creating better environments

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2023
FORBO FLOORING SYSTEMS2

WE CREATE BETTERENVIRONMENTS
At Forbo Flooring Systems, we create better environments in all spaces
where people work, live, interact, relax, heal, learn, and play. Our vision
is steadfast, serving as the cornerstone of our identity.
We aspire to be your trusted partner, offering fully circular flooring solutions crafted from renewable raw materials and simplifying your journey
to select sustainable flooring options aligned with your values.
Embracing circularity forms the heart of our sustainability endeavors,
embodied in our philosophy, “Going Round to Move Forward.” Achieving
complete circularity in the flooring industry is a substantial challenge,
but we firmly believe that actions speak louder than words. We commit
ourselves to reducing our carbon footprint, increasing the use of recycled materials, and addressing every aspect of the value chain.

The realization of our mission is made possible by the dedication of ourpersonnel. Our foremost commitment is to provide a safe work environment that safeguards the health and well-being of our employees,
customers and other stakeholders. This commitment is the pathway torealizing our sustainability objectives.
Furthermore, ethical governance is crucial to protecting the long-term
interests of all our stakeholders. That’s why we consistently raise ourstandards of accountability and proactively take measures to identify
and mitigate any risks.
In this year’s sustainability report, we share our progress over the past
year and look ahead to the work we have yet to do.

FORBO FLOORING SYSTEMS – SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2023

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CONTENT
6

16

5
Message from Jean-Michel Wins

17
Committed to protecting theplanetDiscover our history, our climate
impact and our path to net zero.

INTRODUCTION

6Key Achievements in 2023
8
About usA brief overview of Forbo Groupand Forbo Flooring Systems.
9
Reporting framework,
standards and scope10
Our ambition
Learn more about our sustainability
strategy and program.
11
Sustainability targets
12
Our framework and focus topics
15
Collaborations andacknowledgements

ENVIRONMENT

21
Methodology
Find out more about thegreenhouse gas protocol, life
cycle assesment and the 5-Step
Circularity Framework.
22
Our approach and results
Discover our approach, results andsuccess stories.
22
Product development
and design

48

62

66

49
Committed to creatinga healthy and safe
environment

62
Strengthening governance forsustainable growth

66
GRI Content index

SOCIAL26
Sourcing and raw materials
30
Production and distribution(energy, waste and water)
37
Long-lasting and easy tomaintain40
Recycling and end-of-life
44
Success stories

50
We create buildings with focus
on health, safety, and wellbeing
Get to know more about the
Dynamics of a Building.

GOVERNANCE

ANNEX

63
Organizational structure

52
Taking care of our workforce
Explore how we contribute to thehealth, safety, and well-being of
our employees.
57
Ensuring fair treatment ofworkers in our value chain
Discover how we use a universal
standard to manage social
accountability: SA8000.
58
Success stories

FORBO FLOORING SYSTEMS – SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2023

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INTRODUCTION

5

INTRODUCTIONMESSAGE FROM
JEAN-MICHEL WINS
I am delighted to present our 2023 Sustainability Report, a display
to our commitment to sustainability and responsible corporate citizenship. This year’s report marks a significant milestone for us as weembrace a new format in accordance with Environmental, Social, andGovernance (ESG) principles, reflecting our dedication to transparency,
accountability, and the greater good.
At the heart of this report lies a sense of pride in our collective achievements. We recognize that these accomplishments are not merely statistics but the culmination of the dedication exhibited by our employees.
It is their commitment that fuels our ambition, enabling us to makesubstantial achievements in our sustainability journey.
This report covers several key areas, driving positive change and setting new benchmarks within our industry. Our ‘Going Round, Moving
Forward’ philosophy underscores our commitment to circular economy
principles, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices thatconsider the entire lifecycle of our products. This philosophy has not
only guided our decision-making but has also become a driving force
behind our innovative solutions.
One of the biggest achievements mentioned in this report, is the factthat as of 2023, our Marmoleum product range is climate positive from
cradle to gate without offsetting. Through meticulous planning andcollaborative efforts, we have not only reduced our carbon footprint
but have also actively contributed to climate positivity.

are grounded in the realities of our operations. By facilitating direct
engagement with our core processes, we empower our customers tomake informed choices that align with their sustainability goals.
Furthermore, our focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions (CO2)within our factories has yielded significant results. We were the first in
the industry with LCA-based EPDs. That innovative forward thinking has
led to Forbo Flooring Systems being the first in the industry in 2023 toachieve climate positive Marmoleum flooring from cradle to gate without offsetting. By implementing innovative technologies and adoptingenergy-efficient practices, we have made substantial progress towards
our carbon reduction targets. This demonstrates our commitment tosustainable manufacturing and reinforces our role as industry leadersdriving positive change.
As we continue to face the challenges of a rapidly evolving world, we
remain focused on our commitment to sustainability. This report not
only outlines our achievements but also proves our dedication tocreating a more sustainable future. We invite you to discover thestories of innovation, collaboration, and determination that define oursustainability initiatives.

Jean-Michel Wins
Executive Vice President Flooring Systems« We have not only
reduced our carbon
footprint but have also
actively contributed toclimate positivity. »Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we work together toward a greener tomorrow.

Additionally, we successfully implemented our ‘Back to the Floor’ program across 13 countries. This initiative ensures that our decisions

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INTRODUCTION

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
IN 2023
We take pride in our key achievements, driven by sustainability principles. We prioritize minimal impact materials, opt for biobased solutions,and design Fast Flooring products for easy recycling. Actively engaging
in take-back initiatives, we take steps to minimize waste and contributeto a circular economy, reducing our environmental footprint.

-36%

37%

Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions,since 2019

Recycled content
on average per
product

13

countries offering Back to the
Floor - our take-back andrecycling service program

100%
clean electricity

50%of the materials in our products
were certified biobased, recycled, and/or abundant minerals

100%

1ST

3

of our CO2 emissions
measurement systems
follow the Greenhouse Gas
Emission Protocol

manufacturer in the market withall Marmoleum being
climate positive (cradle to gate
without offsetting)product categories (linoleum,
vinyl and textile) offer Fast
Flooring* solutions

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INTRODUCTION

7KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
IN 2023
Our key achievements are made possible by adhering to a set of guiding
principles:
1. Utilizing minimal, green, or recycled raw materials and resources
We prioritize the use of raw materials with minimal impact, sourced
sustainably or recycled. This commitment reflects our dedication to
reducing our environmental footprint from the foundation of ourprocesses.
2. Favoring biobased solutions
In our commitment to sustainability, we choose biobased solutions
as the preferred option. This strategic choice allows us to produce
climate-positive Marmoleum from cradle to gate without relying on
offsetting measures, contributing to a more environmentally friendly production process.
3. Designing Fast Flooring products
Recognizing the importance of end-of-life considerations, we aim
to create products that are environmentally friendly during use andeasy to recycle at the end of their lifecycle. This includes the development of safe and easily recyclable Fast Flooring products acrossall categories.
4. Active pursuit of take back initiatives
In our ongoing efforts to minimize waste and reduce the consumption of virgin raw materials, we actively engage in take-back initiatives. By reclaiming and reusing products, we contribute to a circular
economy, actively mitigating the impact of waste on the environment.

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INTRODUCTIONABOUT US
Forbo Flooring
Systems

Product portfolio

Flooring Systems delivers comprehensive, installation-ready flooring solutions globally. We have 15
production facilities in 7 countries and distribution
companies in 27 countries. The division has sales offices in Europe, the Americas, and Asia/Pacific. The
headquarters of the Flooring Systems division is in
Assendelft, the Netherlands. World-wide, the Flooring
Systems division is close to dynamic markets, making
it the first choice as a local partner for customers thathave similar global requirements.

Forbo Flooring offers an extensive selection of environmentally friendly natural linoleum, including key
brands like Marmoleum© for sheet, tile, and plank options; Marmoleum Click© for floating floors; Marmoleum Sport© for indoor sports floors; and Marmoleum
Ohmex© for anti-static panels. Furniture Linoleum©
and Bulletin Board serve as surfacing materials forvarious applications. Impressa© is a notable addition
with printed linoleum featuring wood or concrete
design.

The quality, longevity, and performance of our products and services, as well as our focus on offering sustainable and circular solutions, reflect the quality andstability of our relations with our business partners.
All our floor covering production sites in the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Russia, France, Germany
and Switzerland that are considered most material interms of their environmental impact and accounted
for in this report are ISO-9001 and ISO-14001 certified.

Our diverse collection extends to innovative vinyl
floor coverings, such as Allura© and Effekta© for luxury tiles and planks, Eternal© for heterogeneous vinyl,
Sphera© for homogeneous vinyl, Step© for slip-resistant vinyl, Sarlon© for acoustic vinyl, Modul’up© forloose lay vinyl sheet, Colorex© and Sphera© for static
dissipative vinyl floors, and Novilon© for residential
vinyl flooring.

Market sectors
In the realm of textile floor coverings, we provide a
unique selection, including Flotex – a washable hightech flooring made from densely packed 6.6 nylon
fibers. Brands like Tessera©, Flotex©, Forte©, Coral©, andNuway© cater to various needs from tufted carpet tiles
and planks to needlefelt and rigid entrance floors.
Completing our portfolio is a range of building andconstruction adhesives, featuring waterborne options for floor coverings and construction applications, levelling compounds, and water barriers under the Eurocol© brand. Additionally, our liquid floor
coverings, Liquid Design©, Beton Design, and Deco
Design©, are suitable for both flooring and wall covering applications.

Forbo Flooring Systems produces linoleum, vinyl, andtextile floor coverings, along with building and construction (B&C) adhesives and leveling compounds
primarily for commercial projects. Some products
are also available for residential consumers throughretailers specializing in floor covering and interior
decoration. The brand Eurocol represents a portion of
the building and construction adhesives in DIY stores.
Our diverse product portfolio offers comprehensive,
ready-to-install solutions for global buildings. Our
floor coverings have been installed in various sectors,
including public buildings, education facilities, andhealthcare institutions, demonstrating durability andfunctionality over the years.
Today, our floor coverings are increasingly popular
in retail, hospitality, leisure, and commercial offices,
allowing for customizable designs. We also serve specific sectors like the high-tech industry (data centers,
IT, and pharma environments) and the transport sector (railways, automotive, and marine) for carriages,coaches, and vessels.
Building and construction adhesives are active acrossthese sectors, extending to ceramics (floor and wall
applications), parquetry, wooden floor coverings, andsports floor installation materials for both indoor andoutdoor sports.

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INTRODUCTIONREPORTING FRAMEWORK,
STANDARDS AND SCOPE
Reporting framework andstandards
Forbo Flooring’s sustainability report is developed
following the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) andaligns with multiple United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs). The 17 SDGs provide
a comprehensive roadmap for cultivating a more
prosperous and sustainable future for all by 2030,
designed for both global governmental and organizational application. Realizing the potential of theSDGs relies on global collaboration and unwaveringcommitment – principles that seamlessly align with
our own aspirations.

Reporting scope
The environmental data published in this reportencompasses our 11 floor covering manufacturing
sites located in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Russia, France, and Switzerland. Additionally, it includes our three building and construction
adhesives (B&C) operation sites in the Netherlands,
Germany, and Russia, unless otherwise stated. The
Social and Governance data in this report cover all
our manufacturing sites, as well as our worldwide
sales offices and warehouses.
The figures in this report may differ from previous
reports on several points. This is because we havetransitioned from a generic LCA methodology to amethodology based on the GRI approach.

Forbo Eurocol
In this reporting year, we incorporate data and outcomes from our building and construction adhesive
business unit Forbo Eurocol, wherever feasible. This
Business Unit, responsible for the manufacture ofadhesives, primers, and levelling compounds usedin the installation of various floor and wall products,
differs from our business of producing and selling
floor coverings. Consequently, the numerical figures
may not always align seamlessly in a straightforwardmanner. As we move forward, future reports will
provide a more detailed breakdown of the building
and construction adhesives activity, offering a morenuanced understanding of its specific contributions
and impact.

People, planet, profit
Since 2009, Flooring Systems has been dedicated to sustainability through our annual
Sustainability Policy. Rooted in the 1986 UN declaration, this policy champions the ‘triple
bottom line’–’people,’ ‘planet,’ and ‘profit.’ Our commitment to this holistic approach isevident through these three core initiatives:
PeopleIn the realm of ‘people,’ we have chosen to hold ourselves to the standards of the
SA8000 standard. This benchmark aligns with the conventions of the International Labor Organization (ILO) of the United Nations, international human rights standards,
and national legislation. By adhering to these rigorous guidelines, we ensure that our
workforce and the communities we operate in are treated with fairness and respect.
PlanetOur circular framework tackles a comprehensive array of environmental challenges
across our value chain, spanning greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water, packaging
and materials. This framework comprises five pivotal steps:- Longevity and ease of maintenance- Product development and design- Recycling and end of life
- Sourcing and raw materials- Production and distribution
In summary, this framework underscores our commitment to addressing environmental
issues holistically, promoting sustainable practices at every stage of our operations.
ProfitIn the domain of ‘profit,’ Flooring Systems stands resolute in harnessing its market position to actively cultivate a sustainable profile. Leveraging our economic stability andprofitability, we drive continuous improvement and foster a culture of sustainability.
Our commitment to business integrity, risk management, and risk assessment is notjust a peripheral aspect; it’s an integral part of Forbo’s organizational processes. These
considerations are meticulously woven into every decision-making process, ensuringthat our pursuit of profit is ethical, sustainable, and enduring.

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INTRODUCTIONOUR AMBITION
Our Flooring Systems tagline – creating better
environments – expresses our awareness, commitment,
and efforts when it comes to sustainability. We strive
to help create a better world for our planet and thepeople living on it. As a company, we are committed tomeeting our obligations to future generations. We do
this by taking concrete steps to be as environmentallyresponsible as possible. To become a zero-wastecompany that executes the guiding principles of thecircular economy.

Sustainability objectives

2030 Sustainability Program

Our strategic direction is based on three main
objectives:

Next year, we plan to develop a new sustainability
strategy and program for 2030, which will include
many of the same topics with more ambitious
objectives.

1

Transform the linear economic business model
to meet the principles of the circular economy
model.

2

Contribute to creating better indoor environments and healthier buildings.

3

Support social equity and fair treatment of
employees.

To ensure that our sustainability strategy does notjust project to distant horizons, we have created a
program with clear targets that we aim to achieveby 2025.

2025 Sustainability Program
Our 2025 Sustainability Program extends well beyond
the initial stages of the product life cycle, encompassing our aspirations for reuse, recycling, take-back initiatives, and the implementation of pilot programs forreclaiming post-consumer floor coverings.
Through our 2025 Sustainability Program, we haveadopted an all-encompassing approach that considers the entire life cycle, surpassing our activities
in manufacturing and sales. Our strategy now incorporates product development, design, sourcing,
manufacturing, distribution, floorcare, maintenance,
repair, and the recovery of installation waste, emphasizing the importance of reuse and recycling as
integral components of our updated strategy.
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INTRODUCTIONSUSTAINABILITYTARGETS
Environmental targets

Social targets

Governance targets

Our environmental program for 2025 encompasses five essential targets
ranging from reducing greenhouse gas emissions to increasing recycledcontent in every product category.

Our social program for 2025 rests on three pillars: enhancing living spaces, taking care of our own workforce, and ensuring fair treatment ofworkers in the value chain.

Beyond the scope of our 2025 Program, we have set forth specificgovernance targets. These targets are instrumental in ensuring thatour business operations and decision-making processes align withthe highest standards of corporate governance.

