Division 09: Finishes

Aged Woods
www.agedwoods.com
January 2010
Launched by Aged Woods at last year’s GreenBuild, the Rescued Maple collection of strip maple flooring is removed from old factories and warehouses and is then refurbished to produce a LEED-compliant hardwood flooring option with a face-width ranging from 2” to 2 1⁄2”. The flooring has FSC Chain of Custody certification and can contribute points in the categories of Reclaimed Materials and Regional Materials for most LEED projects in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Allstate Rubber Corp
www.allstaterubber.com
January 2008
FreiFloor is a new PVC-free contract floor covering made from 80 percent natural minerals and 20 percent polymers. Designed for hard traffic applications where indoor air quality is a concern, FreiFloor does not have any detectable VOCs and does not need to be waxed or sealed. The heterogenous floor has a compact, ionomer impregnated wear layer, which gives it excellent wear, slip, scratch, and stain resistance.

American Biltrite Canada
www.americanbiltrite.com
December 2005
Stonescape polymer composition tile is a PVC-free alternative to VCT. Made from limestone and ethylene acrylic, the tile requires less stripping and waxing.

American Clay
www.americanclay.com
January 2005 updated
American Clay’s Earth Plasters are available in 12 colors.  The product is applied much like a conventional plaster, but with none of the intrinsic problems of gypsum or cementitious plasters.  There is no off-gassing, inherent waste on-site, or difficulty in repairing.  In addition, the plaster is non-flammable, offers additional masonry mass in rooms, resists mold growth, and is easily repairable.

After only 16 months in their 2,600-square-foot location, American Clay needed to expand to 7,000 square feet last May in order to keep up with demand for their new product. An alternative to using cement, gypsum, acrylic, or lime plasters, American Clay’s Original Earth Plaster is suitable for use on internal surfaces of walls and ceilings. The clay plaster attaches to properly primed stable and dry substrates, including masonry, base earth plasters, lime basecoat plasters, cement stucco and plasterboards, gypsum plasters, and painted walls.

A combination of clays, aggregates, and natural pigments, the Earth Plasters are offered in 12 earth-inspired colors in the original Loma formulation; the even smoother Porcelina reformulation which provides a polished, Venetian veneer; and in the oyster shell-based Marittimo. American Clay also offers a new soy-based, non-VOC sealant and add-mix to provide additional resistance to soil and water, especially for commercial applications. A winner of last year’s NAHB Outstanding New Green Product Award, the 100 percent natural plasters are mold-resistant, non-toxic, and use low energy and less waste during manufacturing.

Amtico
www.amtico.com
Created by Amtico’s design team, Color Zone offers a new palette of nine subtle shades. Specifiers can choose any one of nine color options and then customize it by adding a sparkle (MicroSpec) or selecting a finish such as press plate, rib, or a 3D effect. Amtico’s Amtico and Stratica flooring brands have met the requirements of the new FloorScore testing program, a voluntary certification program that identifies flooring products that meet stringent air quality requirements.

Amtico
www.stratica.com
March 2007
Stratica eco-polymeric flooring emits virtually no VOCs and will not compromise indoor air quality. The PVC- and chlorine-free floor features a Dupont-engineered Surlyn polymer surface that requires no harsh chemicals to maintain. Stratica is lightweight, but tough and abrasion-resistant, even in high traffic zones in healthcare, education, airport, and retail.

Ann Sacks Tile & Stone
www.annsacks.com
October 2007
Designer Erin Adams and Mexico-based Allumillenium Tile collaborated on the design of the Luna collection of glass and metal tile. The tiles are made of recycled aluminum and the oil used to heat up the metals during production is recycled car oil. The handcrafted tiles are available in sizes ranging from 1'' x 6'' to 6'' x 6'' and a variety of 36 colors. Aluminum tiles range from $100 to $160 per square foot; brass tiles range from $170 to $260 per square foot.

Architectural Systems
www.archsystems.com
April 2005
Bamboo Strand Board flooring, available in a 3ž8'' x 3 3ž4'' x 36'' size, is engineered for demanding applications where an environmentally-friendly material is desired. It features a standard industrial acrylic finish and a hardness rating of 26,000 psi.

August 2006 updated
Taking home Best Overall product at GlobalShop, the nation¹s largest retail tradeshow, Ecotextures architectural panels are crafted from environmentally-friendly OSB products. Certified, rapidly renewable timber is used to create a durable, shrink-resistant material ideal for millwork, feature walls, column covers, fixtures, and furniture. Ecotextures are engineered in varying panel sizes in four patterns that interlock for a seamless finish. Four colors and are offered in addition to a natural unfinished surface that can be stained on-site. No urea-formaldehydes are used in the panel production.

Armstrong Commercial Floors
www.armstrong.com
February 2006
Exotic wood visuals have been added to the Timberline group, including four shades of bamboo and three variations of Wenge, along with five other options including Rustic Beech, Walnut, and Cherry. The color palette for the Standard Excelon VCT collection has been increased by 16 more colors. Both products meet all current ASTM guidelines and feature a new urethane coating for increased durability. The floors are also FloorScore certified, meaning they meet stringent indoor air quality requirements.

Armstrong World Industries, Inc.- Flooring Systems
www.armstrongfloors.com
Armstrong DLW linoleum products Marmorette, Colorette, Linorette, Uni Walton, and Linodur are made mainly of natural, renewable raw materials including linseed oil, resins, wood powder, powdered cork, ground limestone, and jute. All waste generated during the production process is reused in the manufacturing process. Linoleum is biologically degradable because of its natural ingredients. With moisture and oxygen, over time linoleum will break down to its original ingredients in a landfill.

Armstrong World Industries, Inc.- Ceiling Systems
www.ceilings.com
December 2000
All Armstrong ceilings are made from recycled material. Mineral fiber ceilings contain as much as 79% recycled waste, primarily cellulose fiber from newsprint and mineral wool from steel production. Building owners can now ship old ceilings from renovation projects to Armstrong World Industries ceiling plants, as part of Armstrong's Ceiling Recycling Program. Armstrong pays shipping costs for the old ceilings, then uses them as raw materials in the manufacture of new, high-performance acoustical ceilings. Armstrong can also replace old ceilings with high light-reflectance panels to reduce the amount of energy required to light the space.

Armstrong World Industries
www.armstrong.com/ceilings
September 2005
Armstrong Ceilings has introduced SoundScapes acoustical accent canopies for open spaces. The sound absorbing properties in the new canopies help reduce reverberation time in the space below them, making them ideal for open plenum areas as well as over spaces such as workstations and reception desks. The smooth surfaced, curved canopies feature the Ultima DuraBrite membrane or scrim. The scrim provides a high Light Reflectance value of .90, meaning it reflects 90 percent of the light that strikes it. The Durabrite surface also enhances the durability and scratch resistance of the canopies. The new high recycled content canopies are also seismically approved. Measuring 47'' x 76'', the canopies can be installed as “hills” or “valleys”. The canopies are suspended from the building’s structure, with no special tools or techniques required.

Armstrong World Industries
www.armstrong.com/cloudsandcanopies
October 2007
The Armstrong Ceiling family of SoundScapes now includes 10 new standard Shapes, ranging from squares and rectangles to circles, trapezoids, hexagons, and softly rounded contours. Designed for use in exposed structures and other areas that require improved acoustics, the new canopies can be installed as individual units or grouped together. The shapes are engineered for use in seismic zones, have a Class A Fire Rating, and a recycled content of 40 percent.

Armstrong World Industries
www.armstrong.com/vector
The clean visual of the Armstrong grid-hiding Vector edge detail is now available in high acoustical performance, high light reflectance Optima planks in large modules, including 2' x 8' sizes. The patented Vector edge detail produces a 1ž4'' reveal that minimizes the visible grid. The planks feature a Noise Reduction Coefficient of 0.90 (they absorb 90 percent of surrounding sound) and a recycled content of 40 percent.

Armstrong launched their first collection of BioBased Tile (BBT), a new category of flooring, at last year¹s GreenBuild conference. Named Migrations BBT, the collection incorporates rapidly renewable resources and reduces dependency on limited resources such as petroleum and fossil fuels. Made of 13 percent BioStride polymer, which contains rapidly renewable U.S.-grown plant ingredients, Migrations also contains 10 percent preconsumer recycled content and meets low VOC emissions in compliance with California 01350.

Armstrong World Industries
www.armstrong.com/tierra
March 2009
Tierra ceiling panels feature an exclusive BioAcoustic substrate made from jute, a natural fiber that grows from seed to harvest in 90 days. Tierra is recyclabe, has the highest rapidly renewable content in the industry at 45 percent, a high post-consumer recycled content of 23 percent, and contributes to LEED credits. The panels also have an NRC of 0.85 and a Light Reflectance value of 0.88.  

Authentic Provence
www.authenticprovence.com
October 2006
Authentic Provence offers Ancient Flooring, an exclusive line of antique wood flooring salvaged from some of Europe¹s grandest chateaux, castles, and farmhouses. The initial shipment, which included 2,000 square feet of flooring, has already been purchased and installed in a Palm Beach estate. A select variety of woods and patterns is in stock and available for immediate delivery. Ancient Flooring comes in easy-to-install tongue-and-groove panels that are 6' 11'' in width and average 89'' in length. No sanding is required and basic waxing and oiling create a wide palette of deep rich colors and hues.

Benjamin Moore & Co.
www.benjaminmoore.com
January 2010 updated
Healthy color  Benjamin Moore’s line of zero-VOC paints and primers contain a proprietary 100 percent acrylic resin. While most zero-VOC paints use colorants containing as much as 150 grams per liter of VOCs, Natura uses the company’s own zero-VOC colorants.

Unlike competing products, Benjamin Moore’s Natura zero-VOC interior acrylic latex paint is available in thousands of hues and a range of sheens. The VOC level of Natura is unaffected by the addition of colorant, because the paint is based on the manufacturer’s patented waterborne colorant system. The range includes a primer plus flat, eggshell, and semi-gloss sheens in nearly 3,500 colors.  

EcoSpec WB is professional quality, premium interior latex paint that is totally VOC-free and is available in all of Benjamin Moore‚s 3,300+ colors. The paint dries rapidly and has virtually no odor, allowing a space to be occupied within two hours of application. EcoSpec WB paint is available in a primer and three topcoat finishes: flat, eggshell, and semi-gloss.  

Bentley Prince Street
www.bentleyprincestreet.com
March 2008 updated
Bentley's new offerings, Brabourne and Moorefield, are made from 100-percent post industrial reclaimed 6,6 nylon, and meet the LEED specification for recycled content.

Scientific Certification Systems, an independent, third-party certifier, has certified select Bentley Prince Street carpet lines as Environmentally Preferable Products. Certification was awarded after a rigorous evaluation process that examined each phase of the product's life cycle, including resource consumption, product manufacturing, product use, and end-of-life. All Bentley Prince Street products made with either High Performance backing or Lifespan backing are included in the EPP certification.

Bentley Prince Street has developed a new manufacturing process that re-purposes industrial waste to create broadloom and carpet-tile products. Scan and UPC, the company’s two new product lines, are the fruit of the process. They utilize postproduction yarn, or “tail outs,” the small cone of yarn that is left over at the end of a production run. Scan is a pin-striped broadloom, while UPC is a whimsical complement available in 18'' x 18'' carpet tile.

Bentley Prince Street has announced the launch of a new eco-friendly adhesives line that complement the company¹s new recycled content backings launched earlier in 2006. Healthbond 1500 Ultra Green Plus adhesive, designed for broadloom applications, and NexStep 2300 Ultra Green Plus adhesive, for carpet tile applications, both meet the stringent Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label Plus criteria, an independent testing program that identifies carpeting and adhesives with very low emissions of VOCs and establishes the highest standard for indoor air quality. The new adhesive offering also exceeds California¹s indoor quality standards for low-emitting products used in commercial settings such as schools and office buildings, meeting the testing protocols used by the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) and passing the stringent California SCAQMD Rule #1168 low VOC criteria.

Both adhesives also offer the benefit of contributing to 1 LEED Point under Adhesives and Sealants and are packaged in 75% post-industrial resin pails. Healthbond 1500 also contains 20% post-consumer recycled content in the adhesive itself.

Even Keel, a new broadloom carpet from Bentley Prince Street, offers a classic, structured texture for commercial interior environments. Even Keel¹s 12 colorways reflect the organic, rich hues seen in nature by the first American artisans‹from natural corn to forest green to the red of fall leaves. The product is available certified to the stringent California Gold standard required for State of California carpet purchases and as a Scientific Certification Systems¹ Sustainable Choice Gold/Environmentally Preferable Product. As a piece dye product, Even Keel is efficient in its manufacture and allows for low minimums to custom color, only 50 square yards.

ViVA LA is a collection of three carpet patterns from California-based Bentley Prince Street designed in collaboration with Los Angeles artist Andre Miripolsky. All three styles—Which Way Now (shown), Feet on the Street, and Linked to the Vibe—are inspired by the movement and energy of Downtown Los Angeles. All are available in broadloom; Which Way Now is also offered in 18'' x 18'' carpet tile. The patterns come in 15 colorways with 50 percent or greater high recycled content nylon.

