Carpet tiles - maximum performance, minimal environmental impact

Many interior designers and businesses are demanding flooring that has good performance, together with environmental credentials.

It is estimated that 60% of commercial carpet sales are for carpet tiles. This is because tiles look good, are easy to clean and replace, and last a long time.

Businesses are also concerned about purchasing materials that are kind to the environment though, and manufacturers are taking notice of these requirements. Some carpet tiles are now 100% recyclable at the end of their life, and tile backing can be made from recycled plastic drinking bottles.

Another way to help the environment is to choose carpet tiles that have insulation properties. This can reduce the amount of energy needed to heat an area.

Carpet tiles can also contribute to a healthier environment, as they can help conform to indoor air-quality standards. Carpet tiles that contain little or no volatile organic compounds (VOC) make rooms safe and healthy to work in and should not affect allergy sufferers.

Many commercial users of carpet tiles are looking beyond the local environmental impact of carpet tiles in their properties. They prefer manufacturers of carpet tiles that have introduced sustainable manufacturing processes and low carbon energy policies in their factories, as these benefit the environment by reducing their carbon footprint.

The ideal carpet tile is durable with acoustic and thermal properties. It has no VOCs and is certified to be environmentally friendly. Increasingly, carpet tile manufacturers are making tiles to fulfil these requirements.