Sustainable Flooring Solutions
Flooring is undoubtedly one of the most important elements in architectural projects. However, when manufacturers neglect their responsibility toward the environment, it can cause serious ecological problems. Harmful practices such as uncontrolled tree cutting during production and the use of non-biodegradable raw materials unfortunately deepen environmental pollution to a significant degree.
Fortunately, designers who adopt an environmentally conscious approach not only create recyclable products but also offer creative solutions by recycling waste materials. In this blog post, we explore some fascinating examples of recycled flooring designs made from waste materials.
Tiles Rising from the Ashes
Construction demolitions leave behind large amounts of rubble. Could we, with a bit of creativity, transform this rubble into building materials again? Inspired by Italian-style terrazzo floors made from marble quarry waste, Dutch designer Dave Hakkens crushed and combined remnants from an old building to create a series of recycled composite flooring materials.
After numerous experiments using waste building materials and binders collected from demolitions, Hakkens discovered that he could recycle a large portion of construction debris and, by mixing it with 20–30% new cement, produce bricks capable of lasting up to 100 years. He also powders certain materials such as black roof tiles or red bricks to create pigments for coloring his products.
Hakkens is also known for designing small-scale plastic recycling machines to allow individuals to recycle their own plastics, addressing the idea that industrial machines alone are not enough for proper plastic recycling.
Timber Terrazzo by Foresso
Another innovative recycling project inspired by terrazzo comes from the Birmingham-based brand Foresso. Designed by Conor Taylor, 85% of the product’s components consist of recycled materials.
The company produces composite flooring by using leftover wood, cement, lime, and resin from factories and interior design projects, bringing the aesthetic and diversity of natural materials to life in an innovative way. Layers poured over an 18mm birch plywood base are hand-shaped and sealed with natural hard wax.
Aesthetically pleasing as well as sustainable, the product can be applied to flooring, countertops, and wall panels. It is recommended to polish or lacquer the surface in high-traffic areas. The panels can be repaired without special equipment, measure 2.4 x 1.2 meters, and can easily be cut to desired sizes.
Tiles Made from Eggshells
Before discarding your eggshells, think twice. A creative mind can turn discarded materials into art.
‘Nature Squared’ specializes in designing innovative architectural products from natural waste. Their new CArrelé series tiles are made by crushing white eggshells collected from local bakeries and kitchens in the Philippines and binding them into tiles, which are then colored with natural pigments like root dyes, indigo, and chlorophyll. These tiles can also be used as wall coverings. Nature Squared also designs products from bamboo, seashells, dried tobacco leaves, and other waste materials, combining sustainability with aesthetic appeal.
Recycled Rubber
ECORE’s ‘ECOsurfaces’ collection offers an eco-friendly and flexible solution for commercial and residential projects, made entirely from recycled tires.
The product is UV-resistant and comes in multiple colors. Its flexible nature allows the creation of tiles in various shapes. The collection includes different textures such as ECOsand, ECOearth, ECOstone, ECOrocks, and ECOnights, offering durable surfaces capable of withstanding heavy foot traffic. It also provides slip resistance and acoustic insulation, making it ideal for spaces like gyms.
ecoNYL Flooring
One of the major environmental concerns is ocean pollution. Overfishing and abandoned fishing nets pose serious threats to ecosystems. The ‘Healthy Seas’ initiative not only collects these nets but also ensures their recycling into ECONYL® yarn by Europe’s leading PA6 carpet fiber manufacturer, Aquafil.
ECONYL® is 100% recycled nylon made from fishing nets, ghost nets, old carpets, and fabric waste collected worldwide, reducing the environmental impact of carpet tiles by 20%.
Products from modulyss and IVC Commercial, made with ECONYL® yarn, contribute to keeping oceans clean while demonstrating the remarkable performance, durability, elegance, and aesthetic potential of carpet tiles made from recycled fibers.