Blumenthal
March 2000
Blumenthal Wallcovering and Fabric offers the Duraprene technical wallcovering base. Duraprene is an industrial, eco-friendly wallcovering base made of fused and pressurized cellulose fibers from renewable resource trees and paper mill by-products, and then fiber bonded with natural latex. Duraprene is the most recent technical development in the company's series of vinyl alternatives.

Boa-Franc
www.miragefloors.com
October 2004
Mirage is a product of the Canadian company Boa-Franc, a firm dedicated to sustainable development through selecting materials only from responsible suppliers, financially supporting reforestation, maintaining a wood recycling program, and using only non-toxic manufacturing products. Mirage’s prefinished hardwood flooring line includes a range of species, stains, and widths. This year, standard species such as Red Oak, Maple, Beech, and American Walnut have been joined by two new exotic hardwood species, Merbau and Sapele. From the forests of Indonesia, Merbau is characterized by its distinctly contrasting grain and color, which ranges from yellow-ochre to dark reddish-brown. Merbau is known for a marked change in color as the wood matures and offers greater dimensional stability than many North American Species. With its softer grain and reddish brown hue, the African species, Sapele, offers similar stability.

Bolyu Contract
www.bolyu.com
March 2008
The metallic yarns used in Glitz and Glamour carpet produces subtle iridescent effects. A linear-patterned textured loop, Glamour is available in broadloom and 24''-square modular tile. Thirteen available colorways include orange-reds, silvered blacks, and deep blues. Coordinating Glitz is a textured loop available exclusively in tile. Both styles feature a backing with 85 percent postconsumer recycled content and are Green Label certified.

Bonar Floors
www.bonarfloors.com
800/852-8292
January 2001
Polysafe Astral features the new Supratec system, developed in partnership with DuPont that can be quickly mopped clean using nontoxic solvents.

Boral Timber
www.boraltimber.com
January 2002
Boral Timber, based in Australia, adheres to proper forest management practices and only harvests trees where regeneration is assured.

Br-111 Imports and Exports
www.br111.com
December 2000
Timber for the Indusparquet collection of prefinished and unfinished Brazilian hardwood floors is only harvested from Indusparquet owned and managed forests. Indusparquet is strictly monitored by the Brazilian National Environmental Department (IBAMA) and has instituted an aggressive reforestation program to assure preservation of the rain forests, a precious natural resource.

Brastilo
www.brastilo.com
January 2008
Brastilo offers a new collection of home furnishings made from native Brazilian pine and other woods, raised in sustainable, renewable forests cultivated especially for furniture making. The company has also partnered with world-renowned artists to offer a selection of handcrafted accessories, including ceramics, lighting, and wall decor.

C&A Floorcoverings
www.powerbond.com
July 2004
C&A Floorcoverings has introduced the Cycle Collection: two coordinating, nondirectional designs of different scales intended for corporate and government settings. Sequence is the first of the two designs to be released, followed by the blocks-on-blocks design of Cadence. The environmentally-friendly carpet tile will utilize Honeywell’s (formerly BASF) Savant HRC (High Recycled Content) nylon with a minimum of 50 percent recycled content (25 percent postconsumer and 25 percent postindustrial). In addition, a built-in RS tackifier eliminates the use of wet adhesives, which can contribute to poor indoor air quality. Independent, third-party certification through Scientific Certification Systems has verified the total recycled content of the product as well as its 100 percent recyclability.

Carlisle Wide Plank Floors
www.wideplankflooring.com
January 2008
Carlisle Wide Plank Floors¹ has received FSC-certification for its entire line of 100 percent postconsumer Reclaimed Antique Wood. The handcrafted, reclaimed wood flooring comes from structures that have been slated for demolition, and includes Antique Chestnut and Antique Barnwood (typically a combination of Pine and Hemlock).

Carnegie
www.carnegiefabrics.com
January 2002 updated
Carnegie introduces Xorel Vision, a translucent textile intended for upholstery and panel use which is PVC-free, plasticizer-free, and low in VOCs. Xorel is solution-dyed and inherently flame-retardant; no chemical treatments are required. It also comes in a collection of bright and saturated Techno colors. The new Fusion collection features the Xorel yarn mixed with another fiber in eight tactile patterns and nine colorways. Xorel fabrics are durable, easily cleaned, and recognized by Greenpeace as a viable environmental alternative to vinyl.

In addition, they offer upholstery fabrics in the Climatex Lifecycle production protocol. These wool/ramie fabrics can be composted safely after their useful life, as nourishment for other living organisms. Carnegie also offers textiles from 100%-recycled polyester under the Terratex brand.

Ceilings Plus
ceilingsplus.com
March 2011
To save time and money, Los Angeles–based TFO Architecture selected one supplier to integrate the various design elements of the curvy ceiling at Roll International’s Orchard Commissary in Los Angeles. Ceilings Plus provided Radians ceiling panels with integrated lighting, skylights, and air diffusers as part of the system. The panels feature a carbonized bamboo real wood veneer with a slotted perforation and 100% recycled sound-absorbing backer.

Ceracasa
ceracasa.com
June 2010
Unveiled to much acclaim at Cevisama 2009, Bionictile air-purifying porcelain is now available in the U.S. The tile’s innovative titanium-dioxide glaze neutralizes nitrogen oxide, the pollutant that causes acid rain. Now the Spanish maker unveils Lifewall, a companion system developed in conjunction with Emilio Llobat of Maqla Architects and Azahar Energy. The 3.3'-square tiles support drip-watered vegetation that converts carbon dioxide into oxygen via photosynthesis, further enhancing air quality.

CertainTeed
certainteed.com
March 2011 updated
According to CertainTeed, AirRenew wallboard is the first gypsum board product to be able to permanently reduce VOCs circulating indoors by capturing and converting them into inert compounds that safely remain within the board. AirRenew also features M2Tech technology, which is specifically engineered to provide enhanced protection against moisture and mold.

This Class A–rated Adagio composite ceiling panel offers superior acoustical performance by combining the sound absorption of high-density fiberglass with the sound containment qualities of mineral fiber. The panel features an industry-leading NRC of 0.80 and a CAC of 40–42, which helps building occupants comply with privacy regulations. Made of 62% recycled content, they also feature a treatment for added mold and mildew resistance.

CertainTeed Gypsum
www.certainteed.com/gypsum
December 2008
In addition to its low water absorption and resistance to mold, ProRoc Moisture and Mold Resistant Gypsum Board with M2Tech is distinguished by its recycled face and back papers and use of reclaimed gypsum.

Chemrex Inc.
www.chemrex.com
The Radiance Low-E Wall Finish is an interior paint finish that reflects radiant energy, keeping buildings warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Studies show that in the winter up to 95 percent of the radiant energy generated in a room is absorbed into the walls and escapes to the outside via conduction.

Chicago Metallic
www.chicagometallic.com
EuroFoam sustainable ceiling panels offer a monolithic appearance along with sound absorption, light reflectance, and fire resistance. Made from melamine, the panels are recyclable, mold and mildew resistant, inorganic, and free or off-gassing or fibers shed into the air. EuroFoam panels are ideal for interior open plan spaces requiring sound absorption (nrc .70) and light reflectance (87%), the ideal for choice for offices, health care, schools, universities.

February 2002 updated
Available in 19 designer patterns, EUROSTONE ceiling panels are made from expanded volcanic perlite. EUROSTONE contains none of the man-made mineral fibers or organic materials (cellulose and corn starch) known to support the growth of microorganisms. Its unique properties combat threats posed by poor indoor air quality and assist individuals suffering from multiple chemical sensitivities.

In addition to man-made mineral fibers, most mineral ceiling products contain starch, paper pulp, cellulose fibers, paint, and other sustaining organic material. Eurostone is made from expanded perlite, an inorganic material, and contains none of the organic materials known to support the growth of microorganisms. Eurostone will not burn, warp, or sag. It offers acoustical properties in 19 patterns.

Collins & Aikman Floorcoverings
www.powerbond.com
Habitat, a solution-dyed, 6,6 nylon fiber system from C&A, features 82 to 98 percent reclaimed content and C&A's 100 percent recycled content ER3 backing. In addition, claims C&A, Habitat is the only high-performance commercial carpet that is fully recyclable as well as the only one with such a high percentage of recycled content. Repeat, Habitat's fiber system, is composed of reclaimed content manufactured from waste generated from various fiber production processes such as process deviations, product changes, and color transitions as well as other industry sources. Special equipment and processing technology is employed to produce fiber from the reclaimed nylon waste. Collins and Aikman's 100,000-square-foot Center for Environmental Innovation will serve as a support processing facility for the company's carpet recycling business, and research and design initiatives.

One hundred percent recycled carpeting composes the vinyl backing for Powerbond ER3 modular tile. The tiles are designed for commercial and institutional use. 800/248-2878.

Coverings Etc.
www.coveringsetc.com
May 2004
Eco-Cem and Eco-Terr are two eco-friendly materials that can help earn LEED points for projects. Eco-Cem is made from 20 percent wood pulp and 80 percent cement and can be used for flooring, countertops, or wall surfacing for industrial, commercial, and residential use. Eco-Terr slabs and tiles can be color customized and contain 80 percent materials using stone chips sourced from quarries near the manufacturing plants, recycled glass, and a natural cement binder.

Updated: February 2012
A cheaper alternative to traditional terrazzo, Eco-Terr Retro is the latest addition to the Eco-Terr line of 70-percent recycled material derived from marble, granite, and stone-chip by-products of the manufacturing process. The new tile line offers highly pronounced, decorative geometric patterns that are available in a range of motifs including Mediterranean, Cuban, and Art Deco. Customizable patterns are also possible.

Crossville Ceramics Co.
August 2000
www.crossville-ceramics.com
The Eco-Cycle porcelain tile from Crossville Ceramics is made by reclaiming and reusing unfired raw materials. More than 95 percent of the taupe-gray mingle tile consists of raw materials generated during the process of manufacturing standard color porcelain tiles.

Crossville
www.crossvilleinc.com
September 2008 updated
Scientific Certification Systems announced recycled content certification for the new EcoCycle Series of eight porcelain stone tile products manufactured by Crossville. Certification of the EcoCycle Series confirms the Crossville meets the necessary criteria for recycled content claims based on internationally recognized standards and guidance established by the International Organization for Standardization and LEED. The eight natural stone look products in the EcoCycle series have a certified recycled content of 40 percent; fine particulate waste material that was previously landfilled is now recovered through a wastewater reclamation system. All are 5Ž16''-thick and all but one are available in a 12''-square size.

In 15 luminous hues, and clear, iridescent, and frosted matte finishes, Echo recycled glass tile has up to 100 percent content depending on color. Sizes include 1''-square, 1'' x 3'', 2''-square, 2'' x 4'', and listellos.

crossvilleinc.com/mixology
June 2011 updated
Crossville introduced several new products at this year’s Coverings tradeshow, including Mixology, a new line for interior, vertical applications that replicates cast metal. Each of the wrought metal tiles contains a minimum of 50 percent postconsumer recycled content. Seven field tile designs are available in 4”-square and 6”-square sizes, plus 10 trim options and two mosaics.

crossvilleinc.com/green
August 2011 updated
TOTO has formed a cross-industrial strategic partnership with Crossville to supply preconsumer waste for Crossville’s new EcoCycle Recycling Processes. EcoCycle is a proprietary system for processing preconsumer sanitary ware, fired tile, and production-related waste back to powder that is used in the manufacture of new tile. Crossville is the first U.S. tile manufacturer to achieve SCS certification for its waste-recycling program.  

Crush Glass Tile
Fireclay Tile
fireclaytile.com
August 2011
Crush is 100% recycled-glass tile made from preconsumer window glass sourced from within 20 miles of Fireclay’s San Jose, Ca., manufacturing facility. Crush is made to order within two weeks, and is available in 40 colors in matte and gloss finishes and 17 different size formats. Due to a proprietary glass fusing technology and state-of-the-art kiln firing, the tiles use less than a quarter of the energy used to produce traditional cast-glass tile.  

Danskina
www.danskina.nl
December 2008
The custom rug Bamboo is hand-tufted entirely with its namesake material — a durable bamboo fiber available in 20 colors.

Decorative Architectural Tiles
808/885-7812
Peak Creations is floor, counter, and wall tile made of 100 percent postconsumer glass.

Degussa
www.degussa.com
November 2006
Speciality chemical manufacturer Degussa has created a flexible ceramic wall covering for interior applications. CCFlex is durable enough for hospitals, schools, and offices, yet lightweight enough to be used in airplanes, trains, and ships. The breathable, strippable finish can be custom- colored and patterned, and is antimicrobial and waterproof, as well as fire-, impact-, and soil-resistant. It is also heavy metal-, plasticizer-, and stabilizer-free, meaning it has no phthalates linked with endocrine disruption.

Designtex
www.designtex.com
September 2007 updated
Play It Again Sam is a polyester-panel fabric that is 100 percent recycled PET fiber. Natural Stretch fabric is an elastic textile that wicks moisture away from the sitter to enable climate-controlled seating. It is all natural and completely biodegradable; it uses no synthetic materials.

Designtex has joined parent company Steelcase in announcing plans to completely eliminate PVC from its product offerings by 2012. The decision is part of an overall strategy to minimize the environmental impact of current materials and products, while searching out alternative, sustainable materials to work with. In the following months, Designtex will launch over 20 new wallcovering products that have the performance and price of vinyl but without the PVC.