These five core themes reflect our commitment to a more sustainablebusiness operation, involving not only concrete actions to reduce ourown carbon footprint but also endeavors to enhance the environmental performance of our entire supply chain with the aim of achieving a
positive impact on the environment.

For a more detailed overview, please refer to the social section of thisreport. The targets that we set for 2025 are largely aligned with the social
policies of Forbo Group and can be found in the latest annual report.
This includes topics like health and safety, recruitment, and employee engagement. To complement this and go even further, we have set
ourselves two extra social ambitions for 2025; ‘Child Labor and Conflict
Mineral Due Diligence Policy’ and ‘Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate’.

100%

>95%

Clean electricity inall manufacturing
plants*Of product wastefrom production isrecycled*

>20%

-20%
Scope 1 & 2

Recycled content
in every productcategory*

GHG emissions*>75%

Of raw material
suppliers adhere
to environmental
sustainability
criteria*

DEI

Updated Diversity,
Equity and Inclusive
policy in place in all
entities **≤10

Lost Time Injury
Frequency Rate*

ACTIVEChild Labor andConflict
Mineral Due
Diligence Policy

They encompass a wide range of measures designed to promotetransparency, accountability, and ethical conduct throughout theorganization.

ISO9001

Quality Management
System continuously
improved **ACTIVE
ISO14001
Whistleblower
Environmental
policy **Management System
improved

SA8000Social
Accountability
Management
System improved *Base year 2019
* Applies to all our production sites** Applies to all our productions sites and sales offices
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INTRODUCTIONOUR
FRAMEWORKAND FOCUSTOPICShigh

ESG topics
1 Management of risks

7 Human rights

13 Healthy indoor environment

2 Public engagement

8 Non-fossil based products

14 Waste management

3 Customer privacy

9 Transparency

15 Recycling post-consumer flooring

4 Diversity and inclusion

10 Recycled content

16 Quality

5 Sustainable packaging

11 Health & safety

17 Circular flooring products

6 Legal compliance

12 Corporate governance

18 Carbon footprint

Environmental

18

SocialMateriality assessment

GovernanceAt Forbo Flooring Systems, we regularly engage with our stakeholders toensure that our sustainability priorities remain on the right track. In themost recent materiality assessment, conducted in the fiscal year 2022,
we identified 18 primary ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)
topics, detailed in Table 1.

Focus topics

impact on environment and society

The plotted matrix, reflecting the input from our stakeholders, validates
our commitment to pursuing our sustainability strategy. It’s noteworthy
that all aspects are rated as highly important, underscoring the significance of every ESG question in the eyes of our stakeholders. However,it’s particularly gratifying to observe that a low carbon profile, portfolio
quality, and a safe and healthy environment, which are foundational to
our business, rank among the highest criteria.

15

16

14
13

12

11

9

10
8

7

5

6
4
3

moderate

The majority of these material topics are integrated into our 2025 Sustainability Program and Corporate Policy, while others are addressed
through entity-level strategies. This comprehensive assessment, involving a diverse range of stakeholders, considered our environmental impact as evaluated by our internal experts, as well as the importance of
these topics to our internal and external stakeholders, including ourbusiness partners.

172
moderate

1
importance for stakeholders

high

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INTRODUCTION

Our focus topics
All 18 ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) topics are very
important to us. In this chapter, we highlight the seven top priorities.
In the appendix of this report, you will find an overview of all topics
along with references to the respective chapters in this sustainability
report detailing our approach to these topics.

Carbon footprint

18

This year we have reviewed the carbon footprint of our company, withspecific attention to Scope 3. Our corporate carbon footprint calculation
has transitioned from the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method to a more
rigorous approach aligned with the operational control framework of
the GHG Protocol. Additionally, we have included emissions from employee commuting, vehicle leasing, and business travel, as well as emissions associated with capital goods.

Today, we offer impact information for every Forbo product by Life Cycle Assessments and Environmental Product Declarations that are independently reviewed. We believe that human health and ecology should
also feature in our assessments. Forbo Flooring Systems is unique inincluding human health and eco-toxicity impacts in our EPD’s as well.

Non-fossil based products

8

Biobased materials will be instrumental in accelerating the transition
to a net zero economy, not just for our linoleum portfolio but also fora wide range of other products. At the core of Forbo’s commitment tosustainability lies a longstanding tradition of employing biobased materials, which are the essential components of linoleum. These materials
are sourced from renewable origins, primarily plants, and encompass
linseed oil, wood flour, jute, and natural resins. This commitment toquality is a hallmark of our approach.

Corporate governanceTransparency

9

Transparency is critical to achieving sustainability. Transparency demands that companies share information about the contents of theirproducts, how they are made and the impact they may have on theenvironment, users and the community. As early as 1996, Forbo Flooring
Systems began working with Leiden University in The Netherlands, toestablish a transparent overview of every possible impact of our linoleum products.

Quality16

Forbo Flooring Systems is committed to customer satisfaction by beinga reliable organization providing high-quality products and services. Asof 2013, Forbo Flooring Systems certified all their global sales organizations according to the ISO 9001 standard, which was rare for the flooring
industry. Typically, organizations only certified sales offices at local production premises, but we chose to include both the sales organizations
outside of Europe and the European organizations without production
locations in the certification.

12

The Forbo Code of Conduct sets out our most important business principles and basic values. It is central to the way we protect and develop our
reputation and is founded on the principles of compliance, health andsafety. The Forbo code of conduct describes how we are to behave andis based on the guiding principles of the ‘Forbo Way to Win’. It not only
ensures compliance with the applicable laws and regulations wherever
we do business, but it also goes beyond compliance by demonstrating
our commitment to acting ethically and with integrity in every situation while at the same time respecting people’s rights as individuals.
We expect this of every single employee, everywhere, every day. We
also expect this from all our business partners. High standards in our
relationships are the foundation for lasting success.

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INTRODUCTION

Health and safety

11

Taking care of the physical and emotional well-being of our employees
and stakeholders is as important as employee safety. Although it isimperative to have a good absenteeism protocol, prevention and promotion of a good and healthy life style is increasingly important too.
Therefore, we run a number of programs to promote the health andwell-being of our employees.
Safety isn’t just a priority; it’s fundamental to our operations, which wehave captured in our safety policy document. While we invest in systems
and equipment upgrades, we place a special emphasis on behavioral
nuances in our workspace because most accidents occur during daily
routines.

Human rights

7

Forbo Flooring Systems considers social accountability a foundationalpillar of its sustainability efforts. As part of our commitment to fosteringsocial equity and ensuring the fair treatment of workers throughout our
supply chain, we have embraced the social accountability standard –SA 8000. This standard is grounded in the labor principles of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights and the International Labor Organization(ILO) conventions. In addition to our SA8000 certifications, we have set
forth comprehensive policies to detect, prevent, and mitigate childlabour and conflict minerals risks.

We actively encourage our team members to voice concerns and highlight potentially hazardous situations, no matter how minor they seem.
Our ‘stop-and-go’ cards are tools for anyone unsure about a particular
procedure or workflow. Comprehensive training and coaching are provided to every employee, whether they work on the factory floor or in
our corporate offices.

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INTRODUCTION

COLLABORATIONS ANDACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Our partners
Forbo Flooring Systems actively collaborates with international associations and organizations to establish pilot projects and alliances aimed
at testing and introducing innovations and new developments. This strategic engagement is especially significant in the context of advancing
initiatives for the circular economy.
Our partnerships extend to prominent entities such as:- European Resilient Flooring Manufacturers’ Institute (ERFMI)*- European Floor Covering Association (EuFCA)*- European Carpet and Rug Association (ECRA)- Multilayer Modular Flooring Association (MMFA)- Various national industry and trade associations European Committee
for Standardization (CEN) through national member committees- The Floorcovering Committee of the International Organization forStandardization (ISO)Collaboration
Through ERFMI, the European Resilient Flooring Manufacturers’ Institute,
Forbo Flooring Systems is an active participant in the EU-funded Circular
Flooring project that, together with the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany andother partners, has successfully developed proof of principle and a pilot of
the proven vinyl dissolution concept that enables the recycling of post-consumer vinyl waste into recovered PVC to be reused in the industry. ‘Circular
Flooring’ aims to establish a circular recycling process for plasticized PVC frompost-consumer waste flooring.

In addition, we forge cooperations with esteemed universities andinnovative start-ups. Through these collaborative efforts, we strive toconsistently enhance the environmental profile of both our company
and product portfolio.
By working hand-in-hand with these diverse stakeholders, Forbo Flooring Systems remains committed to driving progress in sustainability,
fostering responsible business practices, and contributing to the broader
goals of creating a more circular and environmentally-conscious future.

* Forbo Flooring Systems is chairman of this organization in 2023

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ENVIRONMENT

17

ENVIRONMENTCOMMITTED TO
PROTECTING THE
PLANET
The flooring industry undeniably has a notable environmental impact, starting from the extraction of raw materials to the end-of-life of the product. We firmly believethat it is our responsibility to tackle this issue, not only
for the benefit of our planet but also to secure a better
future for the generations to come. After all, this earth isthe only one they will have, and we are determined to do
everything within our capacity to safeguard it.

PROGRESS IN 2023 ON OUR ENVIRONMENTAL TARGETS

100%

>95%

>75%

>20%

Clean electricity inall manufacturing
plantsof product wastefrom production isrecycledof raw material
suppliers adhere
to environmental
sustainability
criteria

Recycled content
optionavailable in every
product category

0%100%0%100%0%100%0%100%-20%
Scope 1 & 2GHG emissions

0%100%The UN’s commitment tosustainable development is
encapsulated in the 17 Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs),
established in 2015 with theambition of achieving themby 2030. Within the frameworkof our environmental strategy,
we specifically concentrate on
five of these SDGs. This section
dives into the details of how ourinitiatives directly contribute tothese goals, providing insight into
our dedicated efforts to support
the broader global agenda forsustainability.

Base year 2019
Note: these targets were established in 2019 for our Sustainability Program 2025.
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ENVIRONMENT

1928

1995

2000

2008

through the merger of three European
linoleum factories

together with the Swedish Council forbuilding researchin collaboration with Leiden University,
confirming the low carbon footprint ofMarmoleum

all our stakeholders

Foundingof Forbo

contributed to the first
LCA in the industry

Founder LCA inflooring industry

95 years of creating better
environments
For over a century, our mission has been to create floor
solutions that not only serve today’s needs but also
safeguard the world for tomorrow.

Public environmental
reportdisclosing performance and ambitions to

Sustainability isn’t just a goal for us; it’s the essence ofeverything we do. We aim to make the world greener,
healthier, and more livable with our circular flooring
solutions.
In our sustainability journey, you will find a timeline of
our initiatives over the years.

2014

2013

leading the industry towards a healthy
indoor environmentsallowing for end of life
reuse & recycling

Entire portfolio
phthalate-free2018

Switched
to biogas in
Bamber Bridge
Tessera carpet tiles now
manufactured without fossil
energy2020

Launch Sustainability
Program 2020-2025

with targets on the key environmental andsocial topics

Introduction full
fast flooring vinyl

2021

Successful recyclingof 20-year-old
Marmoleum
into a new floor in Assendelft, in
collaboration with Delft Universityof Technology

2011

2010

Launch ofpost-installation
take-back services

Reduced Scope
1 & 2 GHG
emissions by 45%

2022

2023

2024

introduction of our takeback service in
Norway, Finland, Germany,
Belgium, and Denmark

Marmoleum cradle to gate without
offsetting, and introduction of Marmoleum
Cocoa with end of Life recycled content

and program for 2030

in the USA, Sweden,
the Netherlands

Back to the Floor
all over Europe

by switching to green
electricity in all plants

Climate Positive
verification

Start developing a
new sustainability
strategy

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ENVIRONMENT

The climate is changing. So are we.

Our impact on the climate in 2023

Climate change arguably poses the biggest risk of our time - to people, tocommunities, to ecosystems, and to businesses. Decarbonizing our operations and value chain to become net-zero is a key strategic priority thattouches every aspect of our company. It is a transformative undertaking,one that poses many challenges the upcoming decades. Although wehave quite the journey ahead, we are proud of what we’ve achieved so far.
We have been walking the decarbonization path in Scope 1 & 2 for over 15
years and our Sustainability Program 2025 has accelerated the pace. This
year we’ve also established a new baseline for our scope 3 GHG emissions
following the GHG Protocol, gaining better insight into our hotspots andtake appropriate action.

This year, we have reviewed the carbon footprint of our company, withspecific attention to Scope 3. Our corporate carbon footprint calculation
has moved away from the LCA method and has become more rigid, as it
is now in line with the operational control approach of the GHG Protocol.
In addition, we have added emissions from employee commutes, carleasing, and business travel, as well as CO2 emissions from capital goods.

Our CO2 footprint in 2023
8%
Scope 1: our own
8%
manufacturing
Scope 3: otheremissions13%

Scope 3: incoming
and outgoingtransportation& distribution

14%

Scope 3: end-oflife treatment ofsold products0%

Scope 2:emissionsfrom procuredenergy423,000 tons

57%

Scope 3: purchased goods
and services

The breakdown shows that a majority of our fossil carbon footprint
comes from the raw materials we procure, our own manufacturing, andthe processing of our products at end-of-life.

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ENVIRONMENT

Our path to net zero

RECYCLED MATERIAL
SUPPLIER

To tackle these emissions, we have developed a net zero strategy that
rests on four interrelated pillars:

RECYCLED MATERIAL
PURCHASER / USER

1. Removing and storing carbon in our products with biobasedmaterials
The biggest emissions hotspot for our company comes from productionof the raw materials we procure. That is why one of our core Scope 3
reduction pillars is increasing the use of biobased (rapidly renewable)materials in our products. Biobased materials take up and store carbon(C) from the air, transforming carbon dioxide (CO2) into oxygen (O2).
This carbon removal is called biogenic carbon uptake. It is a significant
portion of our positive climate impact.
Marmoleum even became climate positive this year, because the biogenic carbon that is taken up by the biobased materials amounts tomore than all fossil emissions that occur during its sourcing and production (cradle to gate).
To account for the carbon removals in our value chain correctly, weawait GHG Protocol’s Land Sector and Removals Guidance and SBTi’s
Forest, Land, and Agriculture Guidance (FLAG), which work closely together to release a rigid carbon accounting standard for removals in
2024.
2. Accelerating the energy transition at our manufacturing sites
The emissions from our own operations, also referred to as Scope 1& 2, are under our direct control and are a core focus area for every
manufacturing sites.In 2010, a noteworthy transition to clean electricity
occurred, resulting in the exclusive presence of scope 2 emissions fromcity heating (waste) that we procure. To get to net zero emissions in
Scope 1 & 2 we set an intermediate -20% target for 2025 when we introduced our sustainability program in 2020, which we have surpassed
this year. With the introduction of our new sustainability strategy, we
will accelerate that reduction path, focusing not only on process optimizations and electrification, but also on collaborations on new clean
energy sources with the local industries around our sites. To learn more
about our Scope 1 and 2 emission reductions, please refer to the chapter ‘Energy & GHG Emissions’ in Step 3 of our environmental framework.

RAW MATERIALSPRODUCTION

TRANSPORT*INSTALLATION + USE

END OF LIFE

57%

8%

13%

8%

14%

100%
* all transport and distribution

3. Engaging with suppliers to find low-carbon raw material options
It matters where and from whom we procure our materials. Some suppliers simply produce with cleaner energy or can offer lower carbon
material alternatives. Currently, our raw material emissions are primarily
based on industry averages, but we are in the process of gaining insight
into supplier-specific emissions as well. This means we ask suppliers
to provide specific Lifecycle Assessments, allowing us to evaluate thecarbon footprint of a material objectively and choose suppliers with thebest-performing offerings.

