For more than 50 years Tarkett has been committed to proactively addressing environmental challenges in manufacturing and product development by developing solutions that contribute positively to the environment and the well-being of people.
CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio (PRWEB) March 03, 2015
Johnsonite rubber tile from Tarkett, the worldwide leader in innovative and sustainable flooring and sports surface solutions, recently achieved the Cradle to Cradle Bronze Certification™ (C2C™) under Version 3.0. The certification, which is the first of its kind earned by a rubber manufacturer, can be used to help projects with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) credit achievement.
In order to achieve C2C Bronze Certification, the Johnsonite rubber tile products had to fulfill a number of requirements, including:
- Material Health: All chemicals used in the product were assessed and a phase-out strategy was developed for the materials causing potential issues.
- Material Reutilization: Material reutilization score ≥ 35.
- Renewable Energy and Water Stewardship: A facility-wide water audit was completed. The facility is equipped with a closed loop water cooling circuit to reduce consumption of drinking-quality water. The site has developed a renewable energy and carbon management strategy.
- Social Fairness: Tarkett has supported the United Nations Global Compact since 2010. The company also has strict corporate governance rules, trains employees in its code of ethics and incorporates Global Compact principles across purchasing contracts.
“For more than 50 years Tarkett has been committed to proactively addressing environmental challenges in manufacturing and product development by developing solutions that contribute positively to the environment and the well-being of people,” said Diane Martel, Vice President of Environmental Planning and Strategy with Tarkett North America. “We are pleased to have become the first rubber manufacturer to earn Cradle to Cradle Bronze Certification™. This certification exemplifies our ongoing dedication to developing and enhancing products based on our work with the EPEA and Cradle to Cradle principles and Circular Economy approach.”
The extreme durability and “no finish required” maintenance schedule of the rubber tiles results in reduced upkeep costs and diminished environmental impact. The rubber options are made in the USA in an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified plant, assuring quality and a positive environmental impact. Rubber is also recyclable.
Working in tandem with the scientific institute Environmental Protection & Encouragement Agency (EPEA), Tarkett is focused on developing and manufacturing products that are safe for people and the environment, and that can enter into a technical or biological cycle at the end of the use. EPEA values are based on intelligent, aesthetic and eco-effective design and are dedicated to optimizing products within the C2C framework. Tarkett extended its efforts globally and in 2011 began applying C2C principles in partnership with the EPEA in the eco-design of products across all global brands, moving toward a goal of circular, closed-loop design and manufacturing.
Transition and human intention are recognized by the C2C program as part of any successful protocol for continuous product improvement. According to the Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard, “The goal of continuous improvement is not simply reducing the human and environmental impact of a product, but instead combines the progressive reduction of bad with the increase of good.” Manufacturers achieving the program standards are allowed to use the C2C certification mark on product labeling.
For more information about Johnsonite’s range of certifications, visit http://www.johnsonite.com/sustainability/certifications. To learn more about Tarkett’s comprehensive range of Johnsonite commercial rubber flooring solutions, finishing borders and accessories, visit http://www.tarkettna.com.
About Tarkett
Tarkett is a global leader in innovative and sustainable solutions for flooring and sports surfaces. With a wide range of products including vinyl, linoleum, carpet, rubber, wood & laminate, synthetic turf and athletics track, the Group serves customers in more than 100 countries worldwide. With 12,000 employees and 34 production sites, Tarkett sells 1.3 million square meters of flooring every day, for hospitals, schools, housing, hotels, offices, stores and sports fields. Committed to sustainable development, the Group has implemented an eco-innovation strategy and promotes circular economy. Tarkett net sales of 2.5 billion euros in 2013 are balanced between Europe, North America and new economies. Tarkett is listed on Euronext Paris (compartment A, ticker TKTT, ISIN: FR0004188670) and is included in the following indices: SBF 120, CAC Mid 60, CAC Mid & Small, CAC All-Tradable. For more information, visit http://www.tarkett.com.