Earthtex is a sustainable high performance woven wallcovering that is durable, and reliable, without using PVC. It does not contain any heavy metals or plasticizers, and doesn’t release any toxins when added to land-fill. Designtex, New York City.

Designtex has introduced Material Matters, the third collection of textiles to come from its ongoing relationship with the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation. Following the tradition of sound-based contemporary artworks in the Guggenheim¹s collections, the Sonic Fabric material, invented by artist Alyce Santoro, is constructed of 49 percent recycled audiotapes. Giving new meaning to a ³loud fabric², multilayered audio tracks have been recorded into the tape of the fabric and sounds in the weave can be heard by drawing a tape head over its surface. Available in five colors, the fabric reaches a surprising 80,000 double rubs.

Designweave Commercial Carpet
www.designweave.com
September 2007
The Never Too Much modular carpet line from Designweave, includes four styles in nine classic colorways that are ideal for corporate interiors. The tile is made of recycled and recyclable Eco Solution Q fiber and EcoWorx backing. It is also available with EcoLogix recycled cushion backing. As part of Designweave¹s DesignTEN Quick Ship Program, orders up to 2,500-square yards will ship within 10 business days from credit approval.

Dodge-Regupol
www.regupol.com
December 2000
Dodge-Regupol processes two million tires each year to produce its inexpensive and resilient recycled rubber surfacing. The product meets Washington state's indoor-air quality specifications and guidelines and is all-weather resistant for outdoor use. ECOsurfaces can be purchased in rolls, in tile format, or custom-cut and shaped to fit any installation. Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, ECOsurfaces can incorporate custom logos and colors to fill a client's needs.

Domco Tarkett Commercial
www.domcotarkett.com
May 2002
Azrock introduces 26 new colors to its commercial vinyl flooring line. The addition of the new colors now makes a total of 60 colors available for the VCT, which has been tested for air-quality emissions. The standard Cortina Collection has received certification by The GreenGuard Registry.

March 2003
Manufactured in Narni, Italy, since 1898, Linosom linoleum offers a completely natural flooring alternative. Its composition consists of cork flour and linseed oil combined with resin from conifer trees, limestone and wood flour, which is then laid on jute backing. Not only is Linosom an environmentally friendly product, but it also contains an inherent anti-bacterial quality. Research has shown that it is impossible for bacteria to grow on the surface of Linosom linoleum. Additionally, Linosom, when heat-welded at the seams, provides a smooth surface without spaces for dust, bacteria and germs to collect or thrive. The smooth surface makes it simpler and easier to clean, which means lower maintenance costs.

Dumond Chemicals
www.peelaway.com
February 2005
Peel Away 8 is a water-based, fully biodegradable paste used to strip paint, oil, urethane, epoxy, graffiti and other materials from wood, brick, stone, metal, plaster, fiberglass and other porous- and non-porous surfaces. The stripper does not contain caustics or methylene chloride and is classified as non-hazardous. Peel Away 8 does not generate fumes and easily adheres to vertical and overhead surfaces by way of a brush, roller, or airless sprayer.

Dumond Chemicals
www.dumondchemicals.com
June 2007
Applied by brush, roller, or spray equipment, Smart Strip paint stripper by Peel Away will remove up to 15 layers of architectural and/or industrial coatings from virtually any substrate. A water-based, self-sealing paste, Smart Strip stays wet for 24 hours or longer, softening and separating the coatings beneath. Classified as non-hazardous, Smart Strip is pH neutral, does not contain caustics, toxic chemicals, and has zero VOCs.

DuPont
www.antron.dupont.com
November 2001
DuPont, the world's largest recycler of nylon since 1991, has announced the successful completion of an environmental initiative to upgrade and expand its nylon carpet reclamation center in Calhoun, Georgia. In addition to receiving, sorting, baling, and packaging used carpet, DuPont has added equipment to recover nylon at the facility. In August, the facility reached its full operational potential of producing 1,000 pounds of recovered nylon per hour. The process involves recovering a clean nylon 6,6 resin from used nylon carpet recovered in the DuPont Carpet Reclamation Program. Carpet is recycled into other materials such as resilient flooring, carpet cushion, sod reinforcement, automobile parts, and new carpet.

Durra Building Systems
www.durra.com
September 2004
To create their strawboard panels, Durra applies both high heat and extreme pressure to straw fibers, coaxing out resins that act as a permanent bonding agent. Panels are then dry extruded and finished with a strong, water-resistant liner paper. The resulting panels are non-toxic and offer fire, impact, mold, and mildew resistance.

Echo Environmental
212/363-8181
Echo Environmental has established an agreement with Columbia University to market and sublicense technologies that use recyclable products for building and construction materials. A new material brings together the versatility of concrete and the aesthetic qualities of colored glass, as seen in this glass concrete tile.

Ellen Blakeley Studio
ellenblakeley.com
May 2010
The tile collections from Ellen Blakeley Studio are crafted from tempered glass recycled from the waste of commercial-glass manufacturers in Northern California. Every tile is made in an intricate process involving painting, layering, and hand placing the broken tempered glass to make a flat surface, which is then grouted and sealed to finish the tile. A palette of 45 colors is available, or tiles can be customized with specific paint colors and materials. The studio uses sanded water-based grout, low-VOC paints, and a two-part epoxy resin that minimally binds the separate elements together.

EcoDomo
www.ecodomo.com
October 2007
To produce its recycled leather tiles, the Earth stewards of EcoDomo collect scraps from furniture, shoe, and other tanneries, mix it with natural rubber and Acacia bark, and re-form it into 1Ž8''- and 1Ž16''-thick sheets that emit no detectable VOCs.

ECOsurfaces
www.ecosurfaces.com
April 2004
ECOrocks, from ECOsurfaces Commercial Flooring, offers the comfort of resilient flooring with the look of hard-surface terrazzo. Made of recycled rubber, ECOrocks comes in large or small granule patterns and five color blends that coordinate with the other ECOsurfaces product lines. It is available in 4' wide rolls or 18'' x 18'' and 3' x 3' tiles.

EcoTimber
www.ecotimber.com
January 2008 updated
EcoTimber offers a line of wood flooring from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-endorsed, well-managed forests including hard maple and red oak, as well as more exotic offerings including machiche and Brazilian cherry. The line also features reclaimed wood flooring derived from old buildings, waterways, and city streets. EcoTimber bamboo flooring, made in China from a timber bamboo that is grown on plantations and achieves a harvestable, mature stage in four to five years, rounds out EcoTimber's flooring line.

EcoTimber is the first flooring company in North America to offer bamboo flooring made with formaldehyde-free adhesives as a standard product. Other companies offer formaldehyde-free on a special-order basis at a significant premium. The flooring is made of 100 percent bamboo in a multi-ply or horizontal construction with micro-beveled edges. It is finished with an aluminum oxide enhanced acrylated urethane system with a hardened acrylic anti-scratch topcoat.

Edelweiss Wood Flooring L.L.C.
www.edelweissflooring.com
October
Admonter Natural Flooring is a three-layered engineered product manufactured in Austria by Stia Holzindustrie GmbH, the industrial arm of the Admont Benedictine monastery located in the small Austrian town of Admont. Stia is a proponent of conservation and plants four trees for each tree harvested.

Environmental Stone Products
Environmental Stone is manufactured from 100 percent recycled glass to form floor tiles, exterior pavers, and wall paneling.

FIBandCO
fibandco.com
February 2011
The banana “tree” is in fact an herbaceous plant (the stem does not contain true woody tissue) that dies after producing fruit. A new interior finish that makes use of this plentiful natural resource is Green Blade (shown top and bottom), a decorative veneer sheet made from 100% banana-trunk fiber. Harvested and processed on a banana plantation on the island of Martinique in the French West Indies, the material has a good aptitude for bending and cold post-forming and is available in sizes up to 51'' x 138''. Sheets come in multiple thicknesses and four color options, and can be applied to a range of substrates, including paper, MDF, and plywood.

Finland Color Plywood Corporation
www.fincolorply.com
August 2002
Finland Color Plywood Corporation strives to supply products manufactured in accordance with existing international environmental policies. This includes obtaining wood from sustainable forests, and supporting production processes that are minimally damaging to the ecosystem and atmosphere. FCPC offers FinColorPly, a non-toxic prefinished plywood panel made with 100 percent PEFC certified wood and Parklex 1000, a non-toxic composite panel made with 90 percent certified wood material.

Fireclay Tile
fireclaytile.com
November 2010
According to Fireclay Tile, the Debris Series recycled tile contains, at 62%, more post-industrial and post-consumer waste than any other ceramic tile on the market. Manufactured in Northern California, the Series uses all locally sourced recycled materials and California clay. The waste glass is made of dust collected from local glass recyclers, granite dust from a neighboring granite quarry, and the spent abrasives used to clean the pipes that transport water to the City of San Francisco.  

Flexco
www.flexcofloors.com
January 2005
Flexco offers its EnviroFlex line, a series of products which meet select standards for the design and construction of environmentally-friendly buildings. The line includes: FlexTuft Rubber Tile, a recycled indoor/outdoor product made from 90 percent post-consumer waste from tires; Solid Vinyl tile, which contains more than 40 percent post-industrial waste; vinyl stair treads and wall base, which contain more than 40 percent post-industrial and are engineered to meet the demands of high-traffic areas; and ESD Control Solid Vinyl Tile, which offers static control throughout the workplace and is more than 40 percent post industrial.

Flux Studios
www.fluxstudios.com
August 2006
The Lineage collection of stainless steel and bronze tiles from Flux Studios have a living finish; no coatings or chemical patinas are applied over the metal. Patterns in the line include an hourglass and blank tile .

Flux Studios also recycles wood from sustainably harvested and plantation grown lumber too small to be used for fine furniture making to create their line of solid bamboo, teak, and rosewood tiles (shown with inserts). Fortis Arbor Grout was developed specifically to move with the natural expansion and contraction of the tiles in applications such as flooring, walls, countertops, back splashes.

Forbo Flooring
www.forboflooringna.com
December 2005 updated
The company's Marmoleum and Artoleum, both linoleum floorcoverings, are manufactured from linseed oil, rosin, wood floor, cork powder, and pigments. Linoleum utilizes renewable resources, emits no harmful pollutants, and offers great durability. It is naturally biodegradable, does not burn easily, is waterproof, and won't generate static electricity.

Marmoleum global 2, a new line of linoleum from Forbo, features a Topshield finish that reduces the need for initial maintenance and chemicals, thus lowering cleaning costs. Marmoleum, which is made of renewable materials, also has natural anti-static properties that repel dust and dirt.

Formica
formica.com
May 2011
Formica is expanding its 180fx laminate to the commercial market with seven new designs featuring color variations of natural stone slab and petrified wood in a believable 5’ span. Ideal for vertical and horizontal applications that require dramatic scale, such as conference tables, islands, countertops, wall panels, fixtures, and displays, Formica laminates are both FSC- and Greenguard-certified.  

Fortune Contract
www.fortunecontract.com
September 2007
The Acadia Collection is made of high-performance Natiq Envirowork 30 nylon carpet fiber from Nylene. Natiq Envirowork 30 branded Nylon 6 contains a minimum of 30 percent recycled content, and is manufactured in a closed loop, fiber-to-fiber recycling manufacturing process in the longest continuously running depolymerization facility in North America. Products produced with Natiq contribute toward LEED certification and are SCS-certified. The collection features two patterns: Acadia Texture, a 46 oz. tip shear and Acadia Stripe, a cut/uncut tailored linear pattern.

Freudenberg Building Systems
www.norarubber.com
June 2007 updated
Freudenberg Building Systems has introduced several new rubber flooring products this year including noraplan fossil and norament 925 grano FS. Noraplan fossil is characterized by color granules that resemble fossil inclusions found in nature. The multi-colored granules are embedded in one of 16 base colors that supplement the existing noraplan range. The floor’s smooth, nonglare finish reinforces the natural look of the line, making noraplan fossil a good compliment to wood, stone, and other natural design elements. Norament 925 grano FS is a rubber floor covering that uses a low-emission releasable adhesive to facilitate installation, removal, and reinstallation of the flooring. It is particularly suited for installation on raised access floors and areas with limited periods of use.

The manufacturers of nora rubber flooring worked closely with Kaiser Permanente, the nation¹s largest nonprofit healthcare system, to develop a line of commercial rubber flooring that meets the needs of healthcare interiors. Available in 48 nature-inspired colors, the PVC-free envirocare line is made of high-quality rubber, mineral fillers, and ³environmentally compatible² pigments.

Fruedenberg Building Systems presents nora sportsfloor, an impact-resistant sports floor for school, recreation, and multipurpose areas. The product, a rubber covering with a matte, anti-slip surface, is an ideal solution for applications such as indoor tracks. Easy and inexpensive to maintain due to a dirt- and stain-resistant surface, its shock absorption qualities cut down on the risk of injury and reduce bruising. Environmentally- friendly, nora sportsfloor is made of high-quality rubber, abundant natural fibers, and environmentally-compatible color pigments.

Gigacrete
www.gigacrete.com
November 2008
Plaster right over ICF Manufactured by Gigacrete, Plastermax-ICF is an Greenguard-certified interior veneer plaster specifically formulated for direct application over ICF foam blocks, replacing drywall as a fire-rated barrier. According to the manufacturer, Plastermax-ICF is the world’s first coating applied directly without lath that offers superior bonding, no VOCs, and 50 percent recycled content. The highly abrasion and impact-resistant finish consists of non-toxic, non-combustible natural ingredients including limestone and recycled glass.

