Business Builder

GreenStep 2024 Nominees: Product

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

FCW is pleased to announce the nominees for the 2024 GreenStep Product Awards. FCW's GreenStep Sustainability Awards program recognizes, promotes and honors organizations and individuals in the flooring industry for their stewardship, initiatives and accomplishments. Below are the nominees for the Product category. For more on the 2024 GreenStep Award nominees, read FCW's May 6 issue.

AHF Products
Ingenious Plank from AHF Products is the Smart Choice in Residential & Commercial Flooring

New Ingenious Plank, just launched across AHF brands including Armstrong Flooring, Bruce and Robbins, is 100 percent PVC-free and 100 percent free of ortho-phthalates, PFAS, halogens, plasticizers, chlorine, heavy metals and conflict materials. The difference is in the core. High performance resin encapsulates the core made of natural wood fibers. With the inclusion of renewable raw materials, it is a responsibly made, sustainable, extremely durable, waterproof resilient floor that is eco-friendly, ideal for residential and light commercial environments and is 40 percent lighter than traditional rigid core products for easy handling and installation. It also features high-fidelity wood visuals in a palette of primarily warm neutral tones intended to bring the colors and textures of the outside world indoors. An attached pad offers enhanced acoustical benefits and adds comfort underfoot.

Amorim Cork Flooring
Bionatural

Bionatural is a cork-based flooring solution with a 100 percent natural and fossil plastic free core.

Its innovative bio core is made of cork, sugar cane waste and natural materials, with a renewable content above 95 percent. The biobased and biodegradable polymers used result in a reduction of carbon emissions, when compared to conventional polymers. All the materials used are sourced from carefully selected suppliers committed to sustainability.

Bionatural is equally impressive on the outside. It's available in cork, wood and stone visuals. The cork visuals are made using natural cork veneers and the wood and stone visuals are achieved through cutting-edge digital printing technology.

The advanced digital printing technology with 3D embossing replicates the look and feel of real wood and stone, with an impressive level of realism, intricate texture and remarkable precision.

Bionatural can be installed in residential and commercial spaces with high traffic. It's also waterproof, making it the right choice for any indoor space, including kitchens and bathrooms.

This flooring solution is the result of four years of R&D and the relentless pursuit of Amorim Cork Flooring to achieve a greener and more sustainable portfolio.

AHF Products
Armstrong Flooring MedinPure Commercial Flooring Homogeneous Vinyl Sheet

MedinPure with Diamond 10 Technology coating is a PVC-free alternative that integrates technology and design, advancing quality of care in healing environments. It is shaping the future of resilient flooring and impactful healthcare design.

MedinPure is a homogeneous sheet free of plasticizers, ortho-phthalates, halogens, isocyanates and Red List Chemicals of Concern. Coordinating PVC-free weld rods offer a solution for aseptic areas demanding infection control. Offering Diamond 10® Technology with Enhanced Traction, Diamond 10 is a no-polish, low-maintenance solution with scratch, stain, scuff and slip resistance. MedinPure has enhanced traction for safety and is durable, easy to clean, low maintenance and meets performance criteria for applications like Healthcare, Assisted Living, Education and Hospitality. MedinPure® is being introduced exclusively to the North American market by AHF Products under the Armstrong Flooring™ brand.

At its core, the collection is an ode to the power of nature and its ability to transform any space into a work of art. MedinPure offers a refreshed color palette that promotes wellbeing. Available in 20 colors, it coordinates with other Armstrong Flooring solutions for design integration. A color story suitable for many environments, every part of the building is covered.

Aperion Surfaces
Aperion Surfaces EcoNova Collection with CarbonCore Technology

Introducing a revolution in flooring and air purification: EcoNova Floors is an oversized 9x60in plank built on CarbonCore Technology that creates a whole new category in flooring and shifts the environmental expectations every human should expect from their surfaces.

The main environmental problems with luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring lie with the large carbon footprint left in the atmosphere from the intrinsic properties of PVC used in manufacturing. The inability to reuse and recycle LVP products means they will not decompose in landfills leaving an environmental hazard that will last generations — until now.

