Is the flooring industry trying to be more eco friendly?

For years, sustainability in construction focused heavily on insulation, heating systems, and energy efficiency.

But now, flooring is becoming part of the conversation — and rightly so.

As one of the largest material finishes used in both commercial and residential projects, flooring has a significant environmental impact. The good news is that the industry is changing rapidly, with manufacturers, contractors, and suppliers all taking meaningful steps toward more sustainable practices.

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The Shift Towards Recycled Materials

One of the biggest changes we’re seeing is the increase in recycled content within flooring products.

Many carpet tile manufacturers now use regenerated yarns made from recycled fishing nets, industrial waste, and old carpets. Some resilient flooring products are also incorporating recycled PVC and other reclaimed materials into their manufacturing processes.

This reduces landfill waste while also lowering the need for virgin raw materials.

Manufacturers are also investing heavily in closed-loop recycling systems, where old flooring can be collected, processed, and turned back into new products rather than ending up in landfill.

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Lower Carbon Manufacturing

Embodied carbon is becoming one of the most important topics in commercial interiors.

More flooring manufacturers are now publishing Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), allowing specifiers and clients to see the carbon impact of products before making decisions.

Some companies are going even further. Recent innovations include ultra-low embodied carbon carpet tiles and even carbon-negative linoleum products that store more carbon than they emit over their full lifecycle.

Factories are also becoming greener through:

• Renewable energy use
• Water recycling systems
• Reduced manufacturing waste
• More energy-efficient production methods

These changes are helping reduce the environmental footprint of flooring from the very beginning of the supply chain.

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Healthier Indoor Environments

Sustainability is no longer just about the planet — it’s also about people.

Low-VOC flooring and adhesives are becoming the industry standard, helping improve indoor air quality in homes, schools, offices, and healthcare environments.

Clients are now asking more questions about:

• VOC emissions
• Material transparency
• Product lifespan
• Recyclability
• Ethical sourcing

And the industry is responding.

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Natural and Renewable Flooring Options

There’s also growing demand for flooring made from renewable materials such as:

• Linoleum
• Cork
• Bamboo
• Wool
• Natural fibre carpets

Modern linoleum products in particular have evolved significantly, combining durability with natural ingredients and lower environmental impact. Some ranges now contain very high levels of natural and recycled content while remaining fully recyclable at end of life.

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Sustainability Is Becoming a Requirement — Not a Trend

Perhaps the biggest change of all is that sustainability is no longer a “nice extra.”

Architects, designers, contractors, and end users are now actively looking for products that help support Net Zero targets, BREEAM ratings, and wider ESG commitments.

The flooring industry still has work to do, but the direction of travel is clear:

• Better recycling
• Lower carbon products
• Healthier materials
• Greater transparency
• Longer product lifecycles

The future of flooring isn’t just about how it looks or performs anymore. It’s also about the impact it leaves behind.