The Problem with Polyester

June 7, 2013

Carpet recycling industry sees dramatic rise in this non-recyclable carpet fiber

We like to tout our diligence in carpet recycling, particularly when Natural Interiors® Design Center affiliates divert 2 million pounds of carpet from landfills annually in Greater Cincinnati alone.

But it’s possible that we are painting a somewhat rosier picture than reality allows. Yes, post- consumer carpet recycling has grown into a successful industry over the past decade.  But this national business success is focused largely around nylon, and to a lesser extent, polypropylene.

Unfortunately, 30 percent  of carpet sent to recyclers this year will be made of polyester (PET). That’s up from 4 percent in 2007. PET is not recyclable because, unlike nylon, there are not products of value that PET can be turned into. (more…)

Redesigning the Natural Workplace

May 29, 2013

Latest  designs encourage movement and discourage assigned work stations and offices

There is a counter-height desk on wheels for the worker who is more productive walking through the office while working on his computer.

There are areas for groups of employees to collaborate. And private spaces for when workers need to take important or private calls. Work areas, equipped with traditional seating as well as counters for people who prefer to stand, are arranged for use by all.

The corner offices for high-ranking  executives are gone. So are traditional work stations assigned to a specific worker. A work café – for group and individual work – also is a must.

What is this place? It is the workplace that promotes health, wellness and the most efficient use of space at a time when businesses do not want to spend for new buildings, says John Shideler, workplace consultant for Steelcase. (more…)

Reclaimed, Regional and Zero-VOC

May 9, 2013

Demand for plant-based oil finish grows, along with regional and reclaimed hardwood flooring options

Not too long ago, customer inquiries in Greater Cincinnati about natural oil hardwood finishes were few and far between.

But today, Schumacher & Co. Custom Hardwood Floors seems to be using its zero-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) plant- based oil finish every week.  And interestingly, many applications are in large commercial projects like the new Boca Restaurant in downtown Cincinnati.

The project features regionally manufactured Cherry and reclaimed oak flooring. While the people and planet-friendly attributes of the products are a given, there is another reason contractors are opting for the natural oil finish, says Roy Young, Schumacher’s quality control manager. (more…)

A New Generation of Tile

May 1, 2013

Specifiers and consumers increasingly look for people- and planet-friendly verification

Traditionally, tile has been considered nontoxic and indoor-air friendly. Tile is fired at very high temperatures, which should burn off any organics that might be present in clays or binders.

But architects, designers and an increasing number of homeowners clearly want verification that these products are people- and planet-friendly.  The recent introduction of Aventis – a new line of porcelain tile from Florida Tile — is among the daily examples: “Aventis is composed of 40 percent post-industrial recycled content, and it is GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality-certified,” the announcement stresses.

“It’s clear that knowing a product’s people- and planet-friendly attributes is becoming an important part of our business,” says Ben Lanich, regional manager for Carpetland Carpet One Floor & Home in Cincinnati, OH. “So we are making this information available for our customers, and not just for flooring products traditionally considered ‘green,’ but rather, for all of the products we carry.” (more…)

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A Shoe Story

There is no excuse for throwing away your old gym shoes

For more than a decade, Nike has been recycling old athletic shoes to make products that include rubber sports surfaces. Several companies also use recycled shoe material, in addition to recycled tires, to make residential and commercial rubber flooring.

Watch this video to see how it is done. Then, see the Natural Interiors Facebook page for a link that will help you determine if there is a drop-off location near you.

June 10, 2013 See All Videos

Seam Scrutiny

June 3, 2013

Properly done, seams should not be an issue in linoleum installation

Q. We are remodeling an older home and I was “sold” on Marmoleum, until I kept coming across questions about repairing seams which have buckled.

I want to use it in the bathroom floors, but I am really hesitant since reading all these questions about repairing the seams.

Have you had questions on this and/or how do you feel about using Marmoleum in the bathrooms?

Many thanks!

–  LM

Sequim, WA

A. Dear LM:

If you are using Marmoleum sheet goods that are installed by a contractor who is properly trained, you should have no problems with seams that need repair. (more…)

A Question of Cork Comfort

April 3, 2013

What do ceramic nano beads mean for softness underfoot?

 Q. I am puzzled about the ceramic bead layers advertised as being part of the finish on Wicanders Cork Flooring. Does this add considerable hardness to the cork surface?  I’m seeing the comfort aspect of cork, and am actually replacing ceramic tile with the cork – so I don’t want to replace hard ceramic with hard ceramic!

A. The ceramic beads are crystals that are embedded in the layers of the UV- cured urethane finish that is topically applied at the plant during the final stages of the manufacturing process. These tiny microscopic particles do not add to the hardness of the cork, but rather to the long-term wear-ability of the finish. (more…)

Let’s Call It a Trend

February 4, 2013

Natural oil finishes gain popularity as consumers get more familiar with product benefits

Some would say that using plant-based oils to finish a hardwood floor is unique. Not the norm, the road less-traveled and, possibly not suited for standing up to high traffic.

But with the number of customers who are beginning to ask about oil or low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) floor finishes, I would have to say that a trend is emerging.

And floors that are standing up to customers and spilled drinks in a downtown Cincinnati bar where the floor was finished with plant-based oil last fall is debunking doubt about durability. (more…)

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