Sustainable living starts from the ground up: exploring the benefits of adhesive-free vinyl flooring

 Adhesive-free vinyl flooring is a compelling solution, offering an array of benefits that extend beyond mere aesthetics. To unravel the layers of environmental benefits within this flooring choice, we spoke to Sustainability Manager David Lever from Altro, a trailblazer in providing adhesive-free flooring solutions.

Altro's adhesive-free vinyl flooring is not just a surface underfoot; it’s a conscientious step towards reducing the ecological burden associated with conventional flooring options. The benefits it brings to the table are manifold, weaving seamlessly into the broader tapestry of sustainable living.

Innovations & advancements

One of the key contributors to the eco-friendliness of Altro's adhesive-free floors is the elimination of adhesive and damp-proof membrane (DPM) products during installation. 

“You immediately save embodied carbon by avoiding these elements,” says Lever. “This can save you up to 50% when comparing embodied carbon data for the Altro adhesive-free floor against a typical 2mm adhered vinyl floor that uses a surface-applied damp proof membrane.”

Moreover, Altro's adhesive-free flooring aligns harmoniously with current consumer preferences for eco-friendly solutions. In commercial settings, where sustainability goals often dovetail with cost considerations, the reduced installation, labour, and downtime costs associated with adhesive-free vinyl flooring become paramount. This alignment with economic and ecological interests makes it a pragmatic choice for businesses aiming to balance their bottom line with environmental responsibility.

But the benefits extend beyond the installation phase. Altro's adhesive-free flooring is 100% recyclable, adding a layer of circularity to its life cycle.

“Double-sided tape rather than glue is used to secure adhesive-free flooring, so at the end of its life, the flooring can be uplifted and re-used or recycled as there is no contamination of the floor substrate.”

This commitment to recycling is further exemplified by initiatives like the Recofloor Take Back scheme, where Altro adhesive-free flooring is recycled into various products, such as traffic cones. Altro has also joined industry suppliers in founding Australia’s first national floorcoverings  waste recovery scheme, ResiLoop.  

Reducing waste

Waste reduction is another hallmark of adhesive-free vinyl flooring. By eliminating the need for DPM and adhesive products, the generation of unwanted landfill content is minimised. This not only addresses the disposal impact but also echoes a broader commitment to responsible waste management.

“We use less of the Earth’s valuable natural resources to make our adhesive-free products, and they also contain recycled materials,” says Lever. 

Altro's flooring utilises a bioplasticizer made from renewable resources, marking a departure from the conventional reliance on finite natural resources. 

From a practical standpoint, the installation process of adhesive-free vinyl flooring introduces a paradigm shift in the flooring landscape. The absence of adhesives not only contributes to reduced VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) but also accelerates the installation timeline. The need to wait for adhesives to cure is eliminated, resulting in a faster, more efficient installation process. The flooring is laid over existing sound and secure flooring, minimising the need for uplift and reducing waste and emissions associated with disposal.

“In a commercial setting, the end users are looking at ways to reduce costs and meet their sustainability goals," shares Lever. “Adhesive-free vinyl reduces installation, labour and downtime costs for the client, while giving them a fully recyclable flooring solution.”

Reuseability

The reuse potential of Altro XpressLay was showcased in London's 2012 sporting arenas, where the flooring, after serving at a global event, found a second life in a primary school. This not only highlights the product's durability but also demonstrates a circular approach to resource utilisation.

“Installed without adhesive, when the sports event was over, Altro XpressLay was easily removed and re-used elsewhere. As the floor had once supported sporting heroes, it was the perfect fit for the bold and colourful entrance area and corridor of St John Primary School, which uses colourful imagery inspired by a world map on the floors and walls.”

The school was incredibly impressed with the transformation, particularly as the XpressLay had been used previously. 

“The installation has changed the school beyond recognition and has given the pupils the opportunity to tread the same floor as [world-class athletes], which is so inspirational for them,” shares St John Primary School’s head teacher.

Sustainability & longevity

The lifespan and durability of adhesive-free vinyl flooring contribute significantly to its overall sustainability. With guarantees of up to 10 years and durability on par with adhered floors, adhesive-free flooring ensures a long-lasting solution. 

The ease of maintenance and the ability to replace small sections without the need for uplift further extend the product's life cycle.

But dispelling myths surrounding adhesive-free vinyl flooring is crucial to understanding its true potential. 

“The main myth is that adhesive-free floors are seen as temporary flooring or that they are unstable underfoot,” says Lever. “The floor is developed to perform in the same way as a traditional glued-down vinyl and is designed to lay flat and not produce air pockets in the floor.”

From a design perspective, Altro's adhesive-free flooring proves to be a versatile canvas for creativity. With five ranges offering various designs, from wood-look options to concrete aesthetics, designers can find a sustainable solution that complements diverse interior styles. The incorporation of biophilic design principles in Altro Wood adds a touch of natural harmony to spaces, fostering rest and relaxation.

Looking towards the future, Altro envisions further advancements in adhesive-free vinyl flooring technology. This includes increased recycled and bio-based content, lower carbon raw materials, and widespread industry adoption. The goal is to reduce embodied carbon in the manufacturing process, increase recycling and reuse options, and eventually transition the entire range to be adhesive-free.

Sustainable living indeed starts from the ground up, and Altro's adhesive-free vinyl flooring stands as a testament to this philosophy. Beyond being a practical flooring solution, it embodies a commitment to environmental responsibility, resource efficiency, and a vision for a more sustainable future—one step, or rather one floor, at a time.

Explore adhesive-free vinyl floors from Altro