4. Transitioning to a circular business model: circulating products
and materials at their highest value
Becoming circular as a company tackles the two biggest categories of
our GHG emissions, which is why it’s a core part of our environmental
strategy. On the one hand, becoming circular keeps end-of-life floor
coverings from incineration, eliminating emissions that would comefrom burning the material. On the other hand, because the recoveredmaterials would be reused or recycled in a new product, there is noneed to produce new, energy-intensive virgin materials, which form
the biggest portion of our environmental impact.
Our ideal recycling & reuse model is closed-loop, meaning that wewould use our own recovered end-of-life materials to create a new
Forbo Flooring Systems product. However, if we cannot recycle or reuse
the material ourselves, we work with other industries.

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ENVIRONMENTMETHODOLOGYCIRCULARITY AT THE COREOF OUR ENVIRONMENTAL
FRAMEWORKIn this section, we explain our methodology with regards to
The Greenhouse Protocol and our Life Cycle Assessment, as
well as our 5-Step Circularity Framework.
The Greenhouse Gas Protocol

Life Cycle Assessment

We utilize the greenhouse gas emissions measurement and management framework as a leading toolin our efforts to address climate change. Developed
jointly by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and theWorld Business Council for Sustainable Development(WBCSD), this protocol offers a standardized methodology for measuring our carbon footprint and taking
actions to reduce our contribution to climate change.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a valuable tool for evaluating potential environmental impacts throughout
a product's life cycle. This approach allows us tocomprehensively examine the environmental implications associated with a product, encompassing
its entire journey from the acquisition of natural resources to the production and use stages, and finally,
to waste management, which includes disposal andrecycling.

It is widely adopted across the globe, enabling businesses, governments, and organizations like ours toquantify emissions from diverse sources. By doing so,
we ensure transparent and comparable data, which ispivotal in formulating effective climate strategies andreducing the environmental impact of our collective
activities.

When we refer to a 'product,' we encompass a broad
spectrum, including goods, technologies, and services. Our commitment to LCA is a reflection of ourdedication to understanding and minimizing our environmental footprint in all aspects of our operations.
We disclose LCA in our EPDs.

1. PRODUCTDEVELOPMENT
AND DESIGN

2. SOURCING
AND RAW
MATERIALS

THE THEMESWE NEED TO
GO AROUNDTO MEET OUR
5. RECYCLING
AND END OFLIFEAMBITION

3. PRODUCTION
AND
DISTRIBUTION

4. LONGLASTING AND
EASY TOMAINTAIN

5-Step Circularity Framework
The environmental challenges in our value chain go beyond greenhouse gas emissions andinclude complex and interrelated topics like waste, water, packaging, materials, and biodiversity. To encompass all these topics, we are grouping our environmental communication using
a five-step circular framework that covers the following steps:
1. Product development & design
2. Sourcing & raw materials
3. Production & distribution

4. Long lasting & easy to maintain
5. Recycling & end of life.

The outstanding work on the circular economy by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation is a major
source of inspiration for our strategy. Along these stages we continuously evaluate options
to refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle, also referred to as the 5Rs, as key goals toeliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials at their highest value, andregenerate nature.

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ENVIRONMENTOUR APPROACH AND RESULTS
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN
We are dedicated to developing and designing flooring solutions that prioritize
value creation during use and beyond,with a dual focus on environmental sustainability and user satisfaction.

Assessing, disclosing, and improving productimpact: LCAs and EPDs

Our primary goal is to craft flooring solutions using renewable and recycled materials, allowing us to deliver products that
contribute to environmental well-being
while enhancing user experiences. This
commitment is pursued through threefundamental approaches:

We innovate with Fast Flooring solutions tailored for enduring performance. These solutions not only simplify installation and maintenancebut also contribute to a reduction in material waste, promoting sustainability throughout the product lifecycle.

We meticulously assess and transparently disclose the environmental
footprint of our products. This empowers our customers to make informed choices aligned with their environmental values.

1. PRODUCTDEVELOPMENT
AND DESIGN

Developing Fast Flooring solutions that are
made to go round

Future-proof designs

2. SOURCING
AND RAW
MATERIALS

THE THEMESWE NEED TO
GO AROUNDTO MEET OUR
5. RECYCLING
AND END-OFLIFE

Our focus on crafting designs that are both enduring and aestheticallypleasing encourages users to cherish and maintain their flooring overtime. This emphasis on durability reduces the need for frequent replacements, minimizing the overall environmental impact.
In this way, we strive to provide flooring solutions that harmonize withthe environment and cater to the diverse needs of our users.

AMBITION

3. PRODUCTION
AND
DISTRIBUTION

4. LONGLASTING AND
EASY TOMAINTAIN

Going Round Moving
Forward video

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ENVIRONMENT

Product development and design
We aspire for our floor coverings to extend their utility beyond a single lifetime. To accomplish this, we engineer products that yield value
throughout their initial use and persist far beyond, all the while prioritizing the environment and user experience. We pursue this objective
through three fundamental strategies: rigorously assessing and transparently disclosing our products’ environmental footprint, innovatingwith loose-lay solutions tailored for long-lasting performance and crafting enduring and beautiful designs.

Assessing, disclosing, and improving productimpact: LCAs and EPDs

Developing Fast Flooring solutions that are
made to go round
Forbo Flooring Systems Fast Flooring solutions offer glue-free floor coverings that are not only quick and easy to install but also sustainable dueto their reusable and/or recyclable nature. The absence of glue allows
for easy removal at the end of their usable lives, with many products
ready for recycling through our ‘Back to the Floor’ program. Produced inEurope using 100% clean energy and in ISO 14001-certified facilities, oursolutions adhere to high environmental standards. They are also phthalate-free, contributing to healthier indoor environments. Stress-reducing designs, high light reflectance values, and dementia-friendly options are also available.

Throughout our company, we use life cycle assessments (LCAs) to
identify and continuously improve the sustainability performance ofour products in all lifecycle stages, from raw material extraction to
end of life. LCAs have a rich history within Forbo Flooring Systems:
we conducted our first LCA in 2000 in collaboration with the Leiden
University (Netherlands). Back then, it was revolutionary, as it was
the first time a flooring manufacturer was able to mathematicallydetermine the impact of the entire lifecycle of its linoleum products.
Not long after, in 2000, we were the first to also add ecological andhuman toxicity impacts to our LCAs. Today we perform our LCA
calculations to the latest international standards, of which we areclosely involved in the development.
We disclose the results of our life cycle assessments in Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) for specific products. An EPD istransparent and specific, third-party-verified, and follows a uniform
and internationally standardized format. They are invaluable to architects, planners, and building owners as they can be incorporated
into sustainable building design tools and life cycle assessments ofa building. Forbo Flooring Systems continues to publish third- party
certified EPDs for all its individual floor covering products. By the endof 2023, 47 Flooring Systems products had been EPD-certificated andpublished. All the LCA calculations were third-party verified by UL
Environment and are based on the product category rules (PCR) set
out in the EN-15804, EN-16810, and ISO-14025 standards.

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ENVIRONMENT

Future-proof designs
At the heart of our approach to designing flooring solutions lies ourunwavering commitment to sustainability and a deep-seated dedication
to meeting the diverse needs of our customers. We understand that themodern discerning consumer seeks more than just a visually pleasing

surface – they also require practicality, durability, and an eco-conscious
choice. This drives us to place our customers’ demands at the forefrontof our creative process, in conjunction with the essential functionalityof the flooring. Our overarching objective is to elevate the quality ofinterior spaces by offering sustainable flooring solutions that not onlyalign with the desires and requirements of those who inhabit them but
also leave a positive impact on the environment. Our approach is firmly
anchored in four core principles that define our ethos.

1. Timeless visual appeal

2. Future-ready functionality

3. Enhancing well-being andatmosphere

4. Custom made solutions

Our flooring solutions are thoughtfully designed
to have a timeless and neutral visual appeal. We
understand that floors are an integral part ofinteriors, requiring designs that will remainstylish for years. This not only ensures lasting
beauty, but also minimizes environmental
impact by reducing the frequency of
replacements.

Our design strategy extends beyond thepresent use of a space. We anticipate futurechanges in a building’s function, aiming
for flooring solutions that are flexible andadaptable to evolving user needs. Whether
it’s an office becoming a creative workspaceor a living area transforming into a homeschool, our flooring solutions remain relevant,prolonging the sustainability of the space.

We acknowledge the pivotal role of creating
the right atmosphere, both mentallyand physically, in any space. Our flooring
solutions contribute to the well-being ofoccupants in living, working, and recreational
environments. We prioritize elements such as
acoustics, lighting, and overall ambience tocreate flooring solutions that offer comfort
and tranquillity while enhancing aesthetics.
This fosters an environment where people feel
comfortable and can perform at their best.

Custom floor designs, as offered through ourCustom Flooring program, extend beyond
adding a personal touch to interior spaces. In
addition to empowering customers to create
unique designs like zebra prints, corporate
logos, and special patterns, custom flooringalso contributes to the reduction of cutting
waste during installation. By precisely tailoring
the floor to fit the designated space, we canaccurately match the required materials to
specific dimensions, minimizing unnecessary
surplus and waste. This approach not only
emphasizes the aesthetic aspects of our floor
designs, but also underscores our commitment
to sustainability and efficient resource
utilization in the production process.

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25

ENVIRONMENT

INTERVIEW

Jason Holmes:
Green design Principles have
replaced the linear approach
Jason Holmes is Head of Design (Textiles) at Forbo Flooring
Systems. His role is to manage the creative design process for the
textile products Forbo produces.
Jason told us about the sustainability principles his department
follows and the exciting initiatives they implemented in 2023.
Sustainability in daily operations
Jason highlights how sustainability and circularity are at the coreof everyday design processes: “The traditional linear approach todesign (take/make/waste) was abandoned, for me, by our adoptionof Green Design Principles back in 2010. Yes, functional, design-led, fit-for-purpose products are what we provide, but myself
and my team now deliver these with due care, attention and prominence of design inputs including circularity and sustainability – adesign game changer.”
Key 2023 achievements
The past year has seen many key sustainability projects for Jason
and his team, most notably the development of carpet tile collections using a new yarn system that is 90% recycled, providing afinished product that contains over 75% recycled content.
Jason adds: “Flotex Next is another product initiative that, although not design related, is worth mentioning, as it is the firstloose lay/adhesive-free textile flooring. We will use this in our

next collection of Flotex as it aids circularity, ultimately offering
contaminate-free backing and providing next generation post-consumer materials, which will minimise future raw material take.
This collection will also be the first collection where we employ ahybrid approach to manufacture across digital and rotary screen
printing.”
Future focus on lower embodied carbon
Going forward, Jason anticipates that a focus on lowering embodied carbon – the amount of carbon emitted in the productionof a product – will be a key consideration: “Right now, the movetowards lower embodied carbon is of prime concern and is thedriving force of developments, particularly in our tufted products
and the yarn we use to make them.”
He adds: “Moving forward I see the growing use of carbon budgets
in buildings becoming a given. This will have massive influence,
ultimately dictating material/product choice for specification.
That will require a step change in how we design. Currently, we
understand how to measure a product’s sustainability criteria
and design in order to continually improve those numbers, butwhen the numbers become a fixed target at the outset, then that
becomes the focus of the design brief. The ability to design withinthese constraints whilst still achieving the right aesthetics is an
opportunity.”

Jason Holmes, Head of Design (Textiles)“Moving forward I
see the growing useof carbon budgets inbuildings becoming
a given. This will
have massive
influence ultimately
dictating material/
product choice for
specification.”
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ENVIRONMENTOUR APPROACH AND RESULTS
SOURCING AND RAW MATERIALSIn our commitment to ensuring thesustainability of our products, we upholdthe most stringent standards in thesourcing and selection of materials.
Our dedication to environmental
responsibility is underscored by thirdparty verifications through assessments
like LCAs (Life Cycle Assessments), EPDs
(Environmental Product Declarations),and HPDs (Health Product Declarations).

We use three interrelated strategies to push the environmental transition,
based on the product category:

Maximizing the use of biobased materials
Bio-based materials are integral to advancing the transition to a net zeroeconomy, not only for Marmoleum but also across various products. Forbo’s sustainable ethos is rooted in a history of using bio-based materials
like linseed oil, wood flour, jute, and natural resins as key ingredients for
Marmoleum.

Making sure the materials in our products arerecyclable
In our dedication to sustainability, we prioritize enhancing the usability,
reusability, and recyclability of our non-biological products. PVC, a key
component in many of our premium vinyl floors and textile backings,
offers a distinct advantage. Its ability to be melted down and recycled
multiple times without significant degradation allows it to remain in therecycling loop for extended periods. This not only reduces the demand for
new PVC production but also minimizes associated energy consumption
and greenhouse gas emissions, while preventing PVC disposal in landfills
or through incineration.

1. PRODUCTDEVELOPMENT
AND DESIGN

2. SOURCING
AND RAW
MATERIALS

THE THEMESWE NEED TO
GO AROUNDTO MEET OUR
5. RECYCLING
AND END-OFLIFE

AMBITION

3. PRODUCTION
AND
DISTRIBUTION

4. LONGLASTING AND
EASY TOMAINTAIN

Increasing the amount of recycled content
In addition to procuring renewable and recyclable materials, we are dedicated to augmenting the percentage of recycled content in our products.
This commitment serves to mitigate the disposal of materials in landfills
or incineration and diminishes the reliance on extracting virgin resources.
The recycled content in our products is derived from two main sources:
recycled materials obtained from external partners and materials recycledfrom our own products. These recycled materials may originate from our
production processes or be sourced from the market through our ‘Backto the Floor’ program.
FORBO FLOORING SYSTEMS – SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2023

27

ENVIRONMENT

Maximizing the use of low-impact materials

Raw materials – as green as possible

In order to reduce our environmental impact, we take responsibility
for ensuring that our raw materials are as environmentally friendly as
possible. We strongly prioritize responsible sourcing from our suppliers
and have implemented various measures to ensure more sustainable
packaging.

We use three interrelated strategies to push the environmental transition, based on the product category:- we aim to maximize the use of biobased materials- we try to increase the amount of recycled content- we want to make sure the materials in our products are recyclable.

Monitoring the environmental ambitions of
our suppliersThis year, our supply chain team has taken significant strides towards
embedding environmental sustainability within our vendor ratingprocess, a vital component of partnership with Forbo Flooring
Systems. In this process, suppliers are evaluated based on their level oftransparency and their commitments to environmental stewardship.
These criteria have become indispensable aspects of the contractual
agreements we establish with our suppliers, encompassing theeffective management and control of various key elements, including:- Quality- Environmental impacts- Anti-corruption- Human rights- Health and safety- Social accountability (SA8000 standard)- Community relations- Financial risk
Notably, the stipulations related to quality, environmental responsibility, and ethical sourcing practices are subjected to regular review andupdates. In addition to these commitments, we also actively support
our suppliers in participating in carbon reduction programs, aligning
their efforts with mandatory industry standards, and contributing to thedevelopment of a more sustainable supply chain.
These requirements have fostered increased dialogue and collaboration
with our suppliers, as we collectively seek avenues for continuous improvement and sustainable progress.

This ensures we have multiple options in place that are always in linewith the values of our customers.

