Raw materials
Sustainable construction is not considered optional in our time, rather it is a responsibility that all building owners must own up to.. All of our products are characterised by their high quality and longevity. Polyurethane has long since established itself as a high-tech material in the field of building and interiors as a result of its positive characteristics which allow many innovative features to be developed. We are going even further and are developing sustainable solutions by replacing synthetic raw materials with natural materials.
Both our acoustic systems and our ecological polyurethane floorings are manufactured from sustainable raw materials in a manner that does not compromise technical performance. We are therefore creating solutions which are absolutely safe in terms of their physiological and toxicological attributes and which are setting a benchmark in terms of emissions characteristics.
For example, we use plant-based oils such as canola oil or castor oil in the manufacture of our products as an alternative to raw materials derived from petrochemicals.
We use chalk and sand as other filler materials in our acoustic systems and polyurethane floorings. Chalk is ideal as a filler. It is completely safe, and the only preparation work required is grinding
We only use sustainable HDF core boards sourced from careful and responsible forest management, which have the PEFC seal of approval in our laminate and multi-layer flooring. Wood products which have the PEFC seal of approval can be traced back to ecologically, economically and socially sustainable forestry. (PEFC/04-31-1435)
Basic work
The continuous improvement of the sustainability of our existing products is very important to us. This is why we use PEFC certified HDF core boards and decorative papers for our flooring solutions.
Significant steps in terms of sustainability can also be achieved with a break-through in innovation. Even if this requires the development and launch of new product categories which are based on ‘better’ raw materials.
We are pursuing this goal with ecuran, a polyurethane composite material which is largely based on renewable and natural raw materials such as plant-based oils and chalk. This has reset standards regarding the use of sustainable raw materials. We no longer use questionable ingredients, solvents, formaldehyde, phthalates and other chemicals whose use is regarded as critical for the environment as well as health in any of our product ranges. Hereby, we fulfil the requirements of a wide range of red lists.
But there is a long way to go before these established products are replaced in the market.
An important step in the process is consumer acceptance This is why we place particular emphasis on transparency and continuous inspection by independent institutions. Our polyurethane flooring has been awarded the “Blauer Engel” and the Cradle to Cradle certificates by the Institut Bauen und Umwelt e.V. (Building and Environmental Association).