ATLANTA – June 23, 2017 – Interface was recently awarded the global Quiet Mark certification for superior noise reduction for its Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) products featuring Sound Choice™ backing. The company is the first flooring manufacturer and one of the first organizations headquartered in the U.S. to receive the certification.

Quiet Mark is the international award program for excellence in low-noise technology and solutions to unwanted noise, associated with the U.K. Noise Abatement Society. Quiet Mark encourages companies worldwide to prioritize noise reduction within the design of everyday products, machines and appliances, providing consumers and industry with a trusted mark of approval to help transform the aural environment for the benefit of all.

Sound reduction is especially important in commercial environments with high occupancy rates. A 2013 study from the University of Sydney found that the largest drain on employee morale resulted from a lack of sound privacy. Further, a 2014 study by Steelcase and Ipsos found that noise distractions may cause workers to lose as much as 86 minutes per day.

Interface’s LVT can help improve employee productivity through its sound-absorbing qualities. Interface LVT significantly outperforms other standard hard surface flooring options such as vinyl composition tile (VCT) and polished concrete, particularly through its ability to reduce impact sounds, such as footsteps or dropped objects. Impact sounds can cause floor-to-floor disturbances, and can be particularly problematic in multi-story office, education, healthcare, multi-family and hospitality environments. Interface Sound Choice backing is a standard component of the company’s Level Set™ LVT collection, allowing for improved acoustic additions without the addition of costly underlayments.

“Interface is progressive in its approach to product development and recognition of the importance of a product’s impact and contribution to the user’s experience within a built environment. Not only does their new LVT deliver market-leading sound reduction, but the fact that the acoustic element is built in means that anyone who buys this product will receive the sound-absorbing benefits, even if they are buying it primarily for the style, durability or environmental credentials,” said Quiet Mark Chief Technical Officer Toby Saville.

Other Quiet Mark recognized brands include Dyson, Sharp, Whirlpool, Bosch and Electrolux. Quiet Mark and a number of its awarded brands are featured in a new documentary “In Pursuit of Silence,” which held its U.S. theatrical premiere in June 2017 in New York.

“Quiet Mark certification of our Level Set LVT by the British Noise Abatement Society recognizes our product's unique noise-reducing performance,” said Interface Vice President of Product Innovation and Insights Lisa King. “Interface designs products that are not only environmentally sustainable, but that also create positive experiences and spaces for people and groups."

About Interface
Interface, Inc. is the world's largest manufacturer of modular carpet, and has recently expanded into modular resilient flooring with a new luxury vinyl tile line. Our hard and soft tiles are designed to work together in an integrated flooring system. We are committed to sustainability and minimizing our impact on the environment while enhancing shareholder value. Our Climate Take Back™ mission focuses on driving positive impacts in the world to create a climate fit for life. Recently, Interface was named third on GlobeScan and SustainAbility’s 20th Annual Sustainability Leaders Survey. Interface is the only company to earn a place on the list every year since its inception in 1997. For additional information: interface.com and blog.interface.com. Follow Interface on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Vimeo.

About Quiet Mark
In our stressful lives, we are surrounded by a cacophony of sound that we have little power to stop. The louder the noise around us, the more energy we waste to overcome it, and it is getting worse day by day. If we don’t do something about this soon, our ability to hear the subtle sounds around us will disappear. Quiet Mark has embarked on a journey to transform the situation, to create a demand for the use of quieter technology in our homes, workplace and outdoor environments. Quiet Mark, associated with the Noise Abatement Society charity, sprang from the response to public complaints received by the Society’s 24/7 national noise helpline, concerning the volume of excessive noise made by household tools, appliances and technology which invade the fabric of everyday life. Quiet Mark brings the answer with a universal symbol and system of support for consumers and industry alike to help transform the aural environment for the benefit of all by commending a selection of the quietest technology currently available on the market. The response from industry internationally has been overwhelmingly positive with over 70 leading global brands across first 30 product categories, from dishwashers to garden tools, now on board including Electrolux, Dyson, Miele, Mitsubishi Electric, Logitech and Whirlpool among many others. They have all achieved awards for their quieter products with the distinctive purple Quiet Mark logo. For more information see here: www.quietmark.com.

About the Noise Abatement Society
The remit of this national charity is to abate excessive and unnecessary noise to protect the public and improve the aural environment. Working with Government and Industry for more than fifty years the Noise Abatement Society has achieved a reputation for collaborative partnerships to find practical solutions to noise problems, underscored by programmes to raise awareness and educate about measured, considered and responsible use of sound. Visit www.noiseabatementsociety.com to learn more.