Resilient Flooring
According to the LaGrange, Ga.-based Resilient Floor Covering Institute, resilient flooring encompasses several materials, including vinyl sheet, vinyl composition tile, solid vinyl tile and luxury vinyl tile, linoleum, rubber and cork. These floor coverings have long histories, yet continue to advance in manufacturing technologies and design capabilities.
For example, according to the organization’s website, “member companies are not only changing the ways that resilient flooring products are made, but they’re also changing the materials these products are made from. They’re discovering and implementing green innovations that impact every stage in the product life cycle—from design to manufacturing, delivery, installation, maintenance and beyond.”
RFCI reports its members are
- Using recycled and recyclable materials
- Cutting back on waste generation
- Reducing or eliminating packaging
- Lowering product emissions
- Conserving water use
- Certifying products under the FloorScore Indoor Air Quality Certification Program, which was developed by RFCI with Emeryville, Calif.-based Scientific Certification Systems, a third-party environmental auditing, testing and standards development organization
- Implementing post-consumer recycling programs
- Certifying products under NSF 332, “Sustainability Assessment Program for Resilient Flooring,” which is maintained by NSF International, Ann Arbor, Mich.
Resilient flooring’s versatility makes it popular in commercial-building applications. It is available in roll and tile form and is offered in many colors, shapes and sizes. It especially is a popular choice for schools and recreation centers because of its “bounce-back” qualities.