Maximize the use of biobased materials
Biobased materials will play a crucial role in expediting the transition
to a net zero economy, not only for linoleum products but also forvarious other products.
At the heart of Forbo’s sustainable DNA is a rich history of using biobased materials, the key ingredients for linoleum. Biobased materials
are derived from renewable sources, often plants, and include linseedoil, wood flour, jute, and natural resins.

Recyclable materials
In our commitment to sustainability, we focus on maximizing the usability, reusability, and recyclability of our non-biological products. A key
component in many of our high-quality vinyl floors and textile backings is PVC, which possesses a unique advantage. PVC can be melted
down and recycled many times without significant degradation. This
property allows the material to remain in the recycling loop for extended periods, reducing the need for new PVC production and the associated energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally,it helps prevent the disposal of PVC in landfills or through incineration.

Raw materials source
7%

Recycledbiobased

12%

14%

Virgin abundant mineral

Recycled

17%

Virginbiobased

50%

Virginnon-renewable

50% of the materials we used were biobased, recycled,
or an abundant mineral

At the end of their life cycles, our products have several recycling options.
Our preferred approach is recycling the materials back into our own
products through our ‘Back to the Floor’ initiative, often referred to as a‘closed-loop’ system.

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ENVIRONMENT

Increasing the amount of recycled content
As well as sourcing renewable and recyclable materials, we are committed to increasing the proportion of recycled content in our products. This
helps prevent materials from ending up in landfills or being incinerated
and reduces the necessity for extracting virgin resources. The recycledcontent in our products originates from two primary sources: recycledmaterials from external partners and materials recycled from our own
products, which may come from our production process or be sourced
from the market through our ‘Back to the Floor’ program.

Recycled content 2023
Product% linoleum
recycled content

Product% vinylrecycled content

Product% textile
recycled content

Marmoleum Sport

50%

Colorex Plus

69%

Tessera Create Space 1

75%

Marmoleum tile 2.0 & 2.5 mm

49%

Allura Ease 0.7/5.0mm

32%

Tessera Diffusion

66%

Marmoleum 2.5 tile Slate / Walton

48%

Allura Click pro 0.55/5.0mm

28%

Tessera Contour

66%

Marmoleum 2.0 tile Piano (MCT)

48%

Allura Puzzle 0.7/5.0mm

28%

Tessera Struktur 1 / Struktur
2 Linear

65%

Marmoleum Decibel

46%

Colorex Classic

25%

Tessera Perspective

65%

Impressa

46%

Step

24%

Tessera Barcode

64%

Marmoleum Ohmex

44%

Allura Flex 0.55/4.0mm

22%Tessera Inline

62%

Marmoleum 2.5 tile Striato / Textura

44%

Allura Flex 1.0/5.0mm

22%Tessera Basis Pro / Teviot

62%

Marmoleum sheet 2.0 & 2.5 mm

43%Eternal20%

Tessera Chroma

61%

Marmoleum sheet Striato/Uni/
Textura 2.5

43%

Sarlon Trafic 15dB

18%

Tessera Layout / Outline

61%

Impressa (North America)

43%

Sarlon Trafic 19dB

18%

Tessera Cloudscape

61%

Bulletin Board

43%

Allura Dryback 0.7/2.5mm

17%

Needlefelt

50%

Cork Linoleum

42%

Trafic Modul'Up 19dB

16%

Flotex tile / plank49%

Corkment

40%

Allura Decibel 0,8

16%

Coral Brush

23%

Marmoleum FR2

40%

Allura Dryback 0.55/2.2mm

15%Flotex Acoustic Plus

22%

Striato FR

31%

Compact Modul'Up

15%

Coral Welcome

20%

Furniture Linoleum

28%

Sphera<5%

Flotex sheet

20%

Marmoleum Click17%

Sphera SD|EC<5%

Coral Duo18%

Coral Classic

9%

Flotex Edge Modular<5%

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ENVIRONMENT

INTERVIEW

Bastiaan Janse:
Sustainability in our supply
chainsBastiaan Janse is VP of Supply Chain at Forbo Flooring Systems.
He is responsible for identifying, qualifying and contracting 3rdparty suppliers, as well as for raw materials, logistics, energy andpackaging, sourced products and professional services.
We spoke to him about how sustainability is embedded within
Forbo’s business model.
Sustainability as a fundamental business dimension“I am of the opinion that duality of economic success andsustainability progress go hand-in-hand,” says Bastiaan.
“Sustainability is one of the fundamental business dimensions,like quality, service and cost competitiveness. This is inherent
to our product offering and global business model. I see it as
our role to ensure progress on sustainability both upstream anddownstream in our supply chain by setting adequate standards
and achieving those jointly with our business partners.”
Supplier relationships key for reducing Scope 3
emissions
Bastiaan notes that thanks to work to reduce Scope 1 and 2
emissions, Scope 3 emissions – the emissions not directly causedby the company, but within its sphere of influence along its value
chain – now represent the largest portion of Forbo’s emissions.
“This is something we’re actively targeting through our choiceof suppliers and by encouraging suppliers to reduce their own
carbon emissions.”

For example, Bastiaan mentions that one of the key achievementsfor 2023 was “confirmation that all our direct 3rd party suppliers
are adhering to Forbo Flooring Systems supplier requirement
standards on environmental, social, anti-corruption and quality.”
He adds: “also, for our vinyl products, suppliers are making
progress to decrease their environmental footprints, which is
historically less common in the petrochemical market.”
Future plans for Forbo’s supply chains
Bastiaan cites several factors that might shape the future ofsustainability in the sector, including “public sector demanding
more transparency on sustainability footprint of our supply
chain, e.g. Best Practice PVC Australia and EPD Korea.”
Bastiaan also mentions new regulations coming in for citytransport in Europe and European legislation on ESG goals andmandatory due diligence and reporting. He believes that Forbo iswell-placed to meet these future challenges: “I believe our teams
have what they need to influence and drive our sustainability
agenda.”Bastiaan Janse, VP of Supply Chain“Economic successand sustainability
progress go hand-inhand.”

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ENVIRONMENTOUR APPROACH AND RESULTS
PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION
Our commitment extends beyond theEnergyOur focus on reducing Scope 1 & 2 emissions centers around transformuse of sustainable materials. We strive to
ing the energy profile of our manufacturing sites. All electricity used in
maximize the overall sustainability of our our plants is sourced from clean sources, and ongoing investments target
increased efficiency and decreased reliance on gas and diesel in our proproducts. In pursuit of this goal, we arecesses. In 2023, our energy mix comprised natural gas, renewable & nuclear
actively progressing towards a zero-waste electricity, diesel oil, biogas, and district heating, with a notable decline in
our use of natural gas since 2019.
production cycle and endeavoring tocreate products with the highest possible Waste
Minimizing waste in our production is essential to safeguarding the enrecycled material content.
Our flooring solutions are designed to be
as environmentally-friendly as possible,from inception to end-of-life. In line withthis commitment, we ensure that our
products are manufactured using 100%
clean electricity whenever available. Thisapproach allows us to produce genuinely
CO2-neutral products without relying on
offsetting measures.

vironment. In our journey toward becoming a zero-waste company, ourmanufacturing sites diligently focus on reducing waste generation fromthe outset. In instances where obsolete materials persist, our objective is
to identify the most valuable reuse or recycling solutions, ensuring every
effort is made to prevent their disposal in landfills.

Water

1. PRODUCTDEVELOPMENT
AND DESIGN

2. SOURCING
AND RAW
MATERIALS

THE THEMESWE NEED TO
GO AROUNDTO MEET OUR
5. RECYCLING
AND END-OFLIFE

AMBITION

3. PRODUCTION
AND
DISTRIBUTION

4. LONGLASTING AND
EASY TOMAINTAIN

We emphasize sustainable practices in the manufacturing of our floor coverings. Notably, our linoleum and vinyl products feature a manufacturing
process that is not water-intensive, with zero water usage, reflecting ourdedication to resource efficiency.
Within our textile product category, water is introduced during yarn production, especially in dyeing processes.

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ENVIRONMENT

Production and distribution
As a production company, we make things people love. We also have an
impact on the environment that we need to eliminate. That is why wework hard to transition to the cleanest energy sources and lowest-carbon
solutions in the value chain, why we continuously design out waste fromour processes, and why we commit to being good stewards of water.

EnergyThe energy usage in our manufacturing sites is the main contributor to
our Scope 1 & 2 emissions, which is why we work hard to accelerate thetransition to clean energy sources. We make sure that all electricity in ourplants comes from clean sources, and we continue to invest in increasing
efficiency and decreasing the share of gas and diesel in our manufacturing processes.

Share of clean energy in our plants

In 2023, our main energy sources were natural gas, renewable electricity,
diesel oil, biogas, district heating and other electricity. Specifically our
natural gas usage, which was 61% of our energy breakdown in 2019, hasseen a notable decline. A noteworthy example is our production facility
in Coevorden. Read more about this in our success stories.
Our total energy usage in 2023, which is influenced by production
volumes, was slightly down, whereas our energy efficiency was up: incomparison with 2019, we used 7% less energy per square meter (SQM)
flooring we produce.

Energy usage in 2023 in our plants
1%

2% Diesel oil
Other electricity
1% Biogas

40%

Energy efficiency (MJ/SQM) in our
flooring production plants
25

39%

22,5

38%

20

34%

37%

17,5

Renewable
electricity

36%
35%

15

888,000 GJ

12,5
10

32%
31%
30%

base year

33%

2019

1%*

District heating
2020

2021

Note: Eurocol included in 2022 and 2023

2022

2023

61%

Natural gas

7,5
5
2,5
0

base year

34%

2019

*All figures in the graph are rounded

2020

2021

2022

2023

Note: Eurocol excluded

FORBO FLOORING SYSTEMS – SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2023

32

ENVIRONMENT

Reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions

Emissions per square meter

The GHG emissions in our production sites stem directly from the energy
we use. Compared to the base year 2019, there has been a 36% reductionin Scope 1&2 emissions, as indicated by the graph. This is due in partto the gas reduction in Coevorden, as detailed in the success stories.

Because production volumes can fluctuate, we also look at Scope 1 &2 emissions per square meter produced. Since 2019, those have gone
down by 7%, further confirming our greenhouse gas emissions reduction efforts are paying off.

The Scope 2 emissions have been recalculated this year using historical
grid emissions factors from the European Environment Agency. This
gives a more accurate picture of our GHG reduction than earlier
reports.

Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions of ourflooring products
7% reduction versus base year 2019 (in kg CO2/m2)
1,0

Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissionsof our plants

0,8

36% reduction versus base year 2019 (in T/CO2)
0,6
100

80

0,2

70
0

60

base year

0,4

90

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Note: Eurocol is excluded

50
40

Scope 3 emissions

base year

30
20
2004

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

This year the greenhouse gas emissions have been calculated and disclosed following the GHG Protocol.

Note: Eurocol is only included for 2022 and 2023

In 2020 we introduced our Sustainability Program 2025, setting a target
to reduce emissions by 20%. This year, we surpassed that target andreached 36% in comparison with 2019. As we increase our ambition in
our next sustainability strategy, we will further accelerate that reduction
path and move towards net zero.

FORBO FLOORING SYSTEMS – SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2023

33

ENVIRONMENT

Value chain emissions
For an in-depth overview of our emissions, please refer to the tables below.

MTCO2e2022

MTCO2e2023

Direct emissions from owned/controlled operations, of which stationary combustionin plants

38,642

31,775

Direct emissions from owned/controlled operations, of which lease car emissions ***

2,390

2,390

Scopes and categories

MTCO2e (biogenic)
2022

MTCO2e (biogenic)
2023

Scope 1: Direct biogenic CO2 emissions from owned/controlled
operations

354

362

Scope 2: Indirect biogenic CO2 emissions from the use of purchased
electricity, steam, heating, and cooling--

Category 1: Purchased goods and services-46,348-47,512-Category 2: Capital goods--

Category 3: Fuel- and energy-related activities (not included in scope 1 orscope 2)--Category 4: Upstream transportation and distribution--

Category 5: Waste generated in operations--

Category 6: Business travel--

Category 7: Employee commuting--

Category 9: Downstream transportation and distribution--

Category 10: Processing of sold products--

Category 11: Use of sold products--

Category 12: End-of-life treatment of sold products

17,155

17,495

Category 13: Downstream leased assets **--Category 14: Franchises **--Category 15: Investments**--

Scope 1: Total direct emissions from owned/controlled operations

Scope 2: Total Indirect emissions from the use of purchased electricity,
steam, heating, and cooling (market based)
Indirect emissions from the use of purchased electricity(market based)-

Indirect emissions from the use of purchased heating, of which the heating would
otherwise be considered waste *

336

298

Scope 2: Total Indirect emissions avoided from the use of purchased electricity, steam,heating, and cooling (location based)

24,20621,180

Upstream Scope 3 emissions
Category 1: Purchased goods and services

244,758

237,697

Category 2: Capital goods ***

8,727

8,727

Category 3: Fuel- and energy-related activities (not incl. in Scope 1 or Scope 2) ***

7,043

5,794

Category 4: Upstream transportation and distribution

19,97919,516

Category 5: Waste generated in operations

6,579

3,440

Category 6: Business travel ***

341

341

Category 7: Employee commuting ***

2,019

2,019

Category 8: Upstream leased assets **--31,11934,217

Downstream Scope 3 emissions
Category 9: Downstream transportation and distribution ***Category 10: Processing of sold products ***18,736

19,521Category 11: Use of sold products--

Category 12: End-of-life treatment of sold products

58,40056,903Category 13: Downstream leased assets--

Category 14: Franchises--

Category 15: Investments--

Scopes and categories

Scope 3: Upstream Indirect biogenic CO2 emissions

Category 8: Upstream leased assets**
Scope 3: Downstream Indirect biogenic CO2 emissions* Applicable for Giubiasco and Eurocol Erfurt.
** Not applicable to Forbo Flooring Systems*** These numbers are recalculated every three years (2022-2025) because little change is expected in between
FORBO FLOORING SYSTEMS – SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2023

34

ENVIRONMENT

Waste

Reducing waste creation

Recycling waste

Reducing waste in our production is crucial for protecting theenvironment. As we move towards becoming a zero-waste company,
our manufacturing sites work hard to reduce waste creation in the firstplace. For any of the obsolete materials that remain, we aim to find thehighest-value reuse or recycling solution and do everything we can toprevent them from ending up in landfills.

We realize that the best way to become a zero-waste company is toprevent waste from being created in the first place. All our factories workwith internal yield targets and foster a culture of efficiency to make sureas little waste is created as possible. To support this, they are ISO9001
certified and work with rigid quality management processes to prevent
errors in production.

There will always be a small portion of waste created in our production
process. To make sure these otherwise wasted materials are put to gooduse, we have invested heavily in internal recycling lines in our plants aswell as in external partnerships for the materials we are not able to use
ourselves.

One notably high-yield manufacturing line is the one used to produce
Sphera homogenous vinyl. While most flooring manufacturers use ‘backscraping’ to produce homogeneous vinyl – meaning they scrape of a
portion of the produced material to get the right thickness – Sphera is
produced at the right dimensions from the start. This reduces manufacturing waste of Sphera to near zero, which should be the end solution
or goal of any manufacturing process.

The waste we generated in our plants
in 2023

The waste streams from our plants in
2023

82% of the waste we created was product waste

78% of the waste we created was recycled

14% Other
1% Office waste
3%

Packaging waste

Product waste

Share of (non-) hazardous waste in ourplants in 2023
97% of our factory waste in 2023 was non-hazardous

3%

8% Landfill
14% Incinerated

30k tons

82%

The government has categorized the majority of our factory waste as
non-hazardous, but a small amount requires extra caution. We makesure to offer any hazardous waste to our waste management partners
according to regulation, and we monitor regularly whether it is treatedcorrectly by them.

