Article Number : 2666 |
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| Date | 11/9/2007 8:13:37 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=2666 |
| Abstract | By Louis Iannaco Cork has enjoyed steady growth in recent years due mainly to its green story. But new technologies and innovations have taken the category to new aesthetic heights. To that end, several manufacturers have launched new offerings... |
| Article | By Louis Iannaco Cork has enjoyed steady growth in recent years due mainly to its green story. But new technologies and innovations have taken the category to new aesthetic heights. To that end, several manufacturers have launched new offerings. Natural Cork, for example, has entered into an exclusive agreement with Microban, a brand of antimicrobial additives, to introduce Corkshield, an underlayment for floating floors with an aluminum backing to act as a moisture barrier. “We consider it to be the best underlayment on the market being natural, forever resilient, anti-mold and moisture proof,” said Philippe Erramuzpe, COO. Erramuzpe noted there was a clear need for this type of product. “After extensive testing we discovered that cork, when exposed to mold and bacteria for an extended period of time, could still get infected, albeit showing more resistance than many other materials,” he said. “Mold is a major issue of concern in indoor living, a major cause of the development of allergies and asthma, and can be damaging as it breaks down organic matter. Floating floors aren’t adhered to subfloors, and the void between the floor and the subfloor, with moisture from condensation and warmth, and no light creates an environment for mold/bacteria. “We also added Microban in the backing of our core planks. This, combined with our fiberboard in which there is no added formaldehyde, makes Natural Cork’s floating floors the healthiest cork flooring and one of the healthiest flooring alternatives. The added benefits of Microban will give the consumer peace of mind and a trade-up opportunity for the retailer.” Expanko New from Expanko are Pesca and Spinato, two traditional veneer cork flooring patterns which draw on an Italian design tradition. The first in a series of handcrafted veneers from Expanko, these 5mm tiles are suitable for commercial applications and can be easily maintained for years of use. “Pesca and Spinato can stand alone or be combined with other Expanko Cork patterns creating unique designs never before available to the commercial flooring market,” said Randy Gillespie, sales and marketing. “All of this without compromising the environmental benefits of cork flooring or the LEED contribution to a project.” Also new from Expanko are several colored homogeneous patterns. Continuing to expand on the Viale pattern, five new designs of this color-through or homogenous colored cork pattern have been created. “The most important benefit is this is the first color-through or homogeneous colored cork tile available in the market,” Gillespie claimed. “Other colored cork tiles are surface stained and do not have the ability to be sanded, easily repaired or refinished.” Torlys Torlys recently introduced a complete line of what it terms trendsetting, environmentally friendly and re-usable cork flooring. The 52-SKU unique color range reflects North American tastes, noted brand manager Karen Deel. Torlys’ Florence planks and 15 x 15 tiles feature four-sided bevels. All Florence planks and tiles are coordinated to create innovative patterns while keeping the same style choice. In describing what differentiates Torlys floors from the competition, Deel said, “Our beveled cork planks and cork tiles are available in trendsetting North American colors. The low-gloss, textured surface reveals the natural warmth and organic nature of cork flooring. “In addition, all Torlys cork flooring can be disassembled. This allows a consumer the opportunity to change decor and extend the life of the Torlys floor by moving an existing floor to another room or vacation property without sending the floor to landfill.” New kid on the block Capri Cork, which will celebrate its one-year anniversary in November, currently has 21 cork patterns/colors, noted the company’s Margaret Buchholz. “Our most recent introduction for the fall of 2007 is a collection of striped cork patterns,” she said. “The collection includes seven colors/patterns and four are stained color on homogeneous cork.” She noted this is a new concept as up until this point stained cork has been limited to the more traditional veneer patterns. “The response to our Rigato product has been outstanding,” she said. “Of the 21 cork patterns we offer, 16 are homogeneous, and we intend to have the most complete and interesting homogenous patterns in the industry.” Buchholz added Capri’s product line offers an array of features and benefits. “Our No. 1 feature is the superior water-based polyurethane we use,” she said. “Our cork is shipped with three coats of this commercial-grade polyurethane, which eliminates the need for any additional coats on the job site. This saves time, money and scheduling as our cork can be put down and ready to walk on once the adhesive has cured.” |