[TOPIC]
Column : What does "P-tile" means？
[Product Development History ①P-TILE]

When choosing flooring materials, among various types of floors such as wood flooring, natural stone
floors, and porcelain ceramic tiles,"plastic flooring" can be an important option. In Japan, plastic tiles
are nowadays often referred to by users as "PVC tiles" or simply "P tile." Although these designations aresimilar in some respects, they actually mean different things. Here are some of the differences.

Usage of the respective names "PVC tile" and "P tile"
As the name suggests, "PVC tile" refers to tile flooring materials made from polyvinyl chloride resin, and“P tile” falls into this category. However, the term "P tile" seems to have several meanings in Japan.
Broadly speaking, it is often used in the following three ways.
1. Used as a general term to refer to tiles made of polyvinyl chloride resin, in the same way as "PVC tile"
2. Used as a general term to refer to "composition tile," which is explained in detail later in this article.
3. Used to refer to a specific product name from TAJIMA.
"P-TILE" is originally the specific name of one of TAJIMA's flooring products. In the Japanese Industrial
Standard (JIS) classification, it is classified as "Vinyl Composition Floor Tile KT," referring to tiles with asingle-layer (homogeneous) structure made by kneading raw materials. On the other hand,"Heterogeneous Vinyl Floor Tile FT" in JIS classification refers to multi-layered tiles with a printed filmlayer, clear layer surface, and other layers over the base backing. The attractiveness of "VinylComposition Floor Tile" lies in the warm texture of the material itself, while "Heterogeneous Vinyl Floor
Tile" reproduces a wide variety of color patterns, such as wood grain and stone grain, through its printed
film expression. Both types are widely used in many different types of buildings.

The history of P-TILE development

As you have seen, the term "P tile" is widely used as a generic name in the construction and DIY
industries in Japan. In fact, it is actually the trade name for a plastic tile originally developed by TAJIMAin the 1950s, which is still manufactured and sold today. Here, we share a bit more of the history of"P-TILE" development.
Founded in 1919 as a manufacturer of architectural waterproofing materials, TAJIMA began developing
flooring materials in 1949 at the request of the GHQ (General Headquarters of the Supreme Commanderfor the Allied Powers) after World War II. Asphalt tiles, developed using our asphalt technology, attracted
a great deal of attention as a flooring material that could withstand a million people walking on it. Later,in 1953, following the generalization of vinyl chloride resin in Japan, we began producing plastic tiles as
the first manufacturer in Japan. In 1956, we launched "PLUS TILE P," known as "P-TILE," which was a 2.0mm thickness tile with performance equivalent to asphalt tiles. “PLUS TILE P” was widely advertised at
its launch and has since become a generic term for plastic tiles. During the high-growth period of the1960s in Japan, vinyl floor tiles became explosively popular, used in high-rise buildings, schools, andresidences. A total of 1.2 million vinyl floor tiles, including "P-TILE", were installed, decorating the floorsof various buildings in Japan. From then until the 2020s, the color palette has been adapted to the times
while retaining its universal usability, and it continues to live on in our daily lives.

TAJIMA is one of the first to begin recycling raw materials,
as a pioneer in P-TILE development.

As a building materials manufacturer that consumes significant resources, we are committed to recycling
raw materials in the production of plastic tiles as part of our social responsibility. We recycle scrappedmaterials generated in our manufacturing facilities into flooring materials, which are transferred andmanaged even between distant facilities, establishing a