30k tons

65%

Internally recycled

Hazardous waste

13%

External
recycled

30k tons97%

Non-hazardous
waste

FORBO FLOORING SYSTEMS – SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2023

35

ENVIRONMENT

Water
We prioritize sustainable practices in our floor covering production. Notably, our linoleum and vinyl products boast a non-water-intensive manufacturing process. No water is used in these processess, underscoring
our commitment to resource efficiency.
In our textile product category, water comes into play during yarn production, particularly in dyeing processes.
For needlefelt and Flotex, water is used sparingly, demonstrating ourdedication to limiting environmental impact.
In our building and construction adhesive activities, water is part of thecomposition of the product.

Water withdrawn from our plants
3%

Eurocol

321,000 m3

97%

Flooring

FORBO FLOORING SYSTEMS – SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2023

36

ENVIRONMENT

INTERVIEW

Bregje Smulders:
Climate positive
Marmoleum“Being climate positive means that in the production of ourMarmoleum floors, we have not only reduced our CO2 emissions
to zero but have also gone a step further by sequestering CO2. So,
climate positivity goes beyond climate neutrality. I am exceptionally proud of this accomplishment.”
Initial assessments
The initial assessments to achieve climate positivity took place in
October of last year. “We knew that in 2023, new environmental
product declarations (EPDs) for our product categories had to be
developed. We then collectively examined life cycle analysis (LCA)
calculations: where do we stand, and how far can we go? Our LCA
expert precisely identified the improvements we had already madeand demonstrated where further progress was feasible. Can we
surpass ‘climate neutral’? The conclusion was that this was indeed
possible.”
Remarkable achievement“This remarkable achievement has been made possible through all
the optimization and efficiency layers implemented across Forboin terms of energy reduction, recipe optimization, and process
efficiency,” said Bregje. “Consider, for example, the insulated
drying rooms, which are now intelligently regulated. Additionally,
we optimized our transportation. For instance, we utilize low-CO2emission vehicles and collaborate with environmentally-conscioustransportation partners. We are also reducing our ecological foot-print by using renewable energy sources. And let’s not forget, we
now employ a product formulation with a biobased origin. Morelinseed oil directly translates to increased CO2 sequestration.”
Leading worldwide
Bregje explains the significance of this achievement: “The move
to climate positivity is a pivotal part of our Forbo-wide strategy
to become a market leader in sustainability. Marmoleum is theflagship product in our sustainable portfolio. The fact that thisproduct is now climate positive is groundbreaking. It means we areglobally leading in the sustainability of flooring. What’s wonderfulis that this achievement has been reached across the Business Unit
Linoleum. It’s truly a collective accomplishment.”
Not the final destination
One can hardly surpass ‘climate positive.’ Nevertheless, according
to Bregje, this is not the final destination. “There is always room
for improvement. Recently, we introduced the first product withrecycled material from used Marmoleum floors. It’s a milestone that
we want to expand upon. Work is underway to optimize the recipe,
incorporating more linseed oil into it. This further enhances the CO2
sequestration per square meter. Moreover, I believe we can utilize
more recycled materials, for instance, by sourcing raw materials
from recycled origins. There is definitely room for further progressin that area.”

Bregje Smulders (centre) and her colleagues

Bregje Smulders,
Product & Sustainability
Manager Linoleum‘Climate positivity
goes beyond
climate neutrality.
I am exceptionallyproud of thisaccomplishment’

FORBO FLOORING SYSTEMS – SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2023

37

ENVIRONMENTOUR APPROACH AND RESULTS
LONG LASTING AND EASY TO MAINTAIN
To extend the lifespan and thus ensuring a better environmental footprintof our floors there are four key factors that need to be considered:- Colour and design choice- Entrance systems- Furniture protection- Cleaning & maintenance

1. PRODUCTDEVELOPMENT
AND DESIGNPROLONGED LIFE OPTION

2. SOURCING
AND RAW
MATERIALS

TIME

SY
OR

COLOUR &DESIGN CHOICEFLOFU
PR RNI
OT TU
EC RE
TIO
N

THE THEMESWE NEED TO
GO AROUNDTO MEET OUREACAENTRANCE SYSTEM

RE

Durability and longevity areinterconnected – the less energy
expended in creating, installing,
removing, repairing, and recycling
products, the lower our overall
energy consumption. This principle
underlies the design of our flooring
solutions, crafted to endure challenging
environments while remaining easy-toclean, leading to a substantial reduction
in cleaning costs.
Additionally, we provide short-term
solutions that are reusable, promoting
sustainability through their repeateduse.

5. RECYCLING
AND END-OFLIFE

AMBITION

3. PRODUCTION
AND
DISTRIBUTION

4. LONGLASTING AND
EASY TOMAINTAINFORBO FLOORING SYSTEMS – SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2023

38

ENVIRONMENT

Long-lasting and easy to maintain

Cleaning and maintaining floors the easy way

The best product is the one that’s never replaced: the longer a floor
covering can be used, the less energy is wasted on creating, installing,
removing, repairing, and recycling them.
That’s why we work hard to make floors that are easier to maintain andcan withstand wear in the most stressful environments. For decades
to come.

A good cleaning and maintenance regime not only extends thelifespan of the floor but also promotes healthy indoor air. Establishinga proper cleaning and maintenance regime for flooring extends its
lifespan, promotes healthy indoor air, and reduces costs over time.
How often it should be cleaned depends on the footfall, hours ofuse, hygiene standards, and the environment in which it is installed.
To avoid chemical damage, cleaning products with a high pH should
be avoided. Neutral pH cleaning solutions have a gentle effect on thesurface finish of linoleum, although inadequate rinsing may cause
cracking and discoloration of the flooring.

To extend the lifespan of our floors, three key factors need to be respected: entrance systems, furniture protection and cleaning and maintenance. In the graphic, each of these factors is represented by one sideof the triangle. The three factors are inter-dependent and once they are
all in place, the life of the flooring is prolonged, even after many yearsof use, as illustrated by the elongated prism.

Furniture protection
Using suitable furniture leg protection for tables and chairs protects
flooring against damage. The use of protective caps or felt pads on thebase of the furniture prevents surface scratches.

Color and design choice
The design and the color choice influence the appearance over time.
In a school with heavy footfall and little time for cleaning, it is recommended to use a more marbled design in softer tones. This is important
for the durability of the floor.

Entrance systems: protecting the surface
before you’ve entered
An astonishing finding from independent laboratory research is thatup to 80% of the dirt entering a building enters through the wheelsof wheeled traffic, such as wheelchairs and pushchairs. This findingemphasizes the urgent need for measures to reduce the influx of dirt
into indoor spaces.
To combat this challenge, a thoughtfully designed entrance flooring
system is essential. Not only does such a system promote cleanliness,but it also acts as a guardian for the floor, preventing potential structural damage. Notably, products like Forbo Coral and Nuway entrance
flooring systems have undergone independent testing, demonstrating
their ability to effectively remove and retain up to a remarkable 95% of
all dirt and moisture introduced into a building via foot traffic.

FORBO FLOORING SYSTEMS – SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2023

39

ENVIRONMENT

INTERVIEW

Thomas Kjær:Extending product life
with sage advice
Thomas Kjær is the Technical Manager for Forbo Flooring Systems
Denmark.
He supports clients to ensure the service life of their flooringproducts is as long as possible.
Advice for longevity
We spoke to Thomas about how his role in promoting sustainability.
He shares: “A long product service life contributes to a lower environmental impact, and the correct use of cleaning chemistry andtools also minimises negative impacts on employees and the indoor
climate.”Thomas also provides information about Environmental Certificates, EPDs and take-back options, to make people aware of all thelatest possibilities.
Emerging trends“Moving towards full circularity of our products is clearly a big
attention point, and solutions to solve this are in big demand,” says
Thomas. “Increased demands from stakeholders and increased
legislative regulation will have consequences on how we work, and
it is important that we adapt to this.”He explains: “I advise architects/designers, contractors, building
owners and end users during the use phase. In order to keep thefloor for longer, it is important to always address floor protection
using entrance flooring. Choosing the right colour and pattern also
avoids intensive cleaning and maintenance.”

Future plans“Sustainable solutions are the future,” says Thomas, “right fromsorting installation waste to demolition of building structures.
Developing and implementing industry-wide end-of-life solutions
will be challenging but, in the end, the most sustainable solution inall senses.”“It takes specialists knowledge to ensure we provide the best advice
and solutions for our products. For example, Thomas advises
customers on the correct use of maintenance chemicals. As well as
having a better environmental impact daily, it also means there’s
less residue on the product at the end of use”

Reflecting on Linoleum, he says: “In the light of the truly uniqueproduct that Linoleum is, the full reuse of end-of-life Linoleum will
be a reality one day. As well as being bio-based this product has
all it takes to be true circular product in the spirit of the inventive
Frederick Walton.”Thomas Kjær,Technical Manager for Forbo Flooring Systems
Denmark“A long productservice life
contributes to alower environmental
impact.”FORBO FLOORING SYSTEMS – SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2023

40

ENVIRONMENTOUR APPROACH AND RESULTSRECYCLING AND END-OF-LIFE
To achieve true sustainability, we’recommitted to closing the loop. By
continually enhancing our offerings,
we find ways to recycle them at theend of their life through local recycling
schemes. Our floors are designed using
recycled materials, ensuring they can be
repurposed both today and tomorrow.
We strive for fully recyclable flooringmaterials and actively support
economically viable take-back schemes.

Back to the Floor: reuse and recycling as aservice
Until flooring can go fully circular on a global scale, we have started developing solutions on a regional scale by actively offering installation waste
take-back programs in instances where this is the most sustainable option,
taking into consideration the carbon footprint of the necessary logistics.
This way, we can overcome current limitations and prepare for the future.
Our ‘Back to the Floor’ programs are currently running in 13 countries.

1. PRODUCTDEVELOPMENT
AND DESIGN

2. SOURCING
AND RAW
MATERIALS

THE THEMESWE NEED TO
GO AROUNDTO MEET OUR
5. RECYCLING
AND END-OFLIFE

AMBITION

3. PRODUCTION
AND
DISTRIBUTION

4. LONGLASTING AND
EASY TOMAINTAINFORBO FLOORING SYSTEMS – SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2023

41

ENVIRONMENT

Recycling and end-of-life
Achieving true sustainability requires us to complete the circle. We
are committed to this goal by consistently enhancing our modular
offerings and devising ways to recycle them at the end of their life.
Collaborating with local recycling initiatives, we contribute to thecircular economy. Our commitment extends to designing floors craftedfrom recycled materials, allowing your old floors to find new purpose
today and tomorrow.
Our aim is to ensure that flooring materials are entirely recyclable, while
also championing economically viable take-back schemes. Recognizing
the limitations of infinite recycling for some materials, we are actively
working on finding the most sustainable solutions we can.This results
in products that incorporate up to 75% recycled content sourced frommaterials like fishnets and post-consumer waste.
With the majority of take-back being installation waste the challenge
lies into the receiving it back as clean as possible in order to bring itback into our production cycle. When returned waste from a projectsite is contaminated the material is recycled externally, still ensuring apurposeful utilization. With education and instructions we strive to keepout coffee cups or other building materials.

Take-back service from our flooringproducts

Destination of the post-consumer wastefrom our take back service in 2023
9%

14%

2%

End-of-life waste

Other

Repurposed

250 tons

250 tons

86%

Installation
waste
Note: Eurocol is excluded

34%

Recycled into
new floors

Note: Eurocol is excluded

55%

Recycled external

FORBO FLOORING SYSTEMS – SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2023

42

ENVIRONMENT

Back to the Floor: reuse and recycling as aserviceTo become truly sustainable, we need to close the loop. We do thatby continuously improving our modular offerings and finding ways torecycle them at their end of life. Our target is to re-use or recycle 95%
or more of product waste. The fifth and final of our key challenges is allabout recreating value at the end of the cycle.
Every year, our circular-ready flooring offering is expanding. Loose-lay
installation, for example, makes it possible to take back used products
without contamination of glue and screed, making products easier to
re-use or recycle.
Until flooring can go fully circular on a global scale, we have started
developing solutions on a regional scale by actively offering installation waste take-back programs in instances where this is the most sustainable option, taking into consideration the carbon footprint of thenecessary logistics. This way, we can overcome current limitations andprepare for the future. Our ‘Back to the Floor’ programs are currently
running in 13 countries.

Video hospital post-installation
Charleroi

Video end-of-life Marmoleum

FORBO FLOORING SYSTEMS – SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2023

43

ENVIRONMENT

INTERVIEW

Yves Timmermans:
Helping customers reach theirsustainability goals
Yves is Technical Sales Support Manager (Belux) at Forbo Flooring
Systems. He keeps the sales team informed about new productlaunches, prepares and updates product specifications, manages
maintenance and installation advice and more. He’s also responsible for sustainability and take-back programs in the Belgian
market.
We spoke with Yves about how he and the sales team help customers meet their sustainability goals.
Growing demand for more sustainable flooring options
The Belux region in particular is now seeing a greater demand
for more environmentally-friendly floor coverings. Yves explains:“Sustainability and global warming is very important in the Belgianbuilding market. Architects, constructors and end-users are alltrying to make the right choices.”
A new tool called “TOTEM” is being brought in by the Belgian
government to measure the impact of buildings.
“In the first half of 2024, it is expected that architects and builders
will be obliged to use the tool in all public projects. The environmental impact of floor coverings has become very important in thearchitect’s decision process,” said Yves. Therefore, the work of Yvesand his team in providing accurate sustainability information tocustomers will become even more important.

Supporting customers with take-back schemes
A large part of Yves’ role involves organising take-back schemes,
where installation offcuts are taken back and reused or recycled.
Highlights from 2023 include taking back cut-offs from theinstallation of 110,000m² of Sphera/Sarlon/Step and 8,000m² of
Flotex tiles at the Grand Hopital De Charleroi, as well as take-backof Marmoleum cut-offs for a 17,000m² project in Howest Brugge –both still ongoing projects.
Future challenges and opportunities
Looking forward, Yves expects to see more take-back schemes forsmaller projects: “Our take-back service currently focuses only on
returning cutting remnants in large projects. It will be a challenge
to return cut-offs from small installations as well. In time, thiswill also be expected, as every little effort contributes to a betterclimate.”Yves Timmerman,
Technical Sales Support Manager“Every little effort
contributes to abetter climate.”

He also sees end-of-life solutions for flooring as a key issue going
forward: “We’re receiving more and more requests to take backold end-of-life flooring. Because those are usually glued down, it
currently means they are difficult to take back and recycle. Taking
responsibility for all EOL flooring will become important in theyears to come.”

FORBO FLOORING SYSTEMS – SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2023

44

ENVIRONMENTSUCCESS STORIESFlotex Next

SpheraThe Flotex Next adhesive-free flocked flooring
combines the incredible performance of Flotex
with the benefits of a loose lay installed floor.
Not having to use installation adhesive makes
Flotex Next very suitable for busy areas: installation time is reduced, and there is minimal disruption or lingering adhesive odors. Flotex Next
can be walked on immediately after installation.

In order to make sustainable vinyl flooring, at
Forbo Flooring Systems we sometimes do things
that defy convention. One example is how wemake our homogeneous vinyl Sphera. The traditional way to make flooring like this is to take off
over 10% of the backing at the end of the line toachieve the right thickness.