Glidden
www.icipaintstores.com
Intended for the residential market, Spred 2000 interior latex paints are 100 percent free of volatile organic compounds. A more durable formulation of the paint, Lifemaster 2000, is available for professional applications.

G-P Gypsum Corp.
www.gp.com/gypsum/
May 2002
G-P Gypsum is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council. G-P includes recycled waste paper and wallboard waste when manufacturing ToughRock brand wallboard. A portion of the G-P ToughRock brand wallboard production is made with synthetic gypsum, a by-product of flue-gas desulfurization process by coal fired generating plants. Dens-Products are patented glass matted products that are highly resistant to moisture and weather related problems that occur on the job. The inorganic construction of the products and their moisture resistive properties make them resistant to the growth of mold and mildew as demonstrated by tests conducted pursuant to ASTM D 3273.

G-P Gypsum
www.gpgypsum.com
April 2005
G-P Gypsum has introduced the next generation of DensArmor Plus, the company’s moisture- and mold-resistant paperless interior wallboard. Enhanced DensArmor Plus panels feature a new glass mat facing that finishes like paper-faced wallboard—resulting in the first completely paperless interior wallboard that offers moisture and mold resistance and finishes easily.

Graham & Brown
www.grahambrown.com
December 2008
The floral damask–patterned Heritage wallpaper, part of Graham & Brown’s Eco-Collection, is printed on paper from FSC-certified sources with water-based inks.

Amaco Fabrics and Fibers
www.geotextiles.com
Using the AdBac composite backing system in the fabrication of carpets makes carpets over 25 percent lighter. Because the material is thermoplastic, the carpet can then be recycled at the end of its carpet life.

G.T. Design
www.gtdesign.it
March 2002
Coconutrug is a carpet of pure coconut fiber hand woven on traditional looms and dyed with non-toxic color. The rug is completely biodegradable, static proof, and resist to mold.

Hanna Korvela Design Oy
www.hannakorveladesign.fi
August 2001
Duetto is a recyclable, clean-lined, cotton knit-paper yarn carpet.

Hunter Douglas
www.hdceilings.com
June 2005
Luxalon Architectural Products utilize more than 70 percent recycled content and minimize factory waste. The metal ceiling systems come in a variety of colors and styles—from linear metal to Open Cell, Planks and Tiles, acoustical baffles, and exterior soffit products—and have no off-gassing or negative effect on interior air quality. The rust-resistant panels are also non-porous, and therefore do not collect mold and mildew.

Icestone
www.icestone.biz
May 2005
IceStone turns post-consumer recycled glass into durable countertops, vanities, wall coverings, and flooring that look, feel, and wear like granite. In addition to 20 standard colors, the company can add pigment to the background mix and offers a variety of sizes and colors of glass. Offered at a competitive price, IceStone is less porous than marble, nearly as strong as granite, and heat- and scratch-resistant. Using state-of-the-art German curing chambers and Italian stone fabrication equipment, IceStone's durable surface is created by combining recycled glass (up to 75 percent) with a scientifically-advanced cement compound. The manufacturing process is low-emission and environmentally-friendly and the product contains no VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and produces no harmful indoor air pollutants.

Illbruck Acoustic
www.illbruck-acoustic.com/wood
November 2006
Bioline Solid Finish tiles, available in cherry, beech, and maple real wood veneers, are composed of 70 percent recycled, post-industrial material, feature coordinated core color and veneer (no edge banding required), and have a self-centering revealed edge. They are Class-1 fire-rated and offered in a variety of perforations and custom cut-outs. Also Class-1 rated, Bioline Organic Texture tiles are available in light, medium, dark, and custom wood shades, and are composed of 80 percent recycled, post-industrial material.

Innovations in Wallcoverings Inc.
www.innovationsusa.com
September 2001
Innovations has designed overprints on its Eco-Alchemy wallcovering products. The four patterns, Wave, Honeycomb, Brushstroke, and Coral, are comprised of wood pulp and recyclable polyester. They are printed with water-soluble dyes and contain no heavy metals. Eco-Alchemy prints are breathable, reducing mold and mildew on the wall. The natural wallcovering is 54-inches-wide, and has a Class A flame rating. They are available in over 30 SKU's in addition to 29 solid colors.

Interface Inc.
July 2002
www.interfaceinc.com
The Interface Research Corporation and the manufacturing and design teams at Interface have been working on a process that allows the successful manufacture of floor-covering products from polylactic acid (PLA), a renewable resource derived from corn that is manufactured by Cargil/Dow. Two completely recyclable and biodegradable carpet tile products from the Great Plains collection debuted at NeoCon in June 2000.

A striated cut and loop texture, Equilibrium carpet tile (left) is 50cm square and uses the GlasBac backing system consisting of two layers of thermoplastic vinyl composite material, reinforced with fiberglass for stability and performance. Velluto (right) is a new low profile cut pile offering that, like Equilibrium, utilizes Struttura solution dyed fiber from Aquafil, Interface's new partner in high recycled content nylon polymer.

InterfaceFLOR
www.interfaceflorcommercial.com
January 2010
Reflecting Interface¹s Mission Zero goal‹to eliminate any negative impact its companies may have on the environment by 2020‹is InterfaceFLOR¹s introduction of TacTiles. The patent-pending, glueless, 3'' x 3'' PET plastic adhesive squares are affixed to the backing of adjoining carpet tiles, bonding the tiles to each other to create a ³floating floor². Instead of hauling heavy equipment or buckets of glue to the site, installers bring only boxes of TacTiles and a four-pound dispenser.

InterfaceFLOR, the first North American carpet manufacturer to receive a third party verified Environmental Products Declaration (EPD) has achieved a second EPD for post consumer recycled-content products. All InterfaceFLOR products under the Convert design platform manufactured with either Nylon 6,6 or Nylon 6, including Cap & Blazer (shown), are now covered under an EPD. EPD’s address consistent factors based on full lifecycle assessment.

Invista
www.INVISTA.com
August 2004
Antron carpet fiber has been recertified as an Environmentally Preferable Product (EPP) by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS). Originally awarded certification in 2002, Antron carpet fiber is the first and only carpet face fiber to achieve EPP certification by an independent third party; and is now the first to achieve re-certification. As defined by Executive Order (EO) 13101, Environmental Preferable Products include products or services that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose. SCS’s certification examines all stages of a product’s lifecycle and incorporates environmental and human health issues relevant to the category. Products are evaluated on product performance; manufacturing process; amount of green energy used in the manufacture of the product; health and safety issues associated with manufacturing; and end-of-life responsibility.

Isobord Enterprises, Inc.
503/242-7345
Isobord is a countertop, cabinet, or furniture panel made of chopped wheat straw and nontoxic resins. It exceeds ANSI standards.

JFB Hart Coatings
www.jfbhartcoatings.com
August 2004
JFB Hart Coatings manufactures a complete line of water-based urethane paints and coatings. The products feature low or no odor with VOCs lower than 100 grams/liter, which exceeds California's newest regulations for architectural coatings. There is no need for harmful solvent-based primers or other products. The products are safe for interior or exterior applications andcan be applied during normal operations, as there no health risk posed to employees, customers, etc.

J&J Commercial
www.jjcommercial.com
September 2001 updated
Connect is a small-scale, textured pattern solid fabric that can work in a variety of commercial interiors including private offices and lobby areas. J&J Commercial has created Encore SD Ultima, a new generation of fiber that has a minimum of 15 percent recycled nylon content and lifetime fiber performance warranties for stain removal, wear, colorfastness, and static.

Effective as of July 2001, J&J Industries will increase the recycled nylon content in its extruded nylon fiber Encore SD Ultima from 15 to 25 percent. This is the second increase in recycled content since the inception of the Encore SD Ultima in July 1999.

Johnsonite
johnsonite.com
July 2011
Color Essence and Azterra are two new options in Johnsonite’s Azrock Collection of vinyl enhanced tile. Color Essence is available in a tone-on-tone palette of 51 colors with six coordinating slip-resistant tiles. It pairs with Azterra tiles, which combine the look of granite particles with soft, flowing marble in 14 colors. Both styles contain a minimum of six percent postconsumer and up to 23 percent preconsumer recycled content.

Kalwall Translucent Curtain Wall
kalwall.com
February 2012
DLR Group extensively used Kalwall’s translucent panels in the Metea Valley High School in Aurora, Illinois, to bring glare-free lighting into the stairwells, gymnasium, lunchroom, natatorium, media center (above), and other spaces. In addition to the regular rectangular panel, DLR Group chose Verti-Kal, a design variation of the system’s standard shoji or square grid layouts.

Ker-Av
www.italytile.com
October 2006
A thick mosaic designed on a glazed porcelain substrate, Ker-Av's Mosaicanda was inspired by a Mediterranean aesthetic; its brilliant, saturated colors are etched in cheerful geometric patterns. As part of its eco-friendly philosophy, the company utilizes exclusively lead-free raw materials.

Individual pieces are 1'' x 1'' and mesh-mounted mosaics measure 12'' x 12'' rectified. The mosaics are available in a range of seven colors.

Knight-Celotex
www.aknightcompany.com
September 2004
Celotex’s SoundStop fiberboard product is made of 97 percent recycled or recovered wood or sugarcane fibers. The product is intended to be installed along with drywall in walls and ceilings to reduce sound in single homes, multifamily buildings, and office buildings, as well as for renovations including loft conversions of industrial buildings.

KorQinc
www.korqinc.com
August 2001
ProntoKorQ collection consists of four designs of floor and wallcovering tile by designer Kevin Walz. Since the cork tiles are pigmented in the natural binder, the color permeates through the layer of granulated cork and is not susceptible to scratching off. ProntoKorQ is a three-layer product: insulating cork, non-formaldehyde MDG, and high-density granulated cork.

Kronopol Laminate Flooring
www.kronopol.com
February 2006
Sonic Floor is a new sound-deadening laminate flooring from Kronopol. Under the top surface, Sonic Floor is equipped with an integral underpad made of felt and rubber. Independently field-tested on concrete using ASTM methods for sound reduction rating, the floor was found to significantly diminish impact noise. The laminate is made with wood from FSC-certified forests, and emits a very low amount of VOC and formaldehyde emissions.

Lafarge North America
www.lafargenorthamerica.com
July 2002
Over 50 percent of Lafarge North America's drywall is made with synthetic gypsum, a by-product generated from pollution reduction incentives at coal-fired electric power plants. Using synthetic gypsum to manufacture drywall preserves natural gypsum reserves and reduces the need to landfill this material. Lafarge North America is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council.

Laticrete
www.laticrete.com
May 2004
Laticrete now offers the SpectraLock Grout product with Microban. This stain-blocking epoxy grout material is reinforced with Microban to inhibit the growth of stain-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew.

Lees Carpets
www.leescarpets.com
September 2005 updated
MetaFloor, a hybrid carpet and hard surface flooring that offers the durability to withstand the rigors of heavily-wheeled traffic and the slip resistance and acoustic properties of carpeting, took home this year's Best of NeoCon award. Metafloor's first offering is the Collaborative Voice Collection of four 12-foot products designed by a team including Shashi Caan with SOM, New York; Lucy Aiken-Johnson with TVS Interiors, Atlanta; David Loyola, with Gensler, Santa Monica; and Jaime Velez, with SOM, Chicago. MetaFloor is produced using 50 percent less nylon than typical carpet (reducing the use of oil and energy), and features a secondary backing system of 50 percent recycled content.

Lees has announced that its Unibond and Unibond RE backing systems have earned Environmentally Preferable Product (EPP) certification from ScientificCertification Systems (SCS), an internationally recognized, third-partyevaluation and certification organization. From cut pile and tip shear, to cut/loopand patterned options, the company’s wide spectrum of EPP carpet styles are available with no upcharge.

The MotorSport contract carpet collection is the result of a partnership between Lees and BMW Group DesignworksUSA. Using progressive graphic design software and technology, abstract manipulations of industrial textile materials were translated into carpet in varying tones, textures, and patterns. Available in booth broadloom and tile, the patterns include Photofinish, a richly textured multi-color product; Horsepower, a tip-shear with an extremely soft texture; and Finishline, which ties the collection together. MotorSport is certified as an Environmentally Preferable Product (EPP) and is CRI Green Label plus certified.

Using a patent-pending manufacturing technology developed by Lees, Product 2Faced achieves an optical illusion through tufting and multi-loop pile heights. Taking home an Innovation award in this year’s Best of NeoCon competition, the broadloom carpet’s use of 4D tufting technology plays with multiple pile heights to virtually hide colors, depending on the angle it is viewed.

Available in both broadloom and tile, Product 2Faced offers a color palette of 14 clear, saturated yarn-dyed colors to complement the product’s three patterns: I-spy, Alter Ego [same carpet shown in both the mirror and on the floor], and Still Moving. Lees collaborated with the Chicago-based multi-disciplinary studio CleverSpin, who utilized time lapse photos, x-ray imagery, and other time-based or transformative images, to develop synchronous patterns around the idea of time and change.

Product 2Faced features Duracolor stain-resistant dye technology and is Scientific Certification Systems and CRI Green Label Plus certified.