Our technology utilizes a proprietary “carbon core” made with activated bamboo charcoal that reduces environmental gasses like formaldehyde when installed, then decomposes mostly into rocks when disposed of in a landfill. EcoNova Floors contain substantially less PVC and are more than 35 percent lighter than comparable LVP products, making the overall positive environmental impact quite substantial.

EcoNova Floors is the only hard surface flooring solution that captures harmful chemicals in your environment and gradually reduces its carbon footprint over time. We are proud to be the only flooring manufacturer that addresses indoor emissions as well as end-of-lifecycle concerns in the landfill in one product.

CALI Floors
CALI Turf

There are clear environmental advantages to opting for artificial turf over traditional grass lawns. Installing synthetic turf slashes a home’s water use and costs significantly, saving approximately 40 gallons per square foot each year. Artificial turf requires no mowing, saving on gas and electricity consumption from push or riding mowers. With turf, there’s no grass waste — an important consideration given that the EPA reports grass clippings account for the third-largest component of solid municipal waste. Turf also eliminates the need for pesticides or fertilizers, mitigating harm to pollinating insects and preventing harmful runoff into waterways.

CALI Turf goes a “green step” beyond, boasting unique, cutting-edge design innovations that offer even greater eco-benefits than other artificial turf products on the market.

Crafted from polypropylene and polyethylene, CALI Turf is fully recyclable — an intentional design choice underscoring a brand commitment to environmental responsibility. Unlike some turf alternatives, CALI Turf is free from lead and phthalates and adheres to the same rigorous chemical safety standards as children's toys. This feature is invaluable for households with kids and pets, who can be more susceptible to chemical sensitivities. While many other turf products utilize crumb rubber infill, which can wash away, leach chemicals into the soil and contribute to harmful runoff, CALI Turf uses Envirofill with Microban. This specialized filler is eco-friendly, non-toxic, allergen-free and antimicrobial while helping to combat pet odor for a healthier outdoor space. CALI Turf also boasts a highly durable construction, backed by a 15-year residential warranty. Beyond its initial use, it can be repurposed as a ground covering in dog parks or beneath playsets, extending its lifespan and reducing waste.

CALI Turf not only conserves water and reduces maintenance costs, but also prioritizes environmental stewardship through its innovative design. By choosing CALI Turf, homeowners can enhance and enjoy their outdoors while contributing to a greener future.

Dal-Tile, LLC
Daltile, Marazzi, American Olean Sustainability Efforts

We strive to create beautiful tile designs responsibly. Our efforts include:

99 percent of our collections have recycled materials.
Our North American facilities recover and reuse more than 300 million pounds of recycled/reclaimed material per year.
2018 to present, we reduced our carbon footprint by 17 percent.
We recover and reuse 84 percent of all process wastewater generated in our plants to make tile products.
Our measures have prevented over 125 million gallons of wastewater from entering municipal water treatment facilities.
We have reduced energy consumption by 11 percent at company-owned Sales Service Centers and distribution facilities.
Our tiles are made from water, clay, sand, feldspar and other minerals and contain no VOCs, PVCs, allergens or formaldehyde.
We have developed EPDs and HPDs for our core companies.
Our sustainability commitment is one of the core pillars of our business.

HMTX Industries
HMTX Launches SRP TPU Flooring

Introduced by HMTX Industries, SRP TPU Flooring is an alchemy of responsible beauty designed to transform waste plastic bottles into flooring. The equivalent of 2.14 16 ounce PET plastic bottles are upcycled into each square foot of SRP TPU and built into a chemistry allowing the planks to be upcycled.

SRP TPU utilizes a simple chemistry of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to create a new category of resilient for HMTX, blending performance, sustainability and wellness. These materials provide confidence in the wear of the present and trust in the manufacturer. SRP TPU Flooring’s construction creates opportunity for sustainable impact and its patent-pending construction is circular.

Utilizing our dynamic and industry-leading global supply chain expertise, HMTX is developing a domestic take-back program to recapture SRP TPU's installation waste and end-of-use planks and tiles. Consumers will be sent packaging to return product, which will be reused as a raw material in future product. Because of its simple chemistry, this process can be repeated without losing product integrity.