With Flotex Next, only a very short time is needed to prepare the substrate, and the installation
itself requires a limited number of operations.
Only minimal preparation of the subfloor isrequired, and the application of the adhesive
and the drying time of the glue do not have to betaken into account. A new floor can be installedwith minimal downtime or even without closing
the premises.

Our state-of-the-art production method has been
engineered for efficiency so as to only produce
very minimal waste. Any waste produced is thenre-used in the backing of our heterogeneous
vinyl. This is a great example of how higher
amounts of recycled content are not automatically better when minimum waste and re-use aretaken into account. This product is sustainable
due to its inherent qualities:- New state-of-the-art production techniques
ensure consistent product quality.
- ‘Zero waste’ technology + clean energy = oneof the most sustainable production in theworld for homogeneous vinyl.
- 100% phthalate-free and very low emissions
for a healthy indoor environment.
FORBO FLOORING SYSTEMS – SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2023

45

ENVIRONMENTEPD
This year, we published the first EPDs based on the new EN15804
standard. This is a standard for the sustainability of products inthe construction sector, which defines the core product categoryrules (PCR) for Type III environmental declarations. In November 2019 a new revision of the standard was published. The EN
15804+A2 replaced the A1 revision, (EN15804+A1), which was
published and has been in force since 2013. The new document
introduces several substantial changes that will affect the way
EPDs in the construction sector are made. The main goal of the
A2 revision is to align the standard-based EPDs with the ProductEnvironmental Footprint (PEF) formats.

Marmoleum Cocoa
In our ongoing commitment to sustainability,
we proudly introduce a remarkable addition
to our flooring collection: Marmoleum Cocoa.
This unique collection showcases our dedication
to sustainability and aligns with the growing
demand for future-proof products from ourcustomers.
Marmoleum Cocoa, with its special compositionof ground upcycled cacao bean shells and recycled Marmoleum floors, embodies our ‘end-oflife (EOL) recycling’ initiative. Not only is this inline with our sustainability strategy, but it also
has a positive impact on the environment. Eachsquare meter of this product absorbs more CO2than is emitted during production, contributing
to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
The development of Marmoleum Cocoa camewith its share of challenges. The complex processof reclaiming and recycling old floors, withvarying materials and potential contaminants,
required careful attention. It was not always
possible to reclaim and recycle all floors.
Marmoleum Cocoa represents a significant step
forward in our sustainability efforts. We remaincommitted to developing products that not onlyreflect our sustainability goals but also contribute to a better and cleaner future for all.

FORBO FLOORING SYSTEMS – SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2023

46

ENVIRONMENT

CO2 reduction
Coevorden
In our Coevorden factory, we have replaced two afterburners in thepast two years, resulting in more than a 25% reduction in emissions compared to 2019. The third afterburner was also replaced in
2023. Additionally, in 2023, all three afterburners were replacedwith static filters and gas-fired thermal oil heaters, leading to a
50% reduction in CO2 emissions from smoke exhaust.

33% reduction in natural gas at
Coevorden plant (MJ/SQM)

Video Topshield pro

16
15
14
13
11
10
9

base year

12

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Marmoleum
Topshield Pro
In the realm of sustainability, design, andfunctionality, Marmoleum has consistently
demonstrated its excellence. Recent advancements have further enhanced its environmental
benefits, appearance retention, and user experience. Marmoleum Topshield Pro represents theoutcome of sustainable flooring solutions.
Central to this achievement is the upgradedsurface finish, meticulously developed using

the latest technologies and informed by our
years of experience. This enhanced finish not
only prolongs the flooring’s appearance but also
simplifies the cleaning process, aligning with ourcommitment to environmental responsibility.
The transition from Topshield2 to Topshield Pro
marks a significant innovative leap, affirming
Marmoleum’s standing as the premier natural
flooring choice.

FORBO FLOORING SYSTEMS – SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2023

47

ENVIRONMENTMicronisation project team (from left to right) : Christophe, Isabelle, Pascal, Béatrice, Nadège, Lilian, Baptiste, Matthieu, Kriss.

Micronisation vinyl
At our vinyl production site in Reims, thanks to the new micronization installation, we can convert crushed PVC (10-12 mm chips)
into a fine powder of a few microns. This powder is derived fromresidual materials from various production workshops and thereuse of scraps from our own installation at customer locations(take-back program). The micronized powder product is extracted in various particle sizes (up to 600 microns) and immediately
integrated into different stages of our production process on our
main automated line.
The first phase of this project presented challenges in controlling
the processing of the powder and understanding its behavior. The
fibrous nature of the powder makes it difficult to transport andstore, but we are continuously working on optimization.

This project is the result of collaboration across various departments, including engineering, research and development,
production, procurement, quality control, maintenance, methods,
and planning. The upcoming phase, scheduled for the summer of2024, aims to install a new sorting machine and grinding facility,
further increasing our capacity for high-quality grinding.
Forbo Reims is now equipped to share its acquired expertise withother factories considering the implementation of this innovativetechnology.

Coral Move
LightweightAt Forbo Flooring Systems, we provide a rangeof floor solutions for the transportation sector.
With the introduction of Coral Move Lightweight, we offer a lightweight alternative. In thetransportation sector, particularly in the context
of train flooring solutions, the weight of the floor
covering is of paramount importance. The aim
is often to keep the overall weight of a vehicle
as low as possible, as lighter vehicles generally
consume less energy. Coral Move Lightweightstands out with an innovative construction thatsignificantly reduces the total weight by 44%
compared to Coral Move. Additionally, Coral
Move Lightweight is composed of 41% recycled material and 14% biobased material. The
sustainable yarns used in this flooring are madeentirely from regenerated materials.

FORBO FLOORING SYSTEMS – SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2023

48

SOCIALFORBO FLOORING SYSTEMS – SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2023

49

SOCIALCOMMITTED TO
CREATING A HEALTHY
AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT
As people spend a significant amount of their timeindoors, it is crucial to provide a high-quality andhealthy indoor environment. At Forbo, we address
all aspects that contribute to the safety, hygiene, andwell-being of our customers. This includes supplying
low-emission floor coverings, using safe raw materials,
and offering products with allergen-free properties
and advanced cleaning and maintenance features.
FIGURE 2: PROGRESS ON OUR SOCIAL TARGETS IN 2023

DEI

Updated Diversity,
Equity and Inclusive
policy in place inall entities

0%100%ACTIVEChild Labor andConflict Mineral
Due Diligence
Policy0%100%<10

Lost Time Injury
Frequency Rate

0%100%Note: these targets were established in 2019 for our Sustainability Program 2025.

The UN’s commitment tosustainable development is
encapsulated in the 17
Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs), establishedin 2015 with the ambitionof achieving them by 2030.
Within the framework of ourenvironmental strategy, we
specifically concentrate on
five of these SDGs. This section
dives into the details of
how our initiatives directly
contribute to these goals,
providing insight into our
dedicated efforts to support
the broader global agenda forsustainability.

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SOCIALWE CREATE BUILDINGS WITH FOCUS
ON HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELL-BEING
Our approach to building dynamics, through color and materials
tailored to each space’s purpose, contributes to a balanced andstimulating work environment. Flooring is no longer just functional - it
actively supports occupant well-being in modern office spaces.

PeopleForbo Flooring Systems has the mission of creating better environments.
We are realizing this by focusing our product development & designon people and their behavior in buildings. We use five key dynamics
to group the function of the space and the wellbeing needs of people
therein.

Product
In all our floor coverings, the color, the look & feel and productspecifications are considered to ensure a coordinated fit in every
dynamic. This philosophy is integrated across the complete portfolio,
from linoleum to vinyl to textile flooring.

Function

In a world where over 54% of the population resides
in urbanized areas, we find ourselves spending
approximately 80-90% of our time indoors, a trend that is
only expected to rise.
Given that our floors are an integral part of the indoor
spaces where people live, interact, and work, our mission
is to create and provide products that actively contributeto the well-being and comfort of individuals.
We not only provide Environmental Product Declarations(EPDs) for all our products but also offer Health ProductDeclarations (HPDs) that detail the impact of our flooringon both human health and the environment.

Allergy-free flooring
Our Marmoleum floors have been awarded the prestigious “Seal of
Approval” from Allergy UK, and with proper cleaning, they containno allergens or dust mites. Independent tests prove that MRSA andStaphylococcus aureus do not multiply on Marmoleum. Marmoleum ismade from natural ingredients that are inherently resistant to microbial
growth. Thanks to these natural raw materials, particularly linseed oil,Marmoleum has the ability to inhibit bacterial growth.

H

Y

LERGY FOU
N
AL
N
TIO
DA

Flotex is the only textile floor covering to receive the Allergy UK Sealof Approval™. Thanks to Flotex’s unique construction, allergens aretrapped in the densely packed fibers, reducing the number of allergens in the air. These allergens are then safely and easily released into
standard vacuum cleaners during cleaning.

Dynamics of a building

G
ER
ALL

In this way, Forbo Flooring Systems ensures complete and coordinatedflooring solutions that enhance the overall user experience, contributing to a healthier and more functional environment in every segment
and for every application.

The significance of a healthy indoor
environment

PR
OV
AL

In modern buildings, the focus is on enhancing occupant well-being.
The demand for flexible spaces that adjust to user preferences isrising, with timeless colors and materials allowing walls and floors totransform.

BRIT
IS

Dynamics of a building

P
UK
SEAL OF A

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SOCIAL

INTERVIEW

Dorothé Kessels:
Creating lasting products throughgreat design
Dorothé Kessels is Director of Global Design at Forbo Flooring
Systems. She’s worked at Forbo for over 20 years. Before that, she
specialised in surface design at the Design Academy in Eindhoven, the Netherlands and spent years working as a freelance
designer for numerous international brands.
We spoke to Dorothé about how Forbo’s design principles help tocreate long-lasting, fit-for-purpose products.
Design approach“My role is to coordinate all designers in the Forbo Flooring
Systems organization and make sure that we speak the same
design language, that we start from common trends and that our
Marmoleum, vinyl and textile collections are colour-coordinated. Together with marketing, I safeguard the visual identity of
our company to strengthen our brand. Design guidelines ensurethat our visual expressions are consistent. For example, at tradeshows, on the web, and in our photography,” says Dorothé.
Key design concept – Dynamics of a Building
A guiding principle in our design at Forbo is the “Dynamics of a
Building” concept. Dorothé explains: “Our Dynamics of a Building philosophy analyses how people behave in buildings and how
this can contribute to users’ well-being. Forbo Flooring Systems’
mission is to create better environments, and our designs andproducts can contribute to a positive sense of wellbeing in aspace.”The Dynamics of a Building concept is key to creating lastingproducts. As Dorothé puts it: “We can find sustainable solutions
in smaller collections or timeless designs but any product, whether it’s a car, a chair or a floor, will certainly last longer if there isan emotional connection to it and if it is loved and cared for by its
users.”
Approach to sustainable design going forward
When asked about future sustainability trends in the industry,
Dorothé says: “There is a trend towards using materials that originate from nature instead of highly processed synthetic materials.
Therefore, architects and designers will demand transparency ofmaterials to determine if they contain harmful ingredients. We
can already see the introduction of a ‘digital product passport’,
an electronic record containing all data and information about aproduct, from the initial raw materials to the finished product.”
She also adds “Although this may sound controversial for adesigner, rejecting or reducing products is where we can have thegreatest sustainable impact.”

Dorothé Kessels,
Director of Global Design at Forbo Flooring Systems“We need to ask
ourselves if the
products we aredesigning andmanufacturing are
fit for purpose andif they are reallywanted and needed.”

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SOCIAL

TAKING CARE
OF OUR WORKFORCE
Prioritizing safety: our fundamental
commitment
Safety is not just a priority for us; it’s a fundamental aspect of ouroperations, and we’ve documented it in our safety policy. While we
invest in system and equipment upgrades, we also place special
emphasis on addressing behavioral nuances within our workspace.
This is essential because the majority of accidents occur during daily
routines.

Lost time injury frequency rate in ourplants (LTIFR)
16
14
12
10
8

To measure the effectiveness of our safety efforts, we rely on thefollowing key performance indicators:- Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR)- Number of Lost Time Accidents

420base year

6

We actively encourage our employees to voice their concerns and reportpotentially hazardous situations, no matter how minor they may seem.
We provide ‘stop-and-go’ cards as tools for anyone uncertain about aspecific procedure or workflow. Comprehensive training and coaching
are offered to all employees, whether they work on the factory floor orin our corporate offices.

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Lost time accidents in our plants
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0

base year

These indicators are meticulously tracked at all our locations worldwide
and by senior management, providing personalized feedback. The LTIFR
in 2023 resulted in 14,7. The total number of lost days due to work accidents: 745. Annual evaluations help us gain broader insights and takeactionable measures.

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

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SOCIAL

Employee health & wellbeing
Taking care of the physical and emotional well-being of our employees
is just as crucial as ensuring their safety. Although having a robust absenteeism protocol is imperative, the prevention and promotion of ahealthy lifestyle are increasingly important as well.

We have implemented a variety of programs to enhance thehealth and well-being of our employees. These programs mayvary depending on the entity and country. Some examples of
our initiatives to promote a healthy lifestyle include:- Smoking cessation programs; since 2022, all of our production sites in the Netherlands became completely smoke-freein an effort to provide a healthier environment for everyone.
- Sponsoring fitness activities both indoors and outdoors, aswell as supporting sports activities by sponsoring Flooring
Systems running, biking, and tennis clubs.
- Encouraging the consumption of healthy food in ourcompany restaurants.
- Regularly monitoring and assessing the well-being of ouremployees.
- Offering routine medical check-ups and well-being
assessments.
- Conducting employee surveys.

Concerns and grievances procedure
At Forbo Flooring Systems, run an independent, third-party-certified compliance with the Social Accountability Standard SA8000.
A grievance procedure is available to at least 85% of our employees in
the Netherlands, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, and Switzerland,
as well as to all of our employees in the production entities.
SA8000 therefore provides another confidential means of communication that fosters exchanges on issues that are sensitive or hard to express.
This approach is only sustainable if every single concern or non-conformance is addressed quickly and systematically. To do so, we have
implemented a standardized procedure to handle complaints.

Diversity and inclusion
Diversity in the workplace at Forbo has always encompassed a variety
of individuals from different backgrounds. On the other hand, diverse
experiences, educations, skills, beliefs, and personalities contribute todiversity in the workplace.
As a forward-thinking company, Forbo aims to proactively and consciously utilize the diversity of the population as a resource for the company’s success. Such structures are often more open to new ideas and,thanks to their diverse makeup, tend to be more flexible. This ensuresthat all employees have equal opportunities and feel welcome to contribute and actively participate.

Our employees

2023

Total number of headcounts by December 31, 2023

2,814

Number of our employees that work parttime

251% of promotions from within in senior
management positions

3

hances the appeal of a company for achieving a good work-life balance
for future employees and professionals.
As in many technical industries, female employees at Forbo are often
found in areas such as finance, administration, human resources, marketing, and procurement. In the Forbo Flooring division, women frequently
hold positions that are sales or design related.
Forbo is strongly committed to the inclusion of individuals living withdisabilities and collaborates with relevant companies and institutions invarious countries to promote their integration into the workforce andcorporate world. In this way, we strive to fulfill our social responsibility indiverse ways.

