TREADING LIGHTLY
Sustainable living is about conscious lifestyle choices, reducing waste, preserving resources and minimising our carbon footprint. As environmental awareness accelerates, so too has innovation in the world of sustainable flooring. Beyond aesthetics, sustainable materials such as bamboo, cork, engineered hardwood, certain laminates and reclaimed wood offer tangible benefits, from contributing positively to the environment to enhancing air quality. But in a world of options, where do you start?
Here are some aspects to consider when weighing up whether a flooring option is truly eco-friendly or not:
Source of materials: Where do the raw materials hail from? Sustainable manufacturing begins with the selection of renewable raw materials from responsibly managed forests (thus reducing depletion of natural resources). Sustainable flooring should be endorsed by certified environmental organisations, and locally sourced materials mean lower carbon costs in terms of delivery. “The sustainable use of wood as a raw material and concern for the environment shape all our decisions,” says flooring specialist André Louw of MacNeil, suppliers of KRONOTEX Laminate in sub-Saharan Africa. “With our certified environmental management system according to ISO 14001, KRONOTEX is continuously optimising our consumption of resources.”
Manufacturing: Are the manufacturing processes for the product sustainable? Choose products from manufacturers committed to reducing their carbon emissions during production – do they employ energy-efficient processes, use recycled materials or recycle waste, and avoid the use of harmful chemicals in their products?
Recyclability: Does the product contain recycled elements, or can it be upcycled when it’s time for a change? Recovering resources such as these contributes to a circular economy while reducing landfill waste. The Southern African Vinyl Association (SAVA), for example, is spearheading an industry-wide vinyl floor collection and recycling initiative. As part of an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programme, vinyl floor suppliers are increasingly tasked with demonstrating that their products are being responsibly collected and recycled. The pilot phase of this initiative will focus on recycling off-cuts, with the goal of eventually including ripped-up vinyl floors. “Solving the complex issue of vinyl floor recycling requires collective action,” says Monique Hinds of SAVA. “We need the participation of everyone in the industry to make this project a success.”
Lifespan, durability and maintenance: Will the floor stand the test of time? Durable floors (especially if maintained correctly) reduce the need for replacements – and the overall carbon footprint. Bamboo and cork (fast-growing alternatives to hardwood), for example, are ideal for high-traffic areas owing to their durability.
Indoor air quality: Does the product negatively affect your indoor air quality? For synthetic flooring, opt for products that are non-toxic or very low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene or formaldehyde. According to Hinds, “Eliminating the use of harmful chemicals in manufacturing is one of the key initiatives embraced by SAVA members as part of its Product Stewardship Commitment.”
Packaging, transportation and installation: Is the flooring packed effectively – or using recycled or biodegradable packaging – while reducing waste? Are conscious logistics processes in place to offset carbon emissions? During installation, are solvent-free adhesives used? Sustainable flooring products should have a minimal environmental impact throughout their lifecycle, including disposal. “We plan and act in cycles – from prudent product planning and raw material procurement, efficient, environmentally compatible production processes and logistics solutions, to the recycling of materials used,” says Louw.
Opting for sustainable flooring is a responsible choice that positively impacts our environment. By choosing eco-friendly, low-emission, durable materials, we can create beautiful spaces, at the same time lightening our carbon footprints and paving the way for a greener future.