SRP TPU Flooring comes in rigid core and dryback constructions. Offered in an initial 15 SKUs, SRP TPU’s design sensibility is matched only by its quality and potential impact on the future of flooring.

I4F
Patented, sustainable rigid bio-cork composite is 100 percent plastic, PVC free

Exclusively available via i4F, the new sustainable rigid bio-cork composite patented technology offers a revolutionary solution that is 100 percent plastic and PVC free.

At its core lies a unique bio-cork composite, meticulously crafted from cork particles and other bio and recycled materials. End products boast an exceptionally low-to-negative carbon footprint. Despite its eco-friendly composition, it equals and even outperforms traditional rigid-core products, delivering durability and sustainability in equal measure.

Rigid bio-cork composite is a magic formula delivering the perfect blend of sustainability and performance. For more information, visit https://i4f.com/rigid-bio-cork-composite/.

MP Global
QuietBoard

QuietBoard is an acoustical and insulating fiber board made of recycled materials that relieves up to 65,000 pounds of joint stress a day when added under flooring materials with padding.

It not only reduces noise, but provides support for many flooring types. Its dense recycled fiber construction increases stability and minimizes flex between planks, making floors feel more comfortable. Its compression resistance provides support and it will raise the height of the subfloor, reducing trips and correcting gaps below your door.

With our exclusive ECO-WICK System, our underlayment is designed to wick away up to five times its weight in moisture. Encouraging constant airflow, it prevents moisture from becoming trapped.

Its fibers are treated with an antimicrobial and integrated with a metallicized film barrier allowing the concrete to breathe and protecting your family from mold and mildew while providing thermal reflective properties for energy efficiency.

QuietBoard comes in easy-to-handle panels and installs with no extra tools needed. It also contains no VOCs, as it has the UL GREENGUARD Gold Certification.

I4F
RenewaSRP — Rigid Core TPU technology: Flooring circularity that lives on for generations

RenewaSRP is a new Rigid Core TPU patent-pending recyclable technology developed to alleviate the challenge of single-use plastics. Two plastic bottles* (PET) are upcycled into each square foot of SRP flooring, with a cross-linked polyurethane top layer, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) core layer and a cross-linked foam back layer.

Ultimately, the composition is transformed to an engineered thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) which becomes the foundation of a single polymer construction. In a first for the flooring industry, and after a lifetime of use and reuse, Renewa SRP TPU rigid core-based flooring is designed to be recovered and remade into new flooring with the exact same characteristics: forged from the ground up for a circular economy.

RenewaSRP enabled flooring products are initially made from more than 20 PET water bottles per square meter of flooring, helping to reduce the amount of waste plastics in the environment. Planks and tiles are engineered to be recycled into new Renewa SRP flooring when they reach their end-of-life while maintaining product performance and quality.

Flooring is regenerated, revived and relives, never going to landfill. The real power of RenewaSRP is its ability to live on.

Mohawk Flooring
PureTech

Mohawk’s new PureTech flooring is PVC free and made from recycled and renewable materials developed to help retailers reach eco-conscious consumers.

The emerging concept of social responsibility is more important than ever before in when a consumer is making a purchase. Research shows that consumers who purchase LVT have a 60 percent higher consideration for the effect on the environment.

As a sustainable alternative to WPC and SPC, it's made from 70 percent recycled content. Its organic core contains 80 percent renewable, plant-based material. Tagged as renewable polymer core, or RPC, it allows retailers to go to the market with something original.

PureTech also features WetProtect which offers a lifetime surface and subfloor waterproof warranty. It is three times more scratch resistant and backed by a no-hassle pet scratch warranty. Expertly crafted with premium embossing and a beveled and painted edge, its realistic finish embodies natural hardwood at comparable market pricing.

Every purchase of PureTech goes toward stopping ocean plastic in collaboration with Plastic Bank. To tell the Plastic Bank story, Mohawk’s “Live Pure” campaign comes to life on PureTech’s merchandising with advertising assets available in the Mohawk Ad Center and full-service marketing support through Edge Local Advertising.