Lonseal
www.lonseal.com
May 2004 updated
Loneca Mesa is an embossed floor- and wall-surface composed of an average of 50% recycled vinyl and wood powder and emitting ten times less VOCs than linoleum and 50% less than rubber.The product meets LEED standards MR 4.1 and MR 4.2.

October 2005 updated
LonBead resilient vinyl flooring, from Lonseal Flooring, features a luminescent embossed surface available in eight colorways that change according to the viewer’s angle. The skid-resistant surface features subtle hints of iridescent hues with minute flakes and fibers embedded into the sphere of each bead. LonBead is the latest addition to Lonseal’s GreenAir Collection of low emitting VOC resilient vinyl products, and features up to 20 percent reused-materials content. Lonseal has earned GreenGuard Environmental Institute’s GreenGuard Indoor Air Quality Certification for several vinyl flooring products, and will continue to be monitored on an ongoing basis.

LSI Wallcoverings
www.secondlookwc.com
July 2007
According to LSI Wallcovering, their new Second-Look collection is the first line of recycled vinyl wallcovering on the market. Three collections include 20 percent recycled content and a minimum of 10 percent post-consumer content. Highly dimensional selections include Umbria a cork-like plaster effect from the Versa collection; Tambur a classic basketweave design from the Plexus collection; and Ikat, a soft linen texture from the Cirqa collection. The low VOC, Type II, 20-ounce wallcovering measures 54'' wide, uses water-soluble inks and water-based adhesives, and is available with Permavent microventing that allows walls to breathe. Designers can also reclaim vinyl wallcovering of any make from their renovation projects and send it to LSI for recycling into post-consumer recycled wallcovering.

Mannington Commercial
www.mannington.com
February 2004 updated
Designer Essentials is a new collection of 27 vinyl composition tile colors created in response to designers' requests for more rich and saturated accent colors like Ocean Blue, New Eggplant, Spectrum Orange, and Fuchsia. Mannington's entire VCT selection contains a minimum of ten percent recycled vinyl content.

Designed for rigorous contract environments, High Performance backing from Mannington is available in 9 and 12 foot widths for tufted broadloom carpet. With High Performance, broadloom products like Carthage III, will be impervious to moisture damage, even at the seams. The backing meets the standards for the Carpet and Rug Institute's indoor air testing program and contains 25 percent recycled content.

Mannington Commercial has introduced two new modular products to the ArtCraft Collection: String Works, a linear pattern, and Modern Primitive, a large random check pattern. The ArtCraft technology uses color upon color with 100 percent post-production yarn that in the past may have been sold or downcycled.

October 2005 updated
Relay sheet flooring is manufactured using 40 percent pre-consumer (post-industrial) recycled content. The scrap material is sent through a grinding process which produces a mixture of fluff from the carpet face and chunks from the carpet backing. The mixture is heated and pressurized into cord-shaped pieces that are colored and ground into chips, which are used in place of virgin raw materials to produce color pellets for Relay.

October 2010 updated
Incorporating postconsumer recycled content, BioSpec MD homogenous sheet flooring has a through-chip construction to withstand heavy loads and high traffic — not to mention stains, cuts, and gauges. Ideal for health-care applications, the high-performance product now incorporates Quantum Guard HP, a UV-cured inner wear layer offering enhanced durability that incorporates an antimicrobial agent to thwart germs and bacteria, reducing exposure from secondary infections. The 72 colors can even be water-jet cut and layered to create intricate patterns.

Mapei
www.mapei.com
December 2000
Nearly half of all indoor air quality problems can be associated with microbial growth. Mapei, with its ECO line of carpet adhesives, now offers total antimicrobial protection to prevent Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) and provide a healthier home and work environments. While most floor covering adhesives contain biocides to prevent latex spoilage, ECO products are formulated with antimicrobial compounds that provide permanent “dry film” protection from excessive mold and mildew growth.

October 2005 updated
Ultrabond ECO 972 is the latest in Mapei’s ECO series of environmentally-friendly floorcovering adhesives that are low in VOCs. The formula was developed for the installation of engineered wood and parquet flooring. Ultrabond incorporates Mapei’s BioBlock antimicrobial technology to provide an additional line of defense by inhibiting the growth of odor- and stain-producing mold, mildew, and bacteria.

Marley-Flexco Co.
www.marleyflexco.com
Flex-Tuft flooring is 95 percent recycled truck and bus tires.

The Mat Factory, Inc.
www.matfactory.com
949/645-3122
Ergo Mats are interlocking roll-up tiles for use in pool areas, locker rooms, and showers. They are made of 100 percent postconsumer tire rubber and PVC plastic derived from electric cable covers.

Mats
www.matsinc.com
July 2004
A low-cost alternative to traditional carpeting or VCT, Finett recycled carpet is a durable solution for high-traffic environments, including airports, schools, malls, and industrial office settings. Offering the look and feel of carpeting, Finett received the highest-class rating for extreme wear in rigorous European wear testing. Finett is sold in 6' to 7' roll widths and some designs are available in modular tile format. Finett has an overall recycled content of 45 percent (postconsumer textile backing).

Milliken Carpet
www.millikencarpet.com
updated December 2007
Milliken Carpet developed the Earth Square renewable carpet program to give designers working on large renovation projects an alternative to disposing old carpet in landfills. Milliken claims that this offers a savings of approximately 50 percent compared to the cost of new modular carpet. The three-step closed loop recovery process super-cleans, retextures, and updates designs on used modular carpet for commercial customers, extending product life cycles while saving resources associated with replacing or recycling carpet. An old carpet tile can be turned into an entirely different looking product after the Earth Square renewal. The program offers three ways to participate: renew carpet taken from another facility in the organization; purchase carpet stored and waiting for renewal; or incorporate the removal, renewal, and re-installation of the same carpet into the carpet schedule. Honors for the program include the first Evergreen Award from the U.S. General Services Administration. All of the company's water-intensive textile operations used in the production of carpets have been modified to use less water. This is done by recycling and reusing water, as well as by introducing new manufacturing technologies that inherently save water. The company eliminated chlorinated solvents from the process, substituting organic alternatives, many derived from fruits, forest products, and other natural sources. Alternative materials and processes have replaced the solvents used in the cleaning and dyeing processes.

Milliken Carpet and SOM Collaborative have launched Way, a 36'' modular carpet collection with 3D designs that depart from traditional inspirations such as art and fashion towards man-made structures and geological formations. The collection utilized Millitron, a new High-Definition technology from Milliken, that allowed SOM and Milliken designers to create fine gradations of color and layers of visual texture that simulate dimension. Milliken also reformulated colors to achieve palettes in six high-contrast color families including blue-blacks, browns, greens, silver-blues, reds, and charcoals. The three design families in the line include: Riverbed, which captures the illusion of light on water; Urbanscape, influenced by cityscapes and aerial shots of highways and traffic; and Forcefield, inspired by images of bridges, airports, and city blocks. Each design family includes three patterns that increase in complexity and scale. Using Pattern Builder software, developed by the collaborative, users can click and drag modular designs onto a grid and rotate them in any direction to compose their own graphic art.

According to Milliken, Way is 100 percent sustainable, and can be renewed through their Earth Square process or recycled through other processes.

Milliken¹s 180 Walls is a highly permeable, woven wallcovering for commercial applications made from 100 percent pre-consumer recycled polyester. Its self-adhesive backing eliminates the need for paste. The product has received a Silver rating in McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry¹s Cradle-to-Cradle certification program; it¹s also less expensive than most fabric wallcoverings.

The Mohawk Group
www.mohawkgroup.com
September 2007 updated
As an aide to specifiers, The Mohawk Group has created an Architects Folder solely dedicated to carpet backings, with cut samples and definitions of each. The 11 systems in the folder include UltraSet Modular Systems, the company’s first hard-back modular tile system. A thermo-stable structured backing of several composite materials, UltraSet is now being incorporated into all Mohawk Commercial and Bigelow Commercial carpet tiles. Another new addition is BioCel, a polyurethane backing that not only increases the carpet’s life, but also combines renewable and recycled resources. The technology teams Celceram, a highly refined mineral endorsed by the Environmental Protection Agency, with BioBalance, a rapidly renewable resource from soybean oil. The backing systems utilizing this technology contain an average of 50 to 55 percent post industrial content, 7 to 15 percent consumer content, and 7 to 10 percent renewable resource.

At last November¹s GreenBuild, Mohawk Group introduced Encycle, a patent-pending PVC-free modular carpet backing system that is designed with three thermoplastic layers and zero-water based components, enabling complete recyclability back into itself without separation. The new backing system also incorporates 35 percent pre-consumer recycled content by total product weight and utilizes 28 percent less virgin raw materials.

The Mohawk Group claims that Encycle, its patent-pending PVC-free modular carpet backing system, is the only carpet tile designed with three thermoplastic layers and zero water-based components, enabling complete recyclability back into itself without separation. The new backing also incorporates 35 percent pre-consumer recycled content by total product weight and utilizes 28 percent less virgin raw materials. Encycle is not Mohawk¹s only sustainable venture; several Mohawk Group products are CRI Green Label Plus-certified.

molo design
www.molodesign.com
September 2004
Soft Wall is a flexible partition wall prefabricated from 600 thin layers of a soft, translucent, non-woven textile. Soft Wall’s expandable honeycomb structure optimizes the textile’s acoustic dampening properties, can transmit or absorb light, is compressible for storage and transport, and allows the walls to open, curve, or fold away when not in use. Another concept from molo design is the Soft House, a housing system that utilizes the same honeycomb structure and applies it to an enclosed room. Working closely with a nonwoven textile manufacturer and honeycomb fabricators, the designers are creating the non-woven material for both Soft Wall and Soft House to be flame-, U.V.-, and chemical-resistant, as well as 100 percent recyclable and made with recycled content.

Mountain Lumber Company
www.mountainlumber.com
October 2004 updated
When the Guinness Brewery in Dublin replaced their 27-foot tall wooden vats with easier-to-maintain metal vats, some would be dismantled and stored while others would be demolished. Mountain Lumber arranged to import over 100,000 board feet of 100 year old oak staves from the dismantled vats to mill into European Cooper's Oak flooring. The warm-colored oak flooring ranges in hues from golden brown to darkbrown, and is enhanced by accents from iron bands that tightly wrapped around themassive vats for decades.

Mountain Lumber is a Virginia-based company that reclaims antique wood and transforms it into flooring, beams, and other architectural details. The company has imported 400-year-old Chinese Elm timbers that have been revealed as old buildings are torn down for modernization. The flooring milled from these timbers has a rich butterscotch color with deep swirls of chocolate grain.

Mythic Paint
www.mythicpaint.com
December 2008
Manufactured in a zero-discharge state-of-the-art facility, this 6-year old company’s zero-VOC paint boasts the additional benefit of being completely nontoxic and carcinogen free.

National Gypsum
www.nationalgypsum.com
January 2004 - updated
National Gypsum Company has developed Gold Bond XP wallboard to meet the increasing demand for mold- and mildew-resistant wallboard products. The panels consist of a fire-resistant, moisture-resistant gypsum core encase in heavy moisture-, mold-, and mildew-resistant 100 percent recycled purple paper on the face and back sides.

National Gypsum recycles waste paper to manufacture face and back paper for their gypsum wallboard. They eliminate the disposal of waste gypsum and paper in solid waste landfills by reprocessing all waste wallboard. National Gypsum Company is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council.

The Natural Carpet Company
www.naturalcarpetcompany.com
October 2006
The Natural Carpet Company is a manufacturer of carpets, rugs, vertical textures, and ceiling textures made from all natural materials. The company specializes in weaving products made from Abaca fiber, a biodegradable, plantation-grown plant harvested in only one and a half years. The Natural Carpet Company uses no chemicals in most of their products and the manufacturing provides livelihood for many families in under-developed areas.

Natural Cork
www.naturalcork.com
August 2001
Natural Cork, a leading supplier of cork flooring, is introducing two new lines of cork home decor products: Deco Cork, a linoleum/cork floating floor system, and cork laminated wall covering tiles. Cork is a renewable, pure material that neither outgases nor sheds microfibers, thus improving indoor air quality.

Nest Carpets
www.nestcarpets.com
June 2006
A 25 year veteran of the hospitality and corporate carpet industries, Clayton Miller has entered the residential market with Nest Carpets, a new brand of textured wool broadloom. Constructed exclusively of Wools of New Zealand fibers, the carpets are produced on the high-end Infinity tufting machine, which has the ability to create over 250 pile heights within one square inch.Sixteen textured, multi-level loop broadloom patterns, including repeats of organic and geometric designs, are available in eight colors ranging from white to chocolate.

Nest is the first residential brand to offer Tricycle¹s SIM digitally modeled carpet samples that use 95 percent less energy and water than creating a real carpet sample. Each SIM comes as a realistic paper print that is 100 percent recyclable. SIM prints are not intended to replace the final sample, but reduce the number of traditional samples produced. In addition to employing virtual sampling, Nest Carpet¹s wool is harvested from free-grazing sheep, is naturally biodegradable, and employs preparation and spinning methods that use 1Ž6 to 1Ž3 of the energy required to produce polypropylene and nylon fibers.

