EcoPure Linoleum Sports Flooring is awarded the Cradle to Cradle® Silver Certificate
Paris, France – June 14, 2011 – Tarkett, the worldwide leader in innovative flooring and sports surface solutions, has been awarded the Cradle to Cradle® Silver Certificate for its Linoleum product range. This includes the EcoPure line of sports flooring available through Tarkett Sports.
The Cradle to Cradle® certification is based on 5 criteria: material content, material re-utilization/design for the environment, share of renewable energy and water stewardship during the production process, and social responsibility principles. The certification looks at the chemical components of ingredients that are in the products, assessing their effects on human and environmental health, as well as their ability to be recycled or composted. The Silver Certificate means that all the ingredients used for the linoleum are identified and positively assessed.
For the production process, energy and water use were characterized; water stewardship guidelines were signed based on Cradle to Cradle® criteria. As an example, the production site of the linoleum products based in Narni, Italy has a closed water loop for process cooling. The site has also taken a commitment to increase the share of renewable energies. Regarding social responsibility, Tarkett is committed to the UN Global Compact 10 principles, has published a code of ethics and integrated a global compact in procurements contracts.
EcoPure is the only sports flooring system to be classified as a Category 1 shock absorbing floor (ASTM F2772) and also receive the Cradle to Cradle® Silver Certificate. This means that EcoPure not only provides a degree of safety and performance, but exceptional sustainability as well. EcoPure is commonly used in elementary school gyms, recreational areas, and multipurpose cafeterias.
Tarkett Sports is a division of the Tarkett Group, which was established in 1886. The Tarkett Group has now reached over $2.5 billion in annual sales and is a global leader in commercial, residential and sports flooring. Tarkett Sports surfacing solutions include hardwood and synthetic basketball courts, volleyball courts, multipurpose gymnasium floors, weight room floor protection, running tracks, and its world-renowned FieldTurf brand of artificial turf.