Despite our complex technical production and physically demanding
manufacturing, we can consider many aspects of diversity. Embracing
diversity and flexibility in team configurations and work models also en-

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SOCIAL

Number of our employees that are
male and female
696

Women

2,011
Men

Age structure

men

women

Diversity
Number of heads

in % of total
40

2,814

35

Total workforce

30
25
20
15

32

10
5
0
<30 years

30-50 years>51 years

Apprentices /trainees22

handicaped
employees

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SOCIAL

Employee training and education
The division-wide annual performance review provides a starting point
and an appraisal for training. In this appraisal, individual training requirements are matched with the training needs indicated in the Flooring Systems strategy as well as any legal training requirements that are in place.
Flooring Systems operates a wide range of training formats, from management development to the enhancement of factory floor skills. For
specialist training, our employees can attend seminars and conferences
or follow one of the educational courses offered by expert institutions
and learning centers. On-the-job training for our production and warehousing operators includes:- Site and company introduction- Hazard identification, control, and risk assessment- Job safety analysis- Job-specific training

Several local and international training programs are in place. The development of learning and training programs is evaluated every year,with improvements implemented whenever we see opportunities to
do so. In 2023, we continued the use of e-learning modules, which isan important element in our employee training. We also continued our
webinar learning sessions for our external audiences. The total spend on
external training costs: CHF 1.15 million.

In 2023, the followinginternational training programs
have been conducted:- Leadership principles course for management- Flooring Systems’ STEP strategy execution process, tohelp and facilitate teams using this methodology- SA8000 module in order to improve knowledge on thisstandard- Sustainability training, supporting our ‘Sustainability
2025 program’ as well as our ‘Going Round, Moving
Forward’ campaign on circularity- Product knowledge programs for new collections, features, and USP’s, e.g. Allura and Circular Marmoleum
Cocoa- Code of Conduct full program e-learning as part of theintroduction program as well as a refresher course forall our employees- A cyber security program for new employees and anumber of modules for all employees in the targetgroup- Trainings on competition law (for new target group employees), prevention of corruption and respect at work.

In the Flooring Systems strategy, the people objectives include programs
to continuously improve and standardize knowledge and skills in thedivision, as well as reducing time to knowledge for new employees,with a focus on sales.
In addition, programs are included to identify, develop, and retain talents, as well as create challenging and attractive workplaces for highperformers. In this context, the updated succession planning & talent
mapping process was launched in the last quarter of 2023.

Company culture
Forbo Group culture is embedded in the Forbo Way to Win (FWW) values program. The Forbo Group and the senior management of the twodivisions, Flooring Systems and Movement Systems, developed this to
apply to the entire company.
The program has been rolled out within the organization, and today
forms part of the induction program for new employees at Flooring
Systems. In the Forbo Way to Win, we have defined three core values thateach encompass three guiding principles: inspiring, daring and caring.
The Forbo Group and its two divisions are proud that their activities arepart of everyday life. Its products and services connect with people inprofessional and private environments to contribute to their lives.
With our global reach and connection to local communities, we areproud to experience a longstanding relationship with our employees,
many of whom across the world have been part of our organization formany years. We cherish the diversity of our organization and the inclusive culture we pursue.

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SOCIAL

Attractive employer
Employees with specific expertise, a good education, motivation, andcommitment are crucial to our success. Physical and mental well-being
in the workplace are fundamental prerequisites for this. All employees
should feel equally valued and supported in their diversity, without any
form of discrimination, and be able to unleash their potential within thegroup. Forbo offers local and international development opportunities where craftsmanship, engineering, design, and sales find common
ground. It supports hybrid and part-time work models, invests in numerous training and further education opportunities, and promotes
health aspects in the workplace.
Forbo collaborates closely with local universities in many countries
in the Flooring Systems department, often with design students andarchitects in training. Forbo is deeply committed to the training ofyoung, motivated high school graduates, and the same applies to thepromotion and recruitment of apprentices, with all professions being

open to all genders in principle, and the same requirements being
in place. Apprentices are trained in the following professions: products and applications, sustainability, sales and marketing, finance,
operations, software application programs, project management,
content and implementation of the strategy. Another important task
is to pass on the knowledge and experience accumulated by the older generation to the younger generation in a sustainable manner.
Potential employees are primarily reached through various digitalchannels.

Engagement with the community
Forbo is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life within our communities and society as a whole. We embrace our social responsibility andconsider it a solemn commitment.
We actively engage with local authorities, institutions, advocacy groups,
and educational bodies, especially in the proximity of our significant

production facilities. Through this, we foster genuine partnerships that
promote innovation and creativity in addressing social and sustainability
challenges.

Charity and donations
By offering product donations and providing assistance in the installation of floor coverings, we empower organizations in need to bolster
their participation in construction or infrastructure projects. Social engagement is fostered through long-lasting partnerships with social organizations and cooperative programs.
On a global scale, we judiciously allocate financial resources to supportsocial and charitable organizations or relief agencies, addressing urgent
crises or local emergency situations. Local businesses and employees
around the world enthusiastically engage in philanthropic activities andextend their support to projects that aim to enhance social and publichealth through team-based events.

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SOCIAL

INTERVIEW

Wendy Rijkhoff:
Purpose is important
to employees
Wendy is International Training Manager at Forbo Flooring
Systems. She established and manages the international Forbo
Academy, with learning programs focused on strategic topics
such as leadership principles, strategy execution, sales excellence,sustainability and more.
She spoke to us about how sustainability and positive impact are
key aspects to employee engagement.
Positive impact and employee engagement go hand-inhand
As Wendy tells us, “at Forbo, people are our most important
asset.” Wendy’s role is to give employees “the opportunity to grow,increase their motivation and develop their talents to further theircontributions and job satisfaction.”

the information was right and the enthusiasm in the story telling
made the difference.”
Looking forward: using sustainability ambassadors
One way to improve employee engagement on sustainability topics at Forbo would be to make use of sustainability ambassadors,suggested Wendy.
“Practical steps could involve making use of sustainability ambassadors within our organization – on one hand, to inform employees on company goals related to sustainability, the actions that are
being taken and the results that are being obtained. And on theother hand, to liaise with employees to gather their ideas on whatmore could be done and which aspects they value as priorities.”

So where does purpose and sustainability come into this? “Purpose is becoming more important, and employees expect theiremployer to take ambitious actions to improve their sustainable
performance. Employee engagement increases when employees
have opportunities to make a positive impact on the environment,”
says Wendy.

From the inside out
As a parting thought, Wendy shares: “Sustainability has increasingly become part of the DNA of our employees. It is time for ourcustomers and other stakeholders to learn and experience thismore and more, so that together we can create a better environment.”

Successful product training in 2023
Looking back at the year just gone, Wendy is especially proudof the training program she and her team developed for the new
Circular Marmoleum Cocoa product. “We developed the training
with a truly global team who all have this collection in their hearts:

In a final insight, Wendy urges a collective effort to create a better
environment. “Sustainability has become part of our employees’DNA, and it’s time for others to learn and experience it, contributing to a better world.”

Wendy Rijkhoff, International Training Manager“Employee
engagement
increases whenemployees haveopportunities tomake a positive
impact on theenvironment.”

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SOCIALENSURING FAIR TREATMENT OF
WORKERS IN OUR VALUE CHAIN
Using a universal standard to manage social
accountability: SA8000
Forbo Flooring Systems considers social accountability a foundationalpillar of its sustainability efforts. As part of our commitment to fosteringsocial equity and ensuring the fair treatment of workers throughout our
supply chain, we have embraced the Social Accountability Standard –SA8000. This standard is grounded in the labor principles of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights and the International Labor Organization(ILO) conventions.

We take the following approach to manage any risks of child labour in
our supply chain:
1

Annual supplier checks
We conduct and document annual checks to ascertain if there
are reasonable grounds to suspect child labor based on thenature of the supply chain.

2

Risk assessment
Our buyers evaluate the risk associated with each supply chain
for each procurement category. Categories with predominantly
white-collar workers, such as insurance and legal services, areconsidered low-risk. In addition, we refer to UNICEF Children’s
Rights in the Workplace Index. Suppliers operating in countries
with a “basic” score, as per the UNICEF Index, are assumed to be
at low risk for child labor. Those in countries with an “enhanced”
or “heightened” score undergo additional due diligence.

3

Mitigation and prevention
If we find reasonable risk or suspicion of child labor within asupplier’s operations, we take the following measures:- Document details such as product description, supplier name,address, and production sites.
- Achieve recognized 3rd party certification to industry standard
best practices- Suppliers provide a self-declaration about their labor practices.
- A specific clause on child labor is added to our supplier agreements or contracts.
- We conduct on-site supplier audits at least once every five years
to ensure adherence to our standards.

Our SA8000 certification underscores our dedication to upholding
critical human rights and ethical working conditions across our global
supply chain. This includes areas such as prohibiting forced and childlabor, ensuring workplace health and safety, preventing discrimination,
ensuring fair pay, and preserving the right to collective bargaining. We
view the standard not just as a guideline but as a complement to the national labor laws worldwide. To this end, we qualify our suppliers basedon satisfying SA8000 requirements.
Through the SA8000 standard, we proactively oversee our suppliers, ensuring each link in our chain meets our standards for fair treatment. Our
team is actively involved in confirming adherence to these standards.

Due diligence on child labor and conflictminerals
In addition to our SA8000 certifications, we’ve set forth comprehensive
policies to detect, prevent, and mitigate child labor and conflict mineralrisks.

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SOCIAL

SUCCESS STORIES

SAMS
Scrapstore
Located in Blackburn in the UK, SAMS Scrapstore is an organization dedicated to collecting materials that would otherwise end up
in landfills. They distribute these materials to community groups,
individuals, and schools for recycling and reuse, particularly incraft projects. For several years, Forbo has been a steadfast supporter of SAMS, supplying flooring for both their business premises and the local community. SAMS plays a crucial role as part ofCommunity & Business Partners, offering invaluable support tolocal businesses and individuals through mentoring, coaching, andconsultancy services.

Designing for dementia
environments
Age-related changes and impairments can makeit more difficult to understand and navigate thebuilt environment. Impairments may be sensory,
mobility, or cognition-related (or sometimes a
combination of them). This can affect people’sfunctioning, behaviour independence and ultimately, their quality of life.

Forbo has partnered with the Dementia Services
Development Centre (DSDC), an international
center that draws on 25 years of global researchand practice, to identify which products in our
portfolio can contribute to improving the quality of life for people living with dementia.

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SOCIALThe Flooring
Industry
Training
Association
We proudly collaborate with the Flooring Industry Training Association (FITA), an independent non-profit organization dedicatedto providing specialized training for the floorcovering industry.
As the exclusive manufacturer offering a joint course with FITA,
our ambitious aim is to have 100 fitters successfully complete thetraining program annually. Additionally, we have been sponsoring‘The Contract Flooring’s Apprentice of the Year’ for several years.
This initiative recognizes and supports the dedication and accomplishments of flooring apprentices throughout the UK.

FeelGood@Work

OpkikkerFoundation

This initiative is designed to improve various
aspects of the workplace. This year, an in-depth
assessment of areas in need of improvement was
conducted, with active employee engagement
and valuable input. This comprehensive assessment resulted in the systematic consolidation ofsuggested improvements, enabling the establishment of clear priorities and a meticulously
detailed financial plan. To ensure transparency
and accountability, a monthly status dashboard
has been implemented to provide stakeholders
with up-to-date information on our progress.

The ‘Opkikker’ Foundation is dedicated to providing moments of carefree joy to families with
an ill family member. Each year, the foundation
extends its support to approximately 2,000
families. Forbo has contributed by donating vinyl
flooring for their simulator room, adding to the
comfort and ambiance of the space.

The selected improvement projects have alreadycommenced and are expected to deliver measurable impacts on our workspaces. These projects
encompass enhancements to office layouts andworkstations within our production and logistics
areas.

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SOCIAL

Collaboration
with students
In collaboration with TU Delft students specializing in product design, we explored ways to make our sample books more sustainable and circular. Sample books are vital for material selection, but
we wanted to rethink their use.
Students visited our company, gained insight into our businessand sustainability goals, and got to work. They brainstormed alternatives to sample books, interviewed architects, and individually
worked on projects.
After 20 weeks, they presented innovative solutions, including
prototypes and ideas for more sustainable sample books. These
insights will enhance our future sample books and make themmore sustainable.

Forbo Flooring Systems Family Day
2023: A distinctive blend ofconnection and celebration
Forbo Flooring Systems orchestrated a momentous Family Day, marking its return after several
years. This event served as a unique opportunity
to acquaint family members with the distinctive
world of Forbo Flooring Systems. In and aroundthe premises of the world’s largest linoleum factory, an array of carefully curated activities werecrafted to make this day truly memorable.
The factory, warehouses, and offices were meticulously presented, complemented by a radiantsun. The guided tours garnered significant
participation, with a new group, accompanied bya colleague, embarking on a journey every fifteen
minutes. The remarkable level of enthusiasm

and attentive engagement resulted in tours
extending beyond the initially planned duration.
Attendees also explored freely accessible areas,such as the cross dock warehouse, featuring
not only a wonderful product presentation but
also an engaging activity for creatively inclined
visitors.
With a participation count surpassing 400, an
atmosphere teeming with liveliness, and anabundance of enthusiastic responses, the event
undeniably achieved resounding success. Countless smiling (painted) faces exited the premises,
foreshadowing numerous linoleum-themed
presentations in the coming days.
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62

GOVERNANCE

63

GOVERNANCE

STRENGTHENING GOVERNANCEFOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTHAt Forbo Flooring Systems, we recognize theparamount importance of ethical governance insafeguarding the long-term interests of all our
stakeholders. Our commitment to accountability
remains unwavering, and we actively pursue
measures to identify, assess, and mitigate any
potential risks that may affect our operations.

The Forbo Code of Conduct encompasses
our key business principles and core values.
It ensures not only compliance with laws
and regulations at every location of ourbusiness operations but goes beyond that.
It demonstrates our commitment to act ethically and with integrity in every situation
while respecting the rights of individuals.
We expect this from every employee as well
as all our business partners.

FIGURE 2: PROGRESS IN 2023 ON OUR GOVERNANCE TARGETS

ISO9001

100%

Quality Management
System continuously
improved

Whistleblower
policy inplace

0%100%0%100%

SA8000
ISO14001
Environmental
Management System

Social Accountability
Management System
improved

0%100%0%100%Note: these targets were established in 2019 for our Sustainability Program 2025.

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GOVERNANCE

ORGANIZATIONALSTRUCTURE
Organization of the company

Sustainability policy document

The development and production of the product portfolio is managedby four separate business units: linoleum, vinyl, textile, and building
and construction adhesives. The sales and marketing organizations are
divided into four regions: North Central Europe, Southern Countries,
the Americas and Asia/Pacific. Business units and sales regions work
together in a matrix structure. They are supported by central functions
that include finance, IT, sustainability, marketing, global procurement &logistics, quality, HR, and business development.

Our Sustainability Policy document, which has received endorsementfrom the Flooring Systems’ Executive Vice President, outlines our commitment to the triple bottom line. We strive to strike a balance between
the ecological, social, and economic aspects of sustainability, as detailed
in this report.

Management team

Many of our manufacturing plants adhere to ISO-9001, ISO-14001, andSA8000 standards, while our sales organizations comply with ISO-9001.
They are obligated to continually enhance their sustainability performance by formulating annual improvement programs.

Forbo Flooring Systems’ management is headed by Jean-Michel Wins as
Executive Vice President. There are vice presidents for the four business
units and the four sales regions. In addition, there are vice presidents forfinance, IT, procurement and business development, as well as directors
for global quality marketing and HR.

This practice is now an integral part of our ‘Sustainability 2025’ program, which is a cornerstone of our sustainability strategy. Our Global
Sustainability Program Manager internally assesses goal setting andimprovement progress.