Nora Rubber Flooring
www.norarubber.com
October 2004 updated
Rubber flooring produced by nora is made from renewable natural rubber that is extracted from the sap of tropical plants and synthetic rubber. The flooring contains natural fillers, is PVC-free, has low VOC levels, and uses environmentally compatible color pigments that are free of lead and other heavy metals. The reuse of production scraps such as die-cut trim and sanding dust from the rubber floor coverings has been going on for years at the company: the die-cut trim is granulated and becomes part of the raw material base of new rubber flooring products with decorative designs, and the sanding dust is used as high-quality filler. Selected nora products have 10 to 50 percent recycled rubber flooring. A recently announced Take-Back program at nora, the first of its kind in the United States, encourages building owners to return waste and scrap materials from new installations of rubber flooring and accessories to nora for inclusion in new products. Rubber floors do not need to be waxed or sealed, are easy to maintain, and have a 30 year life cycle.

nora rubber flooring’s noraplan and norament meet the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) standards of California’s Section 01350. Part of the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Section 01350 is a special environmental requirements standard specification that covers key environmental performance issues in all state owned or leased buildings.

At NeoCon 2004, nora rubber flooring introduced noraplan logic, one of the company’s four new product lines. The high-performance floorcovering is wear- and slip-resistant and features a manufacturing process that eliminates the need for waxing or sealing. Each of the line’s 20 colors is available in rolls and tiles and lends itself to institutional, commercial, retail, and light industrial applications. The PVC-, plasticizer-, and halogen-free flooring contains high-quality rubber, mineral fillers, and environmentally-compatible color pigments.

North Slope Sustainable Wood
www.northslopewood.com
Treadlight flooring and trim is milled from small-diameter larch, or tamarack trees, culled from overgrown forests in order to allow the “old growth” conditions to return to Northern Rockies’ forests. According to Treadlight producer North Slope Sustainable Wood, poor logging practices and the attempt to extinguish even beneficial forest fires have prevented this natural thinning to occur. Featuring honey and cinnamon hues and dark pinhole knots, the wood is available in 1'' x 3'', 1'' x 4'', and 1'' x 5'' face width solid, tongue-and-groove flooring, and eased-edge trim.

Nycore
www.nycore.com
December 2005
Nybacker tile backer-board uses post-consumer and post-industrial recycled carpet which, unlike cement-based backer board, does not release silicon dust when it is cut. The board features a rough surface with indentations for tile adhesion on one side, and easily affixes to plywood on the other.

Oceanside Glasstile
www.glasstile.com
January 2007
Oceanside Glasstile uses more than two million pounds of glass each year from curbside recycling programs, resulting in a product line that includes 20 to 86 percent recycled material, depending on the color. The latest series from the company is Elevations, available in a large format field tile and liner. Also new is the Tahoe group of blue-gold colored tiles and the Facets line of miniature mosaic field tile.

Olympic Paint
www.olympic.com
February 2010
The Audubon Collection by Olympic Paint is one of Audubon’s many licensing programs to help raise awareness of natural resources and the organization’s conservation work. The collection includes eight color palettes drawn from the work of renowned photographer Tim Fitzharris and the paintings of John James Audubon. Each of the more than 48 colors are available in Olympic Premium’s environmentally-preferred, zero-VOC, low odor formula.

Omnova Solutions
www.omnova.com
September 2004
In response to increasing mold and mildew concerns in the A&D community, Omnova Solutions has introduced the brease woven vinyl wallcovering, made of approximately 60 percent less vinyl than traditional commercial wallcoverings. The construction of the “breathable” wallcovering provides higher perm ratings for greater moisture permeability. Brease is ideal for healthcare, hospitality, and education markets.

Pacificrest Mills
www.pacificrest.com
April 2001
The detailed stitching found in turn of the century Amish quilts served as an inspiration for Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney, three new styles in Pacificrest Mills' Big Cities Collection. Like the symmetrical structure of a quilt, or metropolitan city streets laid out on a grid, all three feature clean and pure geometric patterns. The carpets are all recyclable products, part of Pacifcrest's One Earth, One Chance program.

Panelmax
www.panelmax.biz
September 2009
With over 200 projects completed since its debut in 2006, Panelmax, a manufacturer of sculpted panels based in southern California, has expanded its A&D client base to include the taste-makers of Hollywood. Renowned production designer Alfred Sole, who has a degree in architecture from Italy’s University of Florence, selected over 800 square feet of Panelmax sculpted panels with a deeply grooved pattern and a 3D laminate for the set of ABC’s new series Castle. Sole also chose over 1,200 square feet of a honeycomb-like pattern with a 3D laminate to be a primary design element for a restaurant set in the upcoming CBS remake of Melrose Place.

The sculptured panels begin with 4’ x 8’ sheets of 3⁄4’’-thick super-refined MDF secured almost exclusively from Seattle-based Plum Creek Timber Co. The MDF is made of 100 percent pre-consumer recycled wood fiber and contains no urea-formaldehyde resin. Over 35 registered sculpt patterns are fa

bricated through computer-aided router and wood carving machinery. Approximately half of the orders are fabricated and shipped in their raw MDF state to be primed and painted at the job site, while the other half are fabricated by applying one of 21 options of 3D laminate in a proprietary manner. The 12-mil thick, 3D laminates are an applied rigid thermofoil (RTF) from Omnova Solutions that can be membrane pressed or vacuum pressed to countered surface profiles. According to Panelmax CEO Bill Williams “this provides a higher level of durability than standard RTF.” He adds that the panels bring value to flat surfaces that previously had “little or no value attached to them.”

The panels satisfy requirements for CARB Phase II ceilings and qualify for LEED certification credit in recycled content and low emitting materials. The standard panels meets the standard for Class III Flame Spread Index, a flame-retardant is available that is certified Class I.

In addition to set design, applications include commercial building lobbies, elevator walls, and feature walls, as well as surfaces in hospitality, entertainment, and civic buildings. According to Williams, exhibit design and manufacturing companies are emerging as another growing client community for the company. Panelmax is currently involved its largest project to date, the main floor plaza lobby and motor court lobby of Harwood’s Satin Ann Court office tower in Dallas.  

All fabrication and distribution operations are consolidated at a single plant facility in So. California, which Williams views as a major advantage. “Having a ‘factory direct’ relationship with the A&D community, then carrying projects all the way to installation, pays huge dividends in the successful accomplishment of the original design objective.” 

Permafirm Pad Co.
800/344-6977
Three different types of carpet cushion manufactured by the company are almost 100 percent recycled content. Pinnacle is made from 100 percent post-consumer PET plastic. Dura is made from 100 percent post-consumer tire rubber. Ultimate is made from 98 percent post-consumer jute fiber from recycled burlap bags.

Pina acoustics
February 2009
www.pinaacoustics.com
Bioline’s solid-finish tiles contain 70 percent recycled material and are available in custom and six standard wood veneers. The wood tiles offer an NRC of 0.40, come in perforated and unperforated options, and fit into pinta acoustic’s other conventional grid systems.

Pittsburgh Paints
www.ppgideascapes.com
February 2005
PPG offers a complete range of LEED-compliant paints including Speedhide Interior Latex paints and Pure Performance paint from Pittsburgh Paints, the first zero-VOC premium latex paint to earn Class A Certification from Green Seal. The Green Seal designation means that Pure Performance paint meets strict environmental requirements related to energy usage, chemical composition, the absence of volatile organic compounds, packaging design, disposal, and other life-cycle considerations. Pure Performance paint also meets the demands of professional painters by complying with Green Seal’s rigorous standards for performance criteria, such as scrubbability, hiding power, and washability.

PPG Durable Exterior Coatings
www.ppgideascapes.com
February 2005
Duranar SPF coatings are engineered for architects who want color in their roofs without sacrificing environmental sustainability. Available in a bold selection of colors, including medium and dark tones, Duranar SPF coatings boast the heat-reflecting benefits associated with light-colored roofs, while they cut cooling costs, extend roof life expectancies, and aid in the reduction of heat-related smog.

Renewable Sources
www.corkconcepts.com
October 2005
Cork Concepts specializes in Cortica high density 1ž4''-thick agglomerated cork floor modules with waterborne polyurethane in natural, colored, and metallic finishes. All finishes are completely water resistant and suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas in single- or multi-family homes. Commercial applications include banks, corporate offices, retail spaces, and schools. The natural cork tiles are biodegradable, non-allergenic, sound and thermal insulating, and non-toxic.

Cork is a renewable resource that is harvested every nine years from the Cork Oak tree. All of the cork harvested for Cortica is gathered from waste generated from the production of wine stoppers.

Cortica’s color is integral with the waterborne polyurethane finish—the tiles are not baked to the point that the cells begin to loose their natural thermal and acoustic benefits. Tiles leave the manufacturer with three coats of pre-applied finish, while an additional one to two clear coats are applied after installation. The urethane finish is the same coating used on hardwood flooring and is suitable for commercial installations.

The tiles will fade if installed in areas that receive direct or intense sunlight. Cortica color offerings have more protection from fading than the neutrals due to the pigments in the urethane. While some cork tiles grow after being removed from the cartons, Cortina tiles do not since they are allowed to stabilize for a longer period of time prior to installation, and the tile’s beveled edges eliminate the visual differences created by the natural air cells in the cork. No chemicals are needed to clean the tiles; just hot water for routine cleaning or lemon juice and hot water or mineral spirits for a grease or oil-based spot.

Regupol America
regupol.com
July 2011
AktivPro is a patent-pending, modular tile for sports and fitness surfaces made of 100 percent recycled SBR rubber backing and either a recycled SBR or EPDM top wearlayer. The tile’s composite structure offers durability and wear-resistance, and the waffle bottom design provides shock absorption, drainage, and cable routing. The extra-thick, 24''-square tiles weigh 18 pounds each and come in a range of 19 standard color options.

Updated: February 2012
Recycled-rubber-flooring manufacturer Regupol America is the first company in Pennsylvania to be GreenCircle-certified, a third-party certification that substantiates sustainability claims on products and manufacturing operations in relation to carbon-footprint reduction, closed-loop product, life-cycle assessment, rapidly renewable resource content, and other factors.

Richard-Marshall Fine Flooring
www.oldeboards.com
October 2005
Ouila, part of Richard-Marshall Fine Flooring’s Olde Boards European collection, is 100 percent “curved” hand-crafted hardwood flooring. Absent of any straight lines, the flooring was originally designed for a high profile client of Los Angeles designer Dalton Robertson, and has been well received in the custom home market, according to the manufacturer. Ouila is produced at the company’s 104,000-square-foot Los Angeles manufacturing facility. The boards are not finished with polyurethane. Instead, Chinese tung oil is hand-rubbed into the wood to bring out its natural luster and sheen. The woods, including walnut, quartered oak, maple, cherry, pecan, and pine, are purchased from growers committed to replanting their trees, and no rain forest woods are used in the production of the product. In addition to high-end homes, the flooring has been installed in commercial projects such as hotels and country clubs.

Richter USA, Inc.
www.tectan.de
March 2000
Tectan is a new formaldehyde-free chipboard-like material for wall panelings, flooring, furniture manufacturing, and architectural interior decorations. The material is made from 100 percent recycled beverage cartons, yogurt cups, and other waste. Throughout the manufacturing process, the cartons are treated in such a way that no other materials (such as toxic glues) are needed. The surface is coated with a water-resistant recycled foil. Tectan offers good sound proofing and insulation qualities, and can be recycled itself.

Robin Reigi
www.robin-reigi.com
September 2007
The Smith and Fong Durapalm brand Palm Woven material is a richly textured seamless wall cladding made from reclaimed coconut palm wood.

Rodda Paint Company
www.roddapaint.com
April 2003
The Horizon line of zero-VOC interior and low-VOC exterior paint from Rodda Paint has earned certification from Green Seal, a national organization that certifies high-performing products that are easy on the environment. In gaining this designation, Rodda Paint claims to be the first in the U.S. to offer a full line of pre-certified interior and exterior paints and primers that will help to qualify for credit under LEED.

August 2004
Ultimate is a new line of premium exterior paints that use an advanced silicone paint technology new to the U.S. market. Reformulated for U.S. weather and exterior siding conditions, Ultimate allows moisture from behind to pass through the paint layer, virtually eliminating blisters or bubbles when applied properly. The paint uses ceramic pigmentation that resists UV degradation that can lead to fading.

Roppe
www.roppe.com
September 2005 updated
SafeTcork Tile and Tread products are the newest addition to the SafeTmax Flooring System from Roppe. A blend of cork and rubber, the tile and tread products are designed for interior use in high-traffic areas where safety against slip-hazards is a concern. Naturally resilient and durable, the products contain no PVC’s and are made of post-industrial cork waste material.

Roppe recently introduced EcoEffect, a new brand for its environmentally friendly products, including tiles, treads, wall base, and adhesives. The brand will define products made with renewable resources or postindustrial/postconsumer waste, including Fiesta tile and tread. Fiesta is PVC-free, contains 10 percent postindustrial waste, and features a flecked design made from recycled rubber products. Roppe adhesives feature microbial growth inhibitors and emit low VOCs.

