A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION, FROM THE GROUND UP

Polyflor SA, aspires to be as carbon neutral as possible, and has adopted a “cradle to cradle” approach that includes a product lifecycle analysis.

Sourcing of new materials: Polyflor’s homogeneous range of products use up to 85% sustainable materials, with the average being 71%.

Manufacturing: Vinyl’s manufacturing process is the least energy intensive of all flooring products, and embedded energy is further reduced when recycled material is used in place of raw materials.

Packaging: Recycling of various elements of packaging waste is organised on site, with recycled packaging used where possible.

Distribution and transportation: Vinyl flooring is lighter than other flooring materials, allowing reduced fuel consumption in transit, Polyflor SA ensuring sustainable transport of goods.

Installation: Polyflor develops and improves installation methods for its flooring ranges, with increased use of solvent-free adhesives and adhesive free vinyl flooring. Adhesive-free flooring can be recycled and re-used.

Maintenance: The “in-use” phase of any flooring accounts for 80% of its environmental impact. Most Polyflor products have a Polyurethane (PUR) reinforcement coating which ensures superior cleaning benefits, enhanced protection and optimum appearance retention.

Durability: Vinyl offers excellent durability. The longer a product lasts, the less the energy and other resources are needed to make, deliver and install a replacement.

Air quality of the product: All Polyflor ranges have passed key international standards with regards to VOC emissions.

Disposal of the product: Polyflor South Africa also offers a ‘first-of-its-kind’ recycling initiative for vinyl off-cuts. Currently, in South Africa, no technology exists that can separate glue residue from vinyl flooring, making recycling difficult. However, we have just received positive test results approving rip up vinyl (contaminated) to be used in the manufacture of Envirobloc bricks which is an exciting development.