standards Cover Performance Requirements for Polyurethane Flooring.” ASTM International. February 25, 2022. Accessed May 21, 2024.
Amanda Voss, MPP, is an author, editor, and policy analyst. Writing for multiple publications, she has also served as the managing editor for Energy Design Update.