Smooth flooring

 

1 Natural flooring

 

Linoleum

 

	Recyclable
	Renewable resource
	Non toxic
	Durable
	Biodegradable
	CH4 emissions from fertiliser used in linseed production
	Eutrophication from fertiliser used in linseed production

 

Cork

 

	Can include recycled cork
	Recyclable
	Low embodied energy at factory gates
	Renewable resource
	Biodegradable
	Non toxic
	Durable
	Thermal and insulation properties
	Imported to the UK primarily from Portugal - increasing embodied energy
	Some flooring includes formaldehyde
	Sealants, if used, can produce harmful VOCs

FSC sourced Wood 

	Recyclable and reusable
	Low embodied energy if sourced in the UK
	Renewable resource
	Biodegradable
	Non-toxic
	Durable
	Sealants, if used, can produce harmful VOCs

 

Rubber

	Down-cyclable and reusable
	Renewable resource
	Non-toxic
	Very durable
	Sound absorption properties
	Some rubber floors can include PVC, plasticisers or halogens – Check contents!
	Continuous minor off-gassing needs ventilation
	Incineration generates toxic fumes

Ceramic tiles

	Can include recycled materials
	Recyclable
	Abundant natural resource
	Non-toxic
	Easy maintenance
	Extremely durable
	Usable in wet areas
	High embodied energy
	Imported tiles add to embodied energy

Stone tiles

	Recyclable and reusable
	Abundant natural resource
	Non-toxic
	Easy maintenance
	Extremely durable
	Imported stone adds to embodied energy
	Stone quarrying can degrade the landscape
	Sealants, if used, can produce harmful VOCs

2 Synthetic flooring

Recycled rubber

	Contains recycled rubber (mostly tyres)
	Down-cyclable
	Reusable
	Durable
	Sound absorption properties
	Can be laid without adhesive
	Continuous minor off gassing needs ventilation
	Non-biodegradable
	Some rubber floors can include PVC, plasticizers or halogens – Check contents!
	Incineration generates toxic fumes

Polyolefin (eg polyethylene and polypropylene)

	Theoretically recyclable
	Durable
	Odour-free
	Easy maintenance
	Low emissions in the manufacturing process
	Made from non-renewable petroleum resources
	Petrochemical content - non-renewable resource, emissions associated with extraction & refining
	Non-biodegradable

 

PVC

 

	Theoretically recyclable
	Durable
	Odour-free
	Easy maintenance
	Substantial concerns over the safety of PVC manufacture, use and disposal
	Petrochemical content - non-renewable resource, emissions associated with extraction & refining

 
 

Further information:

• Sustainable Floors website at www.sustainablefloors.co.uk

 

 Floor tile products on GreenSpec

 Floor covering products on GreenSpec
 


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