October 2005 updated
Roppe has recently added a solid vinyl tile to its SafeTcork product line. SafeTcork products are available in either rubber or vinyl, and contain a cork content which improves slip-resistance by 20 percent. An EcoEffect product, SafeTcork is manufactured using post-industrial waste cork, a renewable resource, and can contribute to LEED. SafeTcork’s vinyl offering is a smooth finish tile available in six of Roppe’s most popular colors with a coordinating white marbled design. A highly durable formulation of solid vinyl and cork, the tile is self-coving and self-waxing for easy maintenance and has life cycle costs comparable to rubber. The flooring also features built-in antimicrobial agents, meeting ASTM G-21 standards.

Serious Materials
www.seriousmaterials.com
November 2008
New drywall option Serious Materials has introduced EcoRock as a “green” replacement for gypsum drywall in residential and commercial construction. EcoRock drywall is VOC-free, fully recyclable, and uses 85 percent less energy in its production, according to the manufacturer. The product will look, feel, perform, and install the same as gypsum drywall, but will be produced in an “no-smokestack” plant that consumes little fossil fuel and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Shaw Contract
www.shawcontract.com
October 2010 updated
Through its e.g. (Environmental Guarantee) program, Shaw will collect, transport, and recycle any carpet tile made with EcoWorx, its environmentally sustainable carpet backing.

Building upon its book ends corporate collection, Shaw Contract is featuring 27 new hospitality styles. Book ends hospitality products (Pavo style shown) feature a tight, precision-tufted fabric of continuous filament Eco Solution Q yarn, a reclaimed fiber containing post-industrial and consumer waste.

Shaw Contract has launched Green with Envy, a modular carpet collection that features the Eco Solution QR yarn and EcoWorx backing. This “Eco-Eco sandwich” offers recycled content and 100 percent recyclability. The carpeting's pattern construction ensures durability at low weights, reducing waste.

Shaw¹s EcoWorx Performance Broadloom is the commercial carpet industry¹s first "cradle to cradle" carpet backing for broadloom, according to the manufacturer. The product utilizes a process where the carpet and backing (top) are introduced into a bio-based dissolving solution which melts the backing and separates it from the fiber. After the solution evaporates, the polymer can be recovered and recycled.

Shadows features a soothing, nature-inspired aesthetic conceived for healing spaces. The hard-wearing collection encompasses two broadloom carpets plus three coordinating tile patterns — from abstract leaves to oversize polka dots — designed for mixing and matching. Cradle to Cradle Silver—certified, Shadow is made with Eco Solution Q nylon and EcoWorx backing — both recyclable.  

Shaw Industries
www.shawinc.com
July 2004
Shaw Tek introduces In Line, a collection of complementary carpet styles designed for the higher education, health-care, and government markets. Comprised of six products in nine colorways and varying scales, In Line was created using advanced tufting technology and random color thread-up capabilities. It is constructed of EcoSolution Q fiber, among the first products in the world to be fully assessed through the Cradle-to-Cradle Design Protocol.

Shaw Contract Group
www.shawcontractgroup.com
December 2008 updated
For the L7 collection for Shaw Contract, Bruce Mau Design interpreted individual carpet tiles as “pixels” of color in a range of pattern scales. According to principal Bruce Mau, working with Shaw was “one of the best collaborative processes I’ve ever been involved with.” To achieve the color richness and depth intended by the Bruce Mau Design team vision, Shaw employed a new technology that allows for precision cutting in tufted carpet typically only seen in printed products. L7 features two broadloom products and four tile products, and won a Gold award at NeoCon for modular carpeting. L7 offers the environmental benefits inherent in carpet constructed of Eco Solution Q fiber and EcoWorx tile backing.

Essay of Clues, from Shaw Contract, is a Cradle to Cradle–certified collection of carpets designed in collaboration with William McDonough. Each carpet’s component materials, Eco Solution Q premium nylon and EcoWorx tile or broadloom backing, includes recycled content and is completely recyclable. The patterns in A Texture Study are based on a study of contrasts, such as techno and organic and sleek and rough. The collection includes nine broadloom and three tile patterns backed with EcoWorx. Shaw will collect all EcoWorx products at no additional cost and recycle them into new backing.

Shaw Hospitality Group
shawhospitalitygroup.com
Shaw’s Global Reason tufted carpet collection was inspired by the centuries-old art of block printing, ethnic-influenced hues, and vintage batik patterns. The collection features updated geometrics, mixed motifs, and graphic compositions, and coordinates with the Style Tribe Eco Evolution print and computer yarn placement collection for public spaces. Both contain 25% pre-consumer recycled content.  

Sherwin Williams
www.sherwin.com
The Harmony Low Odor Interior Latex line offers a complete interior paint line, from primer to topcoat, without disruptive odors.

Sherwin-Williams
www.sherwin-williams.com
August 2006 updated
Sherwin-Williams¹ new ProGreen 200 (shown) is a competitively priced, low odor, low VOC paint that exceeds Green Seal¹s GS-11 standards for paints. At 50 grams per liter VOC, the product complies with environmental regulations and is ideal for new commercial construction. Another low-odor introduction is Sherwin Williams¹ Harmony Interior Latex line, which offers zero VOCs and anti-microbial properties.

SierraPine Limited
www.sierrapine.com
888/633-7477
The Ampine, SierraPine MDF, and Medite divisions of Sierra Pine Limited offer particleboard and medium-density fiberboard that Scientific Certification Systems has certified to contain recycled and recovered wood fiber and to be formaldehyde-free. Applications include interior trim and moldings, window and door components, paneling, casework, flooring, and furniture.

S.J. Morse Company
www.sjmorse.com
February 2008
The S.J. Morse Company, a full-service manufacturer of premier quality architectural wood veneer-faced panels, has introduced fire-rated 100 percent FSC-certified veneer-faced panels that meet additional USGBC LEED program criteria, including no added formaldhyde, and post-industrial recycled content. The panels were contributed to the University of Maryland¹s LEAFHouse, which placed second in the 2007 Solor Decathlon.

Smith & Fong
www.plyboo.com
December 2008
Purely certified  Smith & Fong offers the first bamboo flooring to carry Forest Stewardship Council certification. Available under the name PlybooPure, the flooring is also made with a low-emitting, non-formaldehyde polyisocyanurate binder. Smith & Fong, San Francisco. This year the Forest Stewardship Council certified Smith & Fong’s bamboo forest resource, making the company’s well-known Plyboo the first-ever FSC-certified bamboo plywood and flooring on the market. The new products are also available in a urea formaldehyde–free version known as PlybooPure. The low-resin plywood can be cut and sanded using conventional woodworking tools, and used for cabinetry, furniture, and other applications.

July 2011
Smith & Fong recently introduced a new range of FSC-certified PlybooStrand bamboo flooring and plywood to ensure managed forestry. The urea-formaldehyde-free flooring is also SCS/FloorScore-certified and available in 3⁄8'' and 9⁄16'' thicknesses in three finishes. The flooring planks and panels are manufactured through a process in which bamboo strips are first compressed into a superdense composite block before they are cut to size.

Smith Flooring
www.smithflooring.com
October 2005
Earlier this year, Smith Flooring completed its first run of FSC-certified oak flooring since achieving Chain-of-Custody certification from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) in 2004. The flooring is produced from trees grown in a privately-held forest in Missouri’s Ozark Mountains. According to the FSC, there are fewer than 12 certified flooring manufacturers in North America supplying certified solid oak. Smith Flooring is the largest producer overall.

Solutia Inc.
www.ultronvip.com
March 2002
Solutia has introduced Ultron Renew, a 100 percent recycled nylon 6,6 carpet fiber for the contract market. Ultron Renew utilizes post-industrial fiber and polymer products created during Solutia's nylon manufacturing process before they enter the waste stream.

Summitville Tiles
www.summitville.com
To produce impervious porcelain pavers, Summitville uses feldspar tailings (a post-industrial waste product that traditionally ends up in landfills) as the primary raw material. The company also developed a closed system for solid waste accumulation and reuse resulting in a more waste-free manufacturing process.

Surface Protection Industries, Inc.
December 2000
Kinesis is an interior speciality finish that creates a dramatic “color-travel” effect on commercial walls. With Kinesis, different colors are seen depending on the viewing angle and the wavelength of light being reflected. The waterbased chemical formula is low in VOCs (less than 80), is mildew resistant, and is virtually odorless.

S&W International Group
www.sw-intl.com
February 2006
The strand bamboo flooring from S&W International Group, a manufacturer and installer of bamboo flooring, offers a floor that is twice as hard as red oak and 80 percent harder than hard maple. A quick growing grass, bamboo takes just five to six years to grow, rather than at least 25 years needed to grow a tree.

Taraflex Sports Flooring
www.gerflortaraflex.com
Taraflex Sports Flooring products can help architects and designers receive LEED building credits because of their recycled content and proprietary protective surface treatment, Protecsol. The recycled portion of Taraflex floors accounts for 43% of their content. Taraflex Sports Flooring is rated very low in VOC emissions and can be fixed to the subfloor using solvent free, very low VOC adhesives. Protecsol lasts for the life of the floor and never needs sealing or polishing. Taraflex floors with Protecsol can minimize the use of cleaning products and reduce the amount of water required for maintenance.

Tarkett
www.tarkett.com
October 2004
Tarkett has expanded its offering of exotic and character species in both engineered and solid wood flooring. The new sustainably-harvested South American species of Tigerwood and Brazilian Cherry, and the North American species of Blue Ridge Maple include a wide range of colors and grain variations. The Blue Ridge Maple solid wood floor, shown here in Buckskin, features a natural grayish blue staining caused by organic elements, sugars, and starches found in the wood.

October 2005
Tarkett Commercial has launched a new collection of high performance heterogenous vinyl modular flooring called I.D. Moduline. Designed for retail, hospitality, healthcare, and office applications, the line features wood and stone looks, bold geometric patterns, and contemporary aluminum effects. Several designs in the collection feature a 3D effect, giving the floor a depth accentuated with beveled edges on both planks and tiles. The floors are 100 percent recyclable and are manufactured using carefully selected, sustainable raw materials, many of which come from recycled sources.

April 2006
The ReUse Reclamation Program allows architects, designers, and dealers the opportunity to recycle Tarkett carry boards, chip boxes, and architectural folders, to reduce or eliminate material deposited into landfills. To recycle sample sets, customers simply pack materials in the self-addressed box, seal with clear packing tape and mail to Tarkett¹s recycling center, located outside of Birmingham, Alabama. Tarkett architectural folders and carry boards may also be returned with postage pre-paid so that no additional cost is incurred by Tarkett customers. At the recycling center, the returned materials are collected, separated into bins, and recycled into future Tarkett flooring or sample vehicles. One hundred percent of the returned materials are recycled. Additionally, the carton materials and box are manufactured with 100 percent recycled materials and are printed with soy-based ink.

Tectum
www.tectum.com
The base material for the company's natural-fiber acoustical ceiling and wall panels is aspen, as opposed to the traditional iron-ore slag used by many manufacturers. Waste materials created in the production of the panels, primarily magnesium, are reused. Interior products include lay-in panels, standard wall systems, image panels, sound blocks, and baffles.

Temple-Inland Forest Products
www.templeinland.com
December 2008 update
Temple-Inland has introduced Silent Guard TS, a mold-resistant version of its existing Silent Guard shaftliner panels. Designed for elevator shafts, stairwells, and area separation walls, Silent Guard maintains the same sound-control and fire-resistance of the traditional product. The TemShield protection system is manufactured in both the core and the surface of the panel, and is recognized on the job by a new magenta face paper.

TemStock-Free is a new composite panel product from Temple-Inland made from 100 percent recycled/recovered fiber content and no added urea formaldhyde.

TemStock-Free is available in thicknesses from 1Ž4'' to 11Ž8'' in 4'-wide sheets from 8'-24' in length. The particleboard offers a smooth surface for laminating and is suited for wall panels, flooring, furniture, cabinets, and architectural accents in projects such as hospitals, schools, and civic facilities.

Temple Synthetic Gypsum Wallboard
www.temple.com
Offering performance characteristics identical to rock gypsum, over 60% of Temple's current wallboard output is manufactured with a synthetic gypsum core and recycled paper faces. It's exceptionally high-quality and consistency make it ideal for most applications.

Tennant
www.thomasregister.com/olc/tennant/tehome.htm
December 2000
Eco-HTS is the abrasion-resistant floor coating from Tennant designed for commercial use. HTS coatings comply with VOC/VOS regulations, are safe for use near odor-sensitive shock, and provide 50 percent more mil-per-mil wear than standard urethanes.

Teragren
www.teragren.com
December 2008
Synergy Strand Bamboo Floating Floor is manufactured in wheat, chestnut, java, and brindle hues with an eco-safe adhesive.

TerraMai
www.terramai.com
January 2008 updated
AsiaRain and Jefferson Recycled Woodworks recently joined together to create TerraMai, a new company that will offer a wide selection of 100 percent reclaimed wood, including exotic hardwoods, douglas fir, pine, oak, and redwood. The Cinnamon Mix floor shown below, for a kitchen and loft space in Denver, is comprised of Merbau, Alan Batu, Sepetir, and Ironwood reclaimed from antique railway ties. The flooring is a 3'', 4'', 5'' width blend which, contains far fewer spike holes than the wide plank version.