MS International
Everlife Smithcliffs Lanston Oak Hybrid Rigid Core

Lanston Oak Hybrid Rigid Core from the Everlife Smithcliffs Collection presents a blend of oaky beige and warm tan hues, accentuated by knots and grains, resulting in flooring that showcases a refined aesthetic. This hybrid rigid core flooring incorporates patent pending DryLuxe™ waterproof technology, ensuring resilience. These 7.7˝ × 48˝ planks offer a 20mil equivalent wear rating, delivering 50 percent enhanced scratch protection compared to vinyl alternatives. Featuring the CrystaLux Ultra™ protection layer, it provides an additional shield against everyday wear. Its beveled edge enhances its authentic appearance, while the 2MM closed cell pad guarantees optimal sound mitigation and comfort.

Lanston Oak Hybrid Rigid Core from the Everlife® Smithcliffs™ Collection presents additional benefits, including:

100 percent PVC free
Built with renewable resources
FloorScore and GreenGuard Gold certified to promote high quality indoor air quality
USGBC LEED point eligible to support green building practices
Built to last with timeless designs, backed by lifetime residential warranty

Shaw Industries
Shaw Introduces EcoWorx Resilient

Shaw’s EcoWorx carpet tile transformed commercial when launched in 1999 and this year, Shaw has brought that innovation to hard surface with EcoWorx Resilient.

EcoWorx Resilient represents Shaw’s commitment to help customers succeed while considering the impact of design to people AND the planet while addressing performance, design, cost and sustainability expectations.

It utilizes direct digital print and performs equal to or better than traditional luxury vinyl. It's cost competitive, PVC-free, recyclable through Shaw’s re[TURN] Reclamation Program, has a low embodied carbon footprint and is carbon neutral. The platform will be available via Patcraft and Shaw Contract, beginning in June 2024.

Sika
SikaBond-T100

SikaBond-T100 is a hybrid polyurethane wood flooring adhesive containing no VOCs, solvents and isocyanates and helps contribute to LEED credits. This one-component adhesive offers unlimited subfloor moisture protection, crack bridging and sound reduction and can be used for solid or engineered wood, parquet, wood paving, chip boards and plywood and cleans easily off prefinished floors before and after cure. Once cured, it generates a strong bond and forms a membrane, reducing moisture vapor and sound transmission to meet local IIC and STC requirements. It has been independently tested and certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label Plus Program for Indoor Air Quality

Tarkett
Johnsonite Triumph & Inertia

Tarkett’s Johnsonite Triumph and Inertia rubber tile sports flooring balance sustainability, design and performance. The collections are made with up to 40 percent recycled content and are Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver. An EPD for Johnsonite rubber sports floor shows its cradle to gate carbon footprint is up to 20 percent lower than equivalent products. This non-PVC flooring is free of ortho-phthalates, PFAS and antimicrobials. At their end of use, Triumph and Inertia can be returned through Tarkett’s ReStart® take-back and recycling program.

Triumph and Inertia’s latest patterns and colorways (coming May 2024) inspire next-level performance and elevate the design of health and wellness spaces for every activity and fitness level. Olio captures the movement of oil and watercolor paints; Minerality emulates stone;'s color variation and, Speckled features multi-colored chips for subtle patterning. Johnsonite’s color technology and color experts allow customers to match any hue.

Designed with a 3/8˝ thickness to resist ice skates, golf cleats and dropped weights, Triumph is the toughest tile in the Johnsonite lineup. The cushion helps absorb noise and resist impact on joints, while a closed-cell surface makes it easy to maintain. Inertia’s ¼˝ thickness is perfect for areas without heavy foot traffic, free weights or equipment like locker rooms, yoga studios and physical therapy and light fitness centers.

Taylor Adhesives
Signature Line

Experience the pinnacle of flooring adhesive innovation with Taylor Adhesives’ Signature Line — the epitome of advanced solutions within the industry. Ranging from residential to heavy commercial settings, our high-performance, user-friendly formulations redefine efficiency and economy. Engineered with a commitment to environmental responsibility, multiple products within the line boast low VOC and low odor properties, ensuring a healthier indoor environment. Certified by renowned authorities such as GREENGUARD, FloorScore, CRI Green Label Plus and Material Health, our Signature Line products exemplify excellence in sustainability and quality assurance.