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Vinyl flooring without PVC
Vinyl flooring without PVC - a paradox?
The term "vinyl" usually stands for the plastic "polyvinyl chloride", also known by the abbreviation PVC. Strictly speaking, there is no such thing as "vinyl flooring without PVC". However, the term "vinyl" is not clearly defined and is also used for other plastics that contain a substance of the vinyl group in their chemical composition. Today, the term "vinyl flooring", if it is labeled "PVC-free", often refers to a design floor, i.e. primarily a plastic floor. Both types of flooring differ rather rudimentarily in their properties.
A floor made of vinyl, in which PVC has also been processed, on the other hand, differs quite clearly from the above-mentioned floor coverings. The fact that there is no legal obligation to label the material of floor coverings is problematic from a health point of view.
Is vinyl flooring really safe for health and the environment?
Plasticized PVC, due to its indispensable plasticizers, has for decades been in the Criticismfor example, to be carcinogenic or even hormone-modifying. Nevertheless, it is still in circulation today and is contained in countless products. The largest quantities of floor coverings containing PVC are still produced in China. Recently, there has been media-wide criticism of the production conditions here, as the products are often manufactured under conditions of the Forced labor produced by the ethnic group of the Uyghurs.
According to widespread information from various manufacturers and associations, PVC-free vinyl flooring today is absolutely safe. Vinyl flooring - at least the part that comes from Europe and is produced under controlled and regulated production conditions - is considered "clean" today. Nevertheless, neither the Federal Republic itself nor the ECO Institute award their coveted seals and awards (Blue Angel, ECO Institute label) to products containing PVC. Also consumer protection warns before the use of resilient vinyl flooring and advises the Skepticism.
For consumers, clean, PVC-free vinyl flooring is difficult to identify
In the absence of existing labeling requirements, it is also difficult for consumers to recognize whether their favorite floor covering is actually a PVC-free variant. When visiting a DIY store or searching for a suitable floor covering on the Internet, the layman often lacks clear features to distinguish a good floor (PVC-free) from a bad floor (contains PVC). The above-mentioned seals can help here. These guaranteethat the chosen flooring is free of PVC and also low in emissions and pollutants.
What are the alternatives to vinyl flooring?
To be really sure, consumers should definitely look for the imprint of one of the above seals. In addition, other floor coverings can also be considered, provided that they are similar in the desired properties, characteristics and criteria.
Which floor coverings have similar properties, but do not contain harmful plasticizers?
Why CERAMIN® is the perfect alternative to vinyl
CLASSEN legt seit jeher großen Wert auf nachhaltige Produkte für ein optimales Raumklima. Zu einer wohngesunden Umgebung gehören neben verwendeten Materialien wie Werkstoffen für Möbel, Lacken und Kleistern auch PVC-freie Wand- und Bodenbeläge, die prozentual gesehen wohl den Löwenanteil der gesamten Wohnfläche ausmachen. Mit dem neu entwickelten Werkstoff CERAMIN® steht CLASSEN für gesundes Wohnen – selbst für die Kleinsten unter uns. Die CERAMIN®-CERAMIN floors are 100 percent recyclable (winner of the "Best of Sustainability / Disruption 2022" award), robust, durable, moisture- and UV-resistant, and also perfectly suitable for allergy sufferers. The award was given to the CERAMIN®-CERAMIN floor coverings have already been awarded the Blue Angel and the Eco-Institut label. With a large number of decors and a wide variety of surfaces ranging from wood and natural stone looks with maximum naturalness, CERAMIN® for the fact that all premises can be designed according to personal and individual wishes.
All the advantages of CERAMIN®, clearly and in brief:
- healthy for living
- PVC-free, low emissions
- 100 % recyclable - no downcycling, but true circular economy
- manufactured with a high proportion of recycled materials
- robust
- durable
- moisture resistant
- UV-resistant
- suitable for allergy sufferers
- can be laid floating (no further use of potentially harmful adhesives!)
CERAMIN® floor coverings are available in numerous decors, whether natural stone, marble, granite or wood. They convince at all times with their natural design.
