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Resilient Floors Without PVC: Recycled Installation Waste from Kährs Creates New Flooring
Kährs, a leading flooring manufacturer, has showcased its dedication to sustainability by implementing a comprehensive recycling program for PVC-free flooring materials. This initiative involves repurposing installation waste from its acclaimed flooring products, including Zero Sheet, Zero & Green, and Xpression. Since 2010, Kährs has been at the forefront of recycling efforts, initially focusing on the reuse of production waste from its PVC-free floors. However, in a significant expansion of its sustainability endeavors, the company has now incorporated the recycling of installation waste into its program, marking a substantial step towards achieving circularity in its operations.
The decision to recycle installation waste underscores Kährs' commitment to minimizing environmental impact and conserving Earth's precious resources. By repurposing materials that would otherwise end up in landfills, Kährs aims to contribute to a more sustainable future for the flooring industry and beyond. This initiative aligns with the company's broader sustainability goals and reflects its dedication to responsible business practices.
Therese Gerdman, the Sustainability Manager at Kährs, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "We are fully committed to advancing circularity in our operations, and the recycling of installation waste from PVC-free resilient floors represents a significant milestone in this journey." She further added, "By reintegrating installation waste into our production processes, we are not only reducing waste but also demonstrating the feasibility of sustainable practices in the flooring industry."
The recycling process for installation waste is conducted within the framework of the Swedish National Flooring Industry Association's national recycling system. This system, which is open to all GBR-affiliated resilient flooring manufacturers, facilitates the collection and transport of installation waste from construction sites to recycling facilities. Kährs is actively engaged in exploring recycling solutions and partnerships in its other markets, as well as for different types of flooring materials.
Kährs' Zero and Xpression product series exemplify the company's commitment to sustainability, offering PVC-free floors with exceptional environmental properties. These flooring solutions are specifically designed for demanding commercial and public premises, such as healthcare and education facilities, where durability and sustainability are paramount.
Since 2010, Kährs has been recycling production waste generated during the manufacturing process in Finland. This waste, which includes materials like clean-cut edges, is reintegrated into production to create new flooring products. Additionally, Kährs' recycling efforts extend to the collection and processing of installation waste, which comprises leftover materials from construction sites, such as rolls or edge pieces. At Kährs' factory in Finland, this installation waste undergoes thorough inspection, sorting, and processing to be transformed into new flooring materials.
In addition to recycling initiatives, Kährs is dedicated to responsible disposal of end-of-life materials, ensuring that used flooring products are handled in an environmentally conscious manner. GBR plays a crucial role in this process by overseeing the collection and transportation of installation waste from construction sites in Sweden.