Reclaiming a bit of the tropics TerraMai has introduced an engineered flooring made with reclaimed tropical hardwoods. The engineered, prefinished, reclaimed teak flooring offers the rich color, tight grain, and durability found in centuries-old teak, while the World Mix product offers a blend of reclaimed exotic hardwoods in a kaleidoscope of colors. With a wear layer of reclaimed tropical hardwood over a substrate of FSC-certified new wood, the flooring can be nailed, glued, or floated over a plywood subfloor or a concrete slab.

Trend USA
www.trendgroup-usa.com
March 2008
Trend Group’s Liberty transparent glass mosaic tile for residential and commercial applications contains a minimum of 25 percent post-consumer recycled content. The glass tile, composed of five hand-cut sizes arranged in a specific pattern, is the first collection designed by Italian artist Giulio Candussio for Trend Group. The tile passes several ASTM tests including those for water absorption, thermal shocks, bond strength, and crazing. Shown below is Liberty in Morris and Tiffany, two of the 12 available colorways.

Tile of Spain Center
www.tilespain.com
April 2003
Vidrepur's glass mosaics have soft, rounded edges and are produced from 100 percentrecycled glass. The tiny mosaics are meshed in 12'' x 12'' sheets for easy installation.

Tiles with natural fibers
www.maderatile.com
The tiles in the Madera line are made of a bio-alloy material and natural fibers such as a post-consumer maple hardwood. The tiles are lighter than traditional natural stones and ceramics, yet stronger and more durable. 800/767-4495. Matrix Composites, Mississauga, Ont. Can.

Timber-Tek UV
www.timbertekuv.com
August 2001
The Heartwood Corporation manufactures water-borne, natural oil stains and finishes. Timber-Tek UV is the newest generation of these products. It contains less than nine percent harzardous ingredients, and is low in VOC's, with only 168 grams per liter. It has no odor once it is dry, is non-flammable, and cleans up with soap and water.

To Market
October 2004 updated
www.AtmosphereRecycledRubberFlooring.com
Atmosphere rubber flooring's high-density composition consists of rubber recycled from post-consumer auto tires, with colored granules of EPDM rubber homogeneously mixed throughout. Atmosphere has few, if any, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and features 36 multi-color combinations. Produced from the renewable bark of cork trees, Unicork tiles feature 12 color patterns including Lava Blond, Lava Ruby, and Organika Green. Unicork is available in a standard five millimeter gauge in a 12-by-24-inch tile.

The 3-D effects of Luxica Envinyl commercial grade flooring are achieved through a layered manufacturing process. Luxica is completely recyclable, and 35 percent post-consumer recycled PVC hoses, tapes, and other materials are used in the base layers of the backing system.

www.tomkt.com
Unicork Natural is a collection of nine flooring patterns in rich neutral tones designed of the bark from cork trees, a renewable resource. The collection is manufactured, installed, and maintained with environmentally-friendly materials, including solvent-free polyurethane binders, water-based polyurethane sealers, and water-based acrylic adhesives. The 25'' x 12'' tiles are offered with coordinating wall base in each pattern and color.

Trend USA
February 2009
www.trendgroup-usa.com
Containing a minimum of 80 percent post-consumer recycled glass, Feel mosaics are available in 12 opaque colors and 26 pre-set patterns. Prices for the 3⁄4''-square tiles start at $10 per square foot.

Trove
www.troveline.com
September 2009
Trove’s new line of wood veneer wallcoverings manufactured with materials from managed forests. 90 varieties of high-quality, FSC-certified wood are used to produce the veneer, including maple, oak, cherry, walnut, birch, and bamboo. Projects can earn 10 LEED points for the natural veneer and six points for the reconstituted veneer. Similar in thickness to conventional wallcoverings, the low VOC wood veneer has a clay-impregnated, cotton-based fabric backing and is installed using Trove’s exclusive system of primers and adhesives formulated specifically for the product. All materials are Class A fire-rated.  

United Technical Products
March 2001 updated
The PosiTile precision cut carpet product allows a one-to-one fit with Tate Access Flooring's Building Technology Platform and ConCore access floor panels. PosiTile permits the easy relocation of voice, power, and data boxes and in-floor air diffusers. UTP offers recyclable PosiTile designs manufactured with recycled content.

UPM
www.upmprofi.com
January 2010
Made of wood plastic composite, UPM ProFi Floor is a new tile designed for a range of outdoor solutions including balconies and terraces. According to Markku Koivisto, Director of UPM ProFi in Helsinki, the flooring can be used to create a high quality surface on a hard, even, and load bearing surface like concrete or stone. The tiles offer an alternative to ceramic, concrete, and wood tiles in balcony and terrace applications, and to carpets and laminates in exhibition, event, and showroom applications. The line is currently available in five naturally-inspired colors including Night Sky Black, Marble White, Sunny Beige, Silver Green, and Stone Gray.

The main raw material of tile is a surplus paper and plastic left over from UPM’s production of self-adhesive label stock. The recipe is similar to the one used for UPM’s Profi Deck product introduced last year, but it has been adjusted to meet the needs of injection molding versus extrusion.

The product is not only made of recycled material, but is recyclable and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals so it can be incinerated or thrown out (it will not decompose). “We recycle all of our production waste back into the process,” says Koivisto. “We would like to collect all material back from the market and recycle it into new ProFi products, but it is not yet possible.” 

Urban Archaeology
www.urbanarchaeology.com
December 2008
Dome tile features cultured marble — containing 50 percent pre-consumer recycled product—molded into rows of tactile circles. Available in white, gray, black, orange, and brown.

USG Corp.
www.usg.com
December 2005 updated
Approved for use in wet areas, including tub surrounds, USG's Fiberock Brand Aqua-Tough Interior Panels are engineered to provide increased resistance to abuse while outperforming paper-faced or glass-mat faces panels. Designed to be installed and finished like traditional wallboard, the new panels feature a smooth surface that can either be painted or finished with ceramic tile.

USG's new Fiberock Brand Underlayment, Aqua-Tough, is a moisture-resistant residential flooring underlayment made from 100 percent recycled gypsum and cellulose. The resin-free panels can be used in both wet and dry areas of the home and are ideal for application under vinyl, ceramic tile, hardwood flooring, laminate flooring, and carpeting.

Synthetic gypsum, a by-product of the flue-gas desulfurization process, is used to manufacture wallboard. The company's wallboard paper is 100 percent recycled paper. USG's gypsum waste reclamation system reuses 100 percent of a plant's wallboard waste and recycles gypsum waste from new construction. In addition, the company processes nearly 280,000 tons of slag (a by-product of iron-ore reduction) each year in manufacturing mineral wool for ceiling panels.

USG's new Astro Climaplus Ceiling Panels contain an average of 85 percent recycled content—one of the highest levels in the industry. The company also treats Astro Climaplus tiles with the ÆGIS MICROBE SHIELD, a patented technology that inhibits the growth of potentially dangerous microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and algae, on the panel surfaces. In addition, the tiles offer excellent sound control and light reflectance. They have a high NRC rating of .50 to .60, a CAC rating of 35 to 39 and a high LR (light reflectance) value of .85.

True Climaplus ceiling panels offer the precision of metal panels in a concealed suspension system with a fine-textured overlay that provides sound control. Made of perforated aluminum, the panels are covered with a fine-textured, smooth acoustical facing that fits into slotted suspension tees for minimal reveal. The panel facing also supplies a light reflectance value of .90 which reduces eyestrain, the number of light fixtures needed, and energy consumption.

www.gypsumsolutions.com
Made with environmentally friendly recaptured gypsum, Levelrock floor underlayment eliminates the need for manufacturers to dispose of old gypsum in landfills. Three products are available for use in light-commercial construction, residential homes, and over radiant heat tubes. USG, Chicago.

Vermont Natural Coatings
www.vermontnaturalcoatings.com
December 2008
PolyWhey waterborne wood finish uses recycled whey protein (a by-product of the dairy industry) as a binder. The low-odor coatings contain no toxic heavy metals and have a VOC level less than 180 grams per liter.

Versa Wallcovering
www.versawallcovering.com
October 2006
Versa Wallcovering, a division of LSI, claims to be the first commercial wallcovering manufacturer to introduce a vinyl wallcovering recycling program, as well as a recycled wallcovering collection. The Second-Look Retrieval Program is now ready to accept Post-Consumer vinyl wallcovering for recycling and use it to create new products. The new Second-Look Recycled Wallcovering Collection contains a minimum of 10% Post-Consumer recycled content. This new recycled material has the hand, as well as the appearance of their standard wallcovering and meets all fire ratings and standards required. Versa Wallcovering is manufactured with water-soluble inks, as well as installed with water-based adhesives.

Viridian Wood Products
viridianwood.com
Portland, Oregon-based Viridian Wood Products has introduced two new 100 percent reclaimed and FSC-certified, commercial-grade, exotic hardwood flooring products. Both the Jakarta Market Blend and Fishtail Oak flooring are milled from reclaimed shipping pallets and crates sourced from docks and harbors. They are extremely hard, and well-suited for high-traffic applications.

Wausau Tile
http://www.wausautile.com
October 2001
A new line of terrazzo tile products from Wausau Tile uses recycled glass instead of stone chips. Prior efforts to substitute recycled glass for some of the stone weren't successful because a chemical reaction weakens the concrete and can result in cracking. Wausau is using a new process that results in a stronger and more water-resistant product than conventional terrazzo. The company is developing standard color palettes for its new terrazzo tile, which contains approximately 60 percent recycled glass by weight.

WE Cork
www.wecork.com
July 2002
WE Cork supplies cork flooring and underlayment products which are derived from the bark of the cork oak grown in Portugal. This bark regrows every nine years without harming the tree. The natural cellular structure of cork is composed of 200 million closed air cells per cubic inch, which give the flooring the attributes of thermal and acoustic insulation. They offer flooring with natural carnuba wax or non VOC acrylic varnish for easier maintenance.

WE Cork
www.wecork.com
July 2002
WE Cork supplies cork flooring and underlayment products which are derived from the bark of the cork oak grown in Portugal. This bark regrows every nine years without harming the tree. The natural cellular structure of cork is composed of 200 million closed air cells per cubic inch, which give the flooring the attributes of thermal and acoustic insulation. They offer flooring with natural carnuba wax or non VOC acrylic varnish for easier maintenance.

Lori Weitzner
loriweitzner.com
June 2010
In her latest collection of handmade wall coverings, Lori Weitzner creates dynamic weaves from ecoconscious materials. The overlapping waves of Currents, for instance, are crafted from pressed paper pulp derived from renewable mulberry and salago fibers. The Class A fire-rated product is ideal for residential and commercial wall coverings, window treatments, and room dividers. The material can even be layered between glass to form tabletops and partitions. Sold in 4'-x-8' sheets.

Wilsonart Flooring
www.wilsonartflooring.com
September 2004
Wilsonart Flooring has been awarded the GreenGuard Indoor Air Quality Certification by the GreenGuard Environmental Institute of Atlanta, Georgia. Wilsonart Flooring products are now bearing the GreenGuard Indoor Air Quality Certified label and are proven to be low-emitting products that will ensure good indoor air quality in any setting. GreenGuard is the most thorough third party indoor air quality certification program available.

WolfGordon Inc.
www.wolf-gordon.com
September 2007 updated
The Premier Collection III is a two volume set of high quality textile and specialty wallcoverings for commercial interiors. The Wovens binder includes linens, woven blends, silks, and suedes, while the Naturals binder offers woven papers, grass cloths, rice papers, and corks. A special “Earth Safe” icon is printed on the tip cards of those items that are manufactured with materials and processes that are environmentally friendly.

The Strata collection is manufactured with natural, renewable, or recyclable materials: recyclable polyester and nylon; and, cellulose harvested from managed forests in Northern Europe. Part of the company's EarthSafe group, Strata contains eight patterns, ranging from smooth to heavy, light to dark, soft to vivid, and matte to sheen. In addition, Strata can be returned to Wolf-Gordon at the end of its life cycle to be applied to alternative, secondary uses. All Strata patterns pass GreenGuard standards for air quality; pass type II requirements for tear and tensile strength, washability and scrubbability; and are Class A rated for fire safety. Wolf-Gordon has also engineered all manufacturing processes for the lowest environmental impact possible: recycled cardboard is used for transporting inks and adhesives; a licensed treatment facility processes all waste-water; a “closed” cooling system reduces water consumption; and items are shipped in recycled packaging materials.

Composed of high Kenaf fiber content and backed with recycled paper pulp, Organics biodegradable, recyclable wallcovering is hardy enough for commercial interiors. Eight designs are coated with PLA derived from renewable resources.

Woolshire Carpet Mills
www.woolshire.com
May 2005
Woolshire Carpet Mills is the first U.S. manufacturer to introduce a carpet made from a blend of 80 percent New Zealand wool and 20 percent Alpaca. Alpaca, a fiber from the fleece of the alpaca animal, is found naturally in 22 distinct colors and can be blended to produce an array of natural shades. The eight colors in the line range from soft beige to gold—all made without the use of dyes.

Yolo Colorhouse
www.yolocolorhouse.com
November 2007
Outside, from Yolo Colorhouse, is a high performance, zero-VOC, 100 percent acrylic exterior paint offered in a designer palette. A select palette of 36 colors is divided into six distinct families named after landscapes and elements of nature. To simplify the color selection process, Yolo Colorhouse created 90 customized recommendations for exterior color combinations, with suggestions for a home¹s body, trim, and accents. The paint comes in 100 percent recycled plastic quarts and gallons.