Tarkett develops a carbon negative linoleum material as a model for future flooring systems

Tarkett has claimed to bring to the market the first linoleum that is carbon negative and produced at an industrial scale. The natural ingredients are used in the making of the product and the production method is such that it captures more carbon than it releases. The product is touted as a huge change in the way resilient flooring can be developed, quantified and judged in relation to the global climate objectives. This launch also indicates a great shift that is taking place in the area of building materials where the disciplines of material science and environmental accounting are gradually becoming one for architectural specification.

Material Composition and Manufacturing Approach

Linoleum is made up of a combination of natural and renewable materials like linseed oil, sawdust, pine resin, and jute among others. The production line realizes a carbon footprint that becomes net negative when assessed from cradle to gate by the methods of the skilful sourcing and processing of these ingredients. The blend does not include any artificial binders nor does it use petrochemical composites. The structure of the material however, is formed by the biological and mineral components which have already trapped the carbon absorbed during their growth or development.

Tarkett develops a carbon negative linoleum material as a model for future flooring systems

Environmental Metrics and Carbon Accounting

Tarkett’s strategy for carbon negativity rests on lifecycle modelling where energy consumption, raw material extraction and process emissions are all measured. The company claims that its production line is powered by renewable electricity and adheres to strict waste management practices. The final product takes in biogenic carbon and makes sure that it does not go to the atmosphere during its service life. Thus, the product is positioned as a case study proving that industrial flooring systems can not only reach but also exceed the neutrality and regenerate performance.

Design Applications and Performance Qualities

The product is meant for places like schools, hospitals, offices, and homes. It still has that soft feel and sound-absorbing ability which are the main characteristics of linoleum while giving a much stronger and cleaner product. Its composition made of natural materials guarantees long life, and the surface does not require any special cleaning. The flooring comes in a variety of colors and patterns which means it can be easily incorporated into the color scheme of modern architecture.

Circularity and End of Life Strategy

One of the main elements of the system is the connection with Tarkett’s circularity platform. The linoleum can be picked up, sorted out and mixed with the production cycles again. This way the waste is less and the carbon stored in the material is kept for longer. The plan goes along with the company’s overall movement towards closed loop construction practices, including transport optimisation and processing facilities that can receive post use flooring from sites.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

Tarkett’s creation of a linoleum that is carbon negative, in other words, a total absorber, is a remarkable case study that underlines the potential of material innovations to positively impact the global climate. The endeavor illustrates the trio of nature, technology, and carbon accounting used in the innovation that resulted in a product not only meeting performance requirements but also being a net carbon sequesterer. Although the technique is flooring-centric, still it gives precious hints to the architects and designers who wish to use the sustainability, circularity, and measurable environmental outcomes approaches in their material selection.

Architectural Relevance

The launch of carbon negative linoleum put to the forefront the selection of materials as a technical contributor to climate change reduction instead of a mere choice for specification of passive nature. Thus, it is no longer just a matter of aesthetics and performance but also measurable carbon impact for architects and designers when it comes to the selection of finishes. Moreover, it indicates the industrial providers’ ability to turn traditional materials into eco-friendly systems that are compatible with the performance requirements by gradually changing their operations.

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