Article Number : 3219 |
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| Date | 4/30/2008 7:06:36 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=3219 |
| Abstract | By Sarah Zimmerman When you think spring you think green. New plants are budding, the grass comes out of its brown camouflaged winter and cork flooring offers several fresh and innovative products. OK, so maybe the latter isn’t top of mind, but it is true... |
| Article | By Sarah Zimmerman When you think spring you think green. New plants are budding, the grass comes out of its brown camouflaged winter and cork flooring offers several fresh and innovative products. OK, so maybe the latter isn’t top of mind, but it is true. This spring the category’s green attributes are also in full bloom as it touts its ecofriendly features and several new looks. Amorim Flooring Ronit McGutherie, marketing manager, said cork itself as a segment is really what’s hot right now, though she did point to the environment as a leading cause of this popularity. “With the importance placed on environmentally friendly products, this category is growing tremendously, not only in the commercial sector where buildings get LEED certified, but on the consumer level as well.” Amorim’s latest intro this season is its water-based acrylic 100% formaldehyde-free binder, Acrodur. The product is used in the flooring’s agglomeration process and was developed in partnership by BASF. Capri Cork Focused on fashion, Capri introduced its Mediterra Rigato Collection, which means “pinstripe” in English. Consisting of handcrafted, homogeneous striped tiles, the line runs with the “natural” theme incorporating colors like autumn, java, mahogany and terra cotta. It’s finished with a water-based matte polyurethane, which, according to Margaret Buchholz, marketing and design director, is quite new-age. “With Capri’s new waterbased matte polyurethane finish there is no need for additional job site application of finish, which is a great advancement.” She added that cork forests are well managed throughout the Mediterranean region, making this collection in line with the sustainable interests of today’s consumer. Ceres Natural Flooring Barbara Napolitano, marketing manager, said cork is “naturally” one of the most environmentally friendly flooring products available. She added that with the strides in technology, consumer education and environmental efforts, cork flooring will only continue to grow in popularity. And, following those technological advancements to further eco-friendly attributes, Ceres has hit the market with its new environmentally friendly ceramic oxide wearlayer. “This revolutionary micro-bead ceramic finish gives Ceres cork floors a soft, natural, matte look while creating an exceptionally durable, low-maintenance floor,” Napolitano said. And, staying with the eco- conscious theme, all the new cork products will be offered in five natural color tones. Natural Cork & More Green awareness is bringing cork to the forefront as a viable flooring option, said Gary Keeble, Jr., marketing manager. “Cork flooring is indisputably ‘green’ and is a perfect choice for those who want color and design coupled with a floor that performs, is comfortable, quiet and hypoallergenic.” He noted varying plank widths, beveled edges and new, more dynamic styling as the latest trends this spring. And, to that note, the company is now offering wide-width cork tiles with micro-beveled edges in four colorways and narrow planks with micro- beveled edges in eight colorways. He also said Natural Cork will be introducing eight SKUs of Corkoleum branded linoleum, which uses cork flour as one of the all-natural ingredients. Nova Distinctive Floors Also aware of the inherently green benefits of cork flooring, Nova has focused on new patterns and improved varnish systems to create greater opportunities in the segment. “Great new patterns are catching the interest of buyers, especially the new digital print cork floors,” said Susan Eski Soyoguz, national sales manager. To that end, the company has unveiled Printcork, which has the look of cork, wood and stone floors with the traditional benefits of cork and the added feature of fade resistance. Soyoguz added that all of Nova’s cork floors are FSC certified, so buyers feel good about doing their part by going green. Torlys The popularity of cork will continue to grow, according to Karen Deel, brand manager, because it meets many of today’s design needs as well as the environmental qualities that are becoming more important. One trend of note, she said, is consumers are looking for environmentally friendly, non-allergenic floors, and cork fits that bill. Second, she noted color in cork is selling. “Earth tones— brown, grey, soft green—are among our best sellers.” And she added that four-sided bevels are a look consumers crave. In line with all these trends, Torlys created Florence, a foursided beveled cork plank and oversized tile. “The advantage of both is that consumers can actually mix and match tiles and planks in the same or different colors to create an array of looks for their floors.” |