WHY ARE SOLID HARDWOOD FLOORS MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY THAN OTHER FLOOR TYPES?
Many factors in the production process can influence the CO2e footprint of vinyl flooring. However, it can be emphasized that oil – not a renewable resource - is an important raw material in vinyl products. In comparison, wood not only stores CO2, it is also considered a renewable and sustainable resource, which explains the difference in CO2e figures.
To some degree, the same positive trend is seen in relation to laminate floors containing wood fibres and paper, as well as engineered floors containing a small part of hardwood, a wood-based intermediate layer, and a bottom layer typically of softwood.
In the production of carpets, great attempts are made to use recycled plastic, e.g., plastic bottles and fishing nets, but many carpet types are like vinyl based on non-renewable resources and will therefore release CO2e to the atmosphere.