Sustainability organization
Our sustainability initiatives are delegated to the different business units
and sales organizations and overseen by a central sustainability teamunder the leadership of the Vice President of Business Development &Marketing. Every financial year, our manufacturing sites and sales organizations develop Sustainability Year Plans with projects on key issues.
Progress is monitored in quarterly sustainability reviews.

Sustainability is a mandatory category for our business units and sales
regions, integral to our ‘Sustainability 2025’ program’s monthly progress assessment.
As a division, we also establish goals for our R&D departments, aligning them with the three core principles of our Sustainability Policy. Our
strategy execution program, ‘Areas of Action’ (AoA), measures progresson the sustainability year plan for our business units, sales regions, andcentral functions, among other important aspects.

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GOVERNANCE

Code of Conduct
The Forbo Code of Conduct sets out our most important business principles and basic values. It is central to the way we protect and develop
our reputation and is founded on the principles of integrity, transparency, and fairness. The Forbo code of conduct describes how we are
to behave and is based on the guiding principles of the ‘Forbo Way toWin’. It not only ensures compliance with the applicable laws and regulations wherever we do business, but also goes beyond compliance bydemonstrating our commitment to acting ethically and with integrityin every situation, while at the same time respecting people’s rights as
individuals. We expect this of every single employee, everywhere, everyday. We also expect this from all our business partners. High standards
in our relationships are the foundation for lasting success.
Throughout the reporting year, we maintained our efforts to further
develop our conscious awareness of what we do. We did this by again
repeating and reinforcing awareness of the contents of the Code of Conduct, competition law, and anti-corruption principles, and through theuncompromising implementation of the risk management process. All
were conducted via mandatory e-learning modules for our senior management, middle management, and responsible employees. The Forbo
Code of Conduct is also part of our induction program for new employees, and can be found and downloaded on our corporate website.

Management systems 9001 and 14001
In 2013, Forbo Flooring Systems made a remarkable decision. They certified global sales organizations according to the ISO 9001 standard,something that rarely occurs in the flooring industry. Typically, only thesales offices at local production sites were certified, but we chose toinclude both the sales organizations outside of Europe and the European organizations without production sites in the certification. This
commitment to quality and uniformity resulted in a growing culture of
excellence within the company. Two recertifications took place, with thelatest one in April 2022, in accordance with the ISO 9001:2015 standards.
At Forbo Flooring Systems, we recognize the paramount importance ofenvironmental responsibility. That’s why we have chosen to implement
ISO 14001, an Environmental Management System (EMS), that provides
us with a well-structured framework to establish and maintain an effective EMS.

This internationally recognized standard offers us a comprehensive setof guidelines and best practices, ensuring that we systematically identify,
assess, and manage our environmental impacts across all facets of ouroperations. By adhering to ISO 14001, we can not only align our practices with environmental objectives but also guarantee compliance withenvironmental regulations. Moreover, it empowers us to continuously
enhance our environmental performance, making it an integral part ofour organizational culture.

Preventing and detecting corruption
At Forbo, we are steadfast in our commitment to preventing corruption.
We understand that corruption distorts competition, increases costs,
erodes trust among customers and suppliers, and jeopardizes jobs. For
these reasons, we strictly reject any form of corruption and maintain azero-tolerance approach.
Our Code of Conduct, specifically the “Integrity: Zero Tolerance for Any
Form of Corruption” section, forms the basis of our anti-corruption efforts. We prohibit any offering, giving, or accepting of bribes, including
unfair commissions or gifts to customers, agents, suppliers, public officials, or business partners. Forbo employees must report any gifts theyreceive to their superiors. If these gifts exceed a certain value, they must
either decline them or, if declining is inappropriate due to local customs,
accept them on behalf of Forbo and hand them over to their superiors.
Furthermore, we strictly prohibit donations to political parties, politicalorganizations, or holders of political offices.

Forbo Integrity Line and whistleblower
protection
We prioritize an environment of trust, transparency, and responsibility.
Therefore, we provide the Forbo Integrity Line, a secure channel forreporting information about wrongdoing, corruption, or unethicalbehavior within the organization. This channel is prominently featured
on all our websites and offers stakeholders a confidential avenue toreport concerns or provide feedback. Individuals who raise concerns
through the Forbo Integrity Line are protected from any form of
retaliation.

Risk management and risk assessment
The central rules are contained in the Articles of Association, the Organizational Regulations, and the Regulations of the Committees of theBoard of Directors. The following information is set out in line with the
Directive on Information relating to Corporate Governance (‘DCG’) andthe relevant publications of SIX Swiss Exchange.

When establishing new business relationships, we rigorously assess ourbusiness partners. This assessment includes desk analyses, consultationof global databases, risk analysis utilizing sources like Transparency International’s “Corruption Perceptions Index,” and self-declarations fromour business partners. We also work to contractually secure adherence
to our Code of Conduct or an equivalent code by our business partners.
Our internal compliance reviews, overseen by the Corporate Compliance Officer, periodically assess adherence to these processes to ensurecompliance. In the most recent reporting year, we conducted specificcompliance reviews with no findings related to corruption.

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GRI CONTENT INDEXStatement of use

Forbo Flooring Systems Flooring Systems has reported the information cited in this GRI content index for the period 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023 withreference to the GRI Standards.

GRI 1 used

GRI 1: Foundation 2021

GRI STANDARDDISCLOSURE

LOCATION

GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021

2-1 Organizational details

8, 64 & annual report

2-2 Entities included in the organization’s sustainability reporting

8 & annual report

2-3 Reporting period, frequency and contact point

An adjustment of data history was required for scope 1 to 3 GHG emissions. The reportdiscloses data adjustments within the related chapters. Changes have been necesseray
due to data enhancement or a change of the applied methodology

2-4 Restatements of information

There are no restatements of information.

2-5 External assurance

Forbo Flooring Systems Flooring Systems has not had this report externally assured.

2-6 Activities, value chain and other business relationships

Annual report

2-7 Employees

Annual report

2-8 Workers who are not employees

Annual report

2-9 Governance structure and composition

Annual report2-10 Nomination and selection of the highest governance body

Annual report

2-11 Chair of the highest governance body

Annual report2-12 Role of the highest governance body in overseeing the managementof impacts

Annual report2-13 Delegation of responsibility for managing impacts

Annual report2-14 Role of the highest governance body in sustainability reporting

Executive Leadership Team is responsible for reviewing and approving reported sustainability information

2-15 Conflicts of interest

Annual report2-16 Communication of critical concerns

Annual report2-17 Collective knowledge of the highest governance body

Annual report2-18 Evaluation of the performance of the highest governance body

Annual report2-19 Remuneration policies

Annual report2-20 Process to determine remuneration

Annual report2-21 Annual total compensation ratio

Annual report2-22 Statement on sustainable development strategy

Forbo Flooring Systems is committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs) as a pathway to bring about sustainable development that addresses sharedglobal challenges
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2-23 Policy commitments

Annual report and page 62, 63, 64

2-24 Embedding policy commitments

Annual report2-25 Processes to remediate negative impacts

Annual report2-26 Mechanisms for seeking advice and raising concerns

Annual report2-27 Compliance with laws and regulations

Annual report and page 62, 63, 64

2-28 Membership associations15

2-29 Approach to stakeholder engagement

Annual report2-30 Collective bargaining agreements

Annual report

3-1 Process to determine material topics

12

3-2 List of material topics

12

3-3 Management of material topics

13-14

201-1 Direct economic value generated and distributed

Annual report201-2 Financial implications and other risks and opportunities due toclimate change

Annual report

201-3 Defined benefit plan obligations and other retirement plans

Annual report

201-4 Financial assistance received from government

Annual report202-1 Ratios of standard entry level wage by gender compared to local
minimum wage

Not reported

202-2 Proportion of senior management hired from the local community

Not reported

203-1 Infrastructure investments and services supported

Annual report203-2 Significant indirect economic impacts

Not reported

GRI 204: Procurement Practices 2016

204-1 Proportion of spending on local suppliers

Not reported

GRI 205: Anti-corruption 2016

205-1 Operations assessed for risks related to corruption

Covered by our Supply Requirements Document, not externally reported

205-2 Communication and training about anti-corruption policies andprocedures

Annual report

GRI 3: Material Topics 2021

GRI 201: Economic Performance 2016

GRI 202: Market Presence 2016

GRI 203: Indirect Economic Impacts 2016

205-3 Confirmed incidents of corruption and actions taken

Annual report

GRI 206: Anti-competitive Behavior 2016

206-1 Legal actions for anti-competitive behavior, anti-trust, and monopoly practices

Annual report

GRI 207: Tax 2019

207-1 Approach to tax

Annual report207-2 Tax governance, control, and risk management

Annual report207-3 Stakeholder engagement and management of concerns related totax

Annual report207-4 Country-by-country reporting

Annual report

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GRI 301: Materials 2016

GRI 302: Energy 2016

GRI 303: Water and Effluents 2018

GRI 304: Biodiversity 2016

GRI 305: Emissions 2016

GRI 306: Waste 2020

301-1 Materials used by weight or volume

27, for transparency this information is also published in our Environmental ProductDeclarations (EPD)

301-2 Recycled input materials used

27-28, for transparency this information is also published in our Environmental ProductDeclarations (EPD)

301-3 Reclaimed products and their packaging materials

41

302-1 Energy consumption within the organization

31

302-2 Energy consumption outside of the organization

Not reported in MJ but as CO2-equiv. Scope 3 emissions

302-3 Energy intensity

31

302-4 Reduction of energy consumption

31, 32, 46

302-5 Reductions in energy requirements of products and services

31, 32, 46

303-1 Interactions with water as a shared resource

35

303-2 Management of water discharge-related impacts

Not reported

303-3 Water withdrawal

35

303-4 Water discharge

Not reported

303-5 Water consumption

35304-1 Operational sites owned, leased, managed in, or adjacent to, protected areas and areas of high biodiversity value outside protected areas

Forbo Flooring Systems does not own, lease or manage any sites adjacent to or in areas ofhigh biodiversity value

304-2 Significant impacts of activities, products and services on
biodiversity

We have not identified our activities or products as having significant impacts on biodiversity. Forbo Flooring Systems is committed to sourcing materials and engaging in manufacturing operations that support biodiversity. With this, we are committed to developing acircular economy and use of recycled and biobased materials.

304-3 Habitats protected or restored

Forbo Flooring Systems does not have programs of this kind304-4 IUCN Red List species and national conservation list species with
habitats in areas affected by operations

Forbo Flooring Systems does not have operations in areas with IUCN Red List species andnational conservation list species habitats

305-1 Direct (Scope 1) GHG emissions

32-33

305-2 Energy indirect (Scope 2) GHG emissions

32-33

305-3 Other indirect (Scope 3) GHG emissions

32-33

305-4 GHG emissions intensity

32-33

305-5 Reduction of GHG emissions

32-33

305-6 Emissions of ozone-depleting substances (ODS)

Forbo Flooring Systems measures these emissions annually through ourenvironmental metrics program, but they are de minimis and we
do not report them publicly.

305-7 Nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx), and other significant
air emissions

Forbo Flooring Systems does not currently report on this. It plans to formalize this process
in the coming years.

306-1 Waste generation and significant waste-related impacts

34306-2 Management of significant waste-related impacts

34306-3 Waste generated

34

306-4 Waste diverted from disposal

34

306-5 Waste directed to disposal

34
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GRI 308: Supplier Environmental Assessment 2016308-1 New suppliers that were screened using environmental criteria

Forbo Flooring Systems screens all raw material suppliers annually.This is not reported
externally.

308-2 Negative environmental impacts in the supply chain and actions
taken

Forbo Flooring Systems screens all raw material suppliers annually.This is not reported
externally.

401-1 New employee hires and employee turnover

Annual report and page 53

401-2 Benefits provided to full-time employees that are not provided totemporary or part-time employees

Forbo Flooring Systems does not currently report on this information

401-3 Parental leave

Not reported

GRI 402: Labor/Management Relations 2016402-1 Minimum notice periods regarding operational changes

Not reported

GRI 403: Occupational Health and Safety 2018403-1 Occupational health and safety management system52403-2 Hazard identification, risk assessment, and incident investigation

52403-3 Occupational health services

Annual report403-4 Worker participation, consultation, and communication on occupational health and safety

Annual report403-5 Worker training on occupational health and safety54403-6 Promotion of worker health53403-7 Prevention and mitigation of occupational health and safety impacts directly linked by business relationships

53403-8 Workers covered by an occupational health and safety management
system53

403-9 Work-related injuries

52403-10 Work-related ill health

Not reported

404-1 Average hours of training per year per employee

53404-2 Programs for upgrading employee skills and transition assistanceprograms

53

404-3 Percentage of employees receiving regular performance and careerdevelopment reviews

Annual report405-1 Diversity of governance bodies and employees

Not reported

405-2 Ratio of basic salary and remuneration of women to men

Not reported

GRI 406: Non-discrimination 2016406-1 Incidents of discrimination and corrective actions taken

Not reported

GRI 407: Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining 2016407-1 Operations and suppliers in which the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining may be at risk

Forbo Flooring Systems uses Supplier Requirements Documents to assess suppliers. This
includes SA8000. No incidents reported

GRI 408: Child Labor 2016408-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of childlabor

Forbo Flooring Systems uses Supplier Requirements Documents to assess suppliers. This
includes SA8000. No incidents reported

GRI 409: Forced or Compulsory Labor 2016409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of forced orcompulsory labor

Forbo Flooring Systems uses Supplier Requirements Documents to assess suppliers. This
includes SA8000. No incidents reported

GRI 410: Security Practices 2016

410-1 Security personnel trained in human rights policies or procedures

In place, not reported

GRI 401: Employment 2016

GRI 404: Training and Education 2016

GRI 405: Diversity and Equal Opportunity 2016

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GRI 411: Rights of Indigenous Peoples 2016

411-1 Incidents of violations involving rights of indigenous peoples

No incidents reported

GRI 413: Local Communities 2016413-1 Operations with local community engagement, impact assessments, and development programs

Annual report413-2 Operations with significant actual and potential negative impacts
on local communities

Annual report414-1 New suppliers that were screened using social criteria

Forbo Flooring Systems uses Supplier Requirements Documents to assess suppliers. This
includes SA8000.

414-2 Negative social impacts in the supply chain and actions taken

Forbo Flooring Systems uses Supplier Requirements Documents to assess suppliers. This
includes SA8000. No incidents reported

GRI 415: Public Policy 2016415-1 Political contributions

Not reported

GRI 416: Customer Health and Safety 2016416-1 Assessment of the health and safety impacts of product and service
categories

We publish Health Product Declarations (HPD) for our productrs

416-2 Incidents of non-compliance concerning the health and safety
impacts of products and services

We publish Health Product Declarations (HPD) for our products417-1 Requirements for product and service information and labeling

We have DoP’s, CE-mark & UKCA-mark for our products417-2 Incidents of non-compliance concerning product and service
information and labeling

Not reported

417-3 Incidents of non-compliance concerning marketing communications

Not reported

418-1 Substantiated complaints concerning breaches of customer privacy
and losses of customer data

Open channels to report in place, no incidents reported

GRI 414: Supplier Social Assessment 2016

GRI 417: Marketing and Labeling 2016

GRI 418: Customer Privacy 2016

FORBO FLOORING SYSTEMS – SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2023

creating better environments

Contact
FLOORING SYSTEMS
Forbo Flooring B. V.
Industrieweg 12
P.O. Box 13
NL-1560 AA Krommenie
Phone +31 756 477 477
www.forbo.com/flooring