Truly sustainable floor coverings
August, 2022
TRANSPRESS
From how they are made, to how they perform, Forbo Flooring Systems make truly sustainable floor coverings that are good for people, good for their application and good for the environment.
Ever since we began making floor coverings, starting with linoleum more than 100 years ago, we have been committed to creating better environments in all the spaces in which people, work, live, travel, relax, learn and play. Today, with a vastly increased range of product choices, we remain every bit as passionate about sustainable floor coverings.
At the forefront of sustainable entrepreneurship for over three decades, we were the first in using Environmental Product Declarations (EPD’s). This remains our transparent way to calculate the environmental impact of our raw materials and processes, as well as the products life cycle.
When it comes to product design and production, we follow the 4R principle of `Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Renew` for all our collections. The design process is central to reducing raw material requirements, reusing factory waste, recycling old products and employing renewable raw material. Following green design principles means working with circular economy principles in mind as well.
Furthermore, 100% of the electricity we buy for all of our production sites, comes from renewable sources.
Marmoleum FR2 is CO2 neural naturally, cradle to gate
Marmoleum FR² and Marmoleum Striato FR are linoleum floor coverings made from natural materials. Floor coverings associated with sustainability, durability, high quality and innovative design. Created using a high percentage of natural raw materials, with renewable and recycled content, offering a sustainable solution to rail interior design.
In simple terms, the CO₂ produced in the extraction, transportation and manufacturing process of Marmoleum FR² is balanced by the removal of CO₂ through the growing of its natural ingredients such as flax, jute and rosin.
Both have been independently confirmed as CO₂ neutral floor coverings in the cradle to gate phase of the product’s life cycle, without the need for offsetting. In simple terms, the CO₂ produced in the extraction, transportation and manufacturing process of Marmoleum FR²/ Striato FR is balanced by the removal of CO₂ through the growing of its natural ingredients such as flax, jute and rosin.
Marmoleum FR2 is also naturally bacteriostatic, meaning it actively prevents the growth of harmful bacteria. In fact, it has been independently proven to supress the spread and growth of numerous infections, including MRSA, Norovirus and C Difficile. This protection is active from the point of installation and will not diminish in quality over time.
What’s more, it is a floor covering solution that is easy to clean and maintain as well as durable, safe and comfortable for both wheeled and foot traffic. Awarded the prestigious Allergy UK Seal of Approval as, with the correct cleaning and maintenance regime, it won't harbour dust mites, contributing to a better indoor environment for all.
All Marmoleum FR2 floor coverings include Topshield pro, a double layer, UV cured finish that is scratch, and scuff resistant, easy to maintain and ensures long lasting appearance retention. Our Topshield pro finish features a two-layer system that can be repaired or refreshed in cases of damage or after many years of use. Because the floor lasts for so long and is so easy to clean, Marmoleum FR2 has a low cost of ownership.
Flotex FR is really hygienic compared to other textile floor coverings
Thanks to its unique construction, Flotex FR is one of the world’s most hygienic textile floor coverings available on the market. A flocked floor covering that combines the cleaning properties and durability of a resilient with the comfort, slip resistance and acoustic properties usually associated with textiles. In addition, it is a textile floor covering that can be digitally printed, allowing for great design freedom.
Containing over 70 million upright fibres per m2, Flotex FR is exceptional at capturing fine dust particles and allergens in the air, significantly improving the air quality within rail vehicles. Vacuuming Flotex FR removes twice as many allergens than from conventional carpet due to its design allowing it to be cleaned down to the base of the pile. Thus why Flotex is the only textile floor covering to receive the Allergy UK Seal of Approval.
Flotex FR floor coverings are waterproof and washable with many different cleaning products. Importantly, it is fast drying, maximising the efficiency of the cleaning process. When tested against six other carpet constructions, Flotex FR far outperformed its competition, having only 0.57% moisture remaining two hours following cleaning.
Coral FR prolongs the lifetime of interior rail floor coverings
Stopping up to 95% of walked-in dirt and moisture, effective entrance floor coverings can prolong the life of your rail vehicle interior floor coverings and finishes, as well as greatly reducing cleaning costs and the risk of slipping. With almost 50 years of experience, Coral FR offers you the best entrance flooring solutions for your entrance areas on board rail vehicles.
As an alternative to fully adhering the floor covering to the subfloor, Coral FR can also be supplied with alternative backing types for quicker and easier installation and replacement.
Coral Brush FR, Coral Duo FR and Coral Welcome FR entrance floors all use Econyl® yarn which is made from used and abandoned fishing nets. Using Econyl® is a way to reduce existing waste, avoid additional manufacturing-related pollution, and keep the consumption of natural resources and energy to a minimum.
All the waste yarn from the Coral FR production is re-used by the yarn supplier and virtually zero landfill is achieved by the manufacturing plant.
