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The most popular floor coverings in 2024: a look at their recyclability
Replacing floor coverings is, according to the Renovation study 2024, conducted by B+L Marktdaten GmbH, on the most common modernisation measures in German households. But while many renovators have visual or practical reasons in mind, the question increasingly arises: how recyclable are the common floor coverings actually? In times when sustainability is playing an increasingly important role, the recyclability of materials is becoming a key factor. We take a look at carpet, parquet, laminate, tiles, PVC and vinyl flooring and their recyclability
Carpets lose out, laminate and luxury floor coverings win
According to the renovation study, 30.4 per cent of the households surveyed replaced their flooring in at least one room in the last year. The study shows interesting shifts in material preferences: while carpets and parquet are still laid in around a fifth of homes, other materials are often chosen when laying is required. Parquet remains popular, while laminate and, in particular, luxury flooring are increasing significantly and overtaking the amount of carpeted floors. The trend is towards
Sustainable flooring – a missed opportunity?
But how sustainable are these popular materials really? Consumers are often unaware of how poorly some of the most common floor coverings perform in terms of recyclability. Although many products are marketed as durable or environmentally friendly, the reality is often different. A closer look at the individual materials shows that the recyclability of many floor coverings is significantly lower than one might assume, and that there is still a lot of room for improvement in terms of sustainability:
- Carpeting is often made of petroleum-based synthetic fibres such as nylon or polyester, which are difficult to recycle. These materials are not biodegradable and their reuse is complex because there are often different layers of materials and adhesives involved. A large proportion of carpets end up in landfills or are incinerated at the end of their life cycle, resulting in the release of greenhouse gases and pollutants.
- Parquet is made of wood, a renewable raw material, which makes it appear more sustainable at first glance. However, it is important that consumers ensure that the wood comes from sustainable forestry and that the entire processing is environmentally friendly. Certificates such as FSC or PEFC provide information on whether ecological and social standards were observed during the harvesting and processing of the wood.
- PVC/vinyl is often advertised as theoretically recyclable because the plastic itself can be reused. In practice, however, this is difficult because vinyl flooring is often glued to the subfloor. harmful plasticisers and heavy metals. These additives make recycling considerably more difficult, as they impair the quality of the recycled material. In most cases, these floor coverings also end up being incinerated or sent to landfill.
- Laminate consists largely of wood fibres, which are recyclable in principle. However, the top layer consists of plastics, resins and adhesives, which cannot always be reused. As a rule, the majority of the material is incinerated in the case of low-quality laminate. Pay attention to the quality of the goods in order to reduce the ecological footprint.
- Tiles are considered extremely durable and resilient. They are often made of ceramic materials that can last for decades. However, there is a lack of functioning recycling systems, so old tiles are usually disposed of in landfills when they need to be replaced. While their long lifespan is an advantage, the end of their life cycle is problematic from a sustainability perspective.
LVT is characterised by its extreme versatility and, depending on the supplier, is composed of different materials and can also be recycled in different ways. Some products are contaminated with PVC, which affects their health and recyclability. There are also some sustainable alternatives like our CERAMIN® Products that are not only environmentally friendly, but also meet high standards of design and functionality. When buying design flooring, look for the appropriate seals that guarantee the sustainability and recyclability of the products.
Trust is good – quality seals are better
When buying sustainable flooring, consumers should look for well-known seals and certifications. These labels indicate not only the quality of the products, but also their environmental friendliness and lack of health hazards. The Blue Angel, for example, stands for high environmental standards and is a reliable sign that the flooring is free of harmful substances and has been sustainably manufactured.
Similarly, the certifications of the Eco-Institut guarantee a comprehensive examination of materials and manufacturing processes. By choosing floor coverings that have been awarded such prestigious certifications, you are not only supporting the environment but also contributing to a sustainable lifestyle. This way, you can be sure that your choice is not only aesthetically pleasing but also responsible.
Conclusion: sustainability begins with choosing the right floor covering
The 2024 renovation study shows that the trend towards designer and vinyl flooring continues unabated. But if you are looking for a sustainable flooring option, you should take a closer look. Many of the popular floor coverings are still far from being recyclable. We are addressing this issue with CERAMIN.® a different approach and offer a future-proof solution: a floor covering that not only looks and feels great, but also meets the high standards of environmental friendliness and recyclability. For those looking for durable, easy-care and healthy flooring for their home, CERAMIN is the perfect choice.® Collections guarantees a suitable and sustainable alternative. This not only beautifies your own home, but also makes an active contribution to conserving resources.
