Whether it’s new technology, the emergence of the green factor or just using the right adhesives with the right flooring, many considerations and research go into producing and marketing quality adhesives to the industry. FCNews recently went one-on-one with Jack Raidy Jr., president and CEO of W.F. Taylor Co., who gave his thoughts on the latest developments in the segment.

Q What are some examples of the latest flooring adhesives marketed as being environmentally friendly? What are the latest developments in this area for polyurethanes and waterbornes?

A The latest examples of environmentally formulated floor covering adhesive from W.F. Taylor include the patented Meta-Tec line of adhesives for wood flooring, resilient and carpet application. The Meta-Tec line is made exclusively from renewable bio-based oil and resins, is solvent free and is the only flooring adhesive line to be awarded GreenGuard certification for air quality and environmental efficacy. These products also are certified by the CRI Green Label protocol.

As a new addition to these patented Meta-Tec adhesives, Taylor has introduced Meta-Tec MS Plus, a GreenGuard certified wood flooring adhesive that is isocyanate (TDI, MDI) and solvent free. Isocyanate is the leading cause of occupational asthma worldwide. Isocyanate and solvent-based urethane wood flooring adhesives are under increased environmental regulation and scrutiny throughout the developed world. Installer and occupant health is a prime concern in developing new environmentally safe products.

The Taylor MS Plus product combines existing Meta-Tec technology with telechelic modified silane (MS) polymer chemistry for a 100% solids, moisture-curing, high-performance adhesive.

Q What are the primary features/benefits of these green products? How do they meet IAQ issues without compromising performance?

A For over a decade, W.F. Taylor has led the flooring adhesive industry in progressive environmental practices. We launched the first environmentally friendly products in 1990 with our Envirotec Healthguard Series and continue to operate our company from the premise that our adhesives must exceed current environmental requirements regarding harmful chemical and VOC emissions. Consequently, our products are CRI Green Label Plus approved and GreenGuard certified.

Taylor’s dedication to this area led to an important breakthrough with our patented Meta-Tec technology that utilizes more renewable biosource materials to help lessen the strain on our environment. When you purchase a pail of Taylor adhesive, you are getting a product that is low in VOCs, contains no harmful chemicals and is anti-microbial protected to prevent the adhesive from being a source of harmful microbial growth.

Q What factors are impacting eco-friendly adhesives’ specifications? What are the advantages for flooring contractors, retailers and specifiers?

A The specification of environmentally safe adhesives is being driven by many factors simultaneously. Among the major influences are growing indoor air quality regulations throughout the U.S.; architect and specifier liability in floor covering and installation systems; LEED certification and public awareness in the building and construction industries, and safeguarding installer and occupant health and well being during and after installation of floor covering.

Other leading areas of concern are MDI, TDI and formaldehyde content of floor covering adhesives and flooring products. Formaldehyde is being targeted for reduction in engineered wood flooring lamination (see related story on page 3), and isocyanate urethane wood flooring adhesives have been banned in parts of Europe and are under review by many other agencies worldwide. It is expected the National Wood Flooring Association ( NWFA) will implement other environmental standards for the sake and well-being of installer health in the near future.

Q How are green adhesives being accepted in the installation community? How are they priced vs. existing products?

A Solvent-free and low-VOC adhesives have been well accepted by installers since we at Taylor were the first to introduce the technology to the industry with the launch of our Environtec line in 1990. Later advancements led to Taylor being the first to achieve both Carpet & Rug Institute Green Label and GreenGuard certification. The installation community can be assured of reliable performance as verified and certified environmental standards are consistently met industry wide.

The price of many of these products are equivalent and possibly could be lower if substitution of petrochemical raw materials continue to grow with renewable bio-based resins and oil being utilized with alternative chemistry and technology.

For more information, Raidy can be contacted at 951.360.6677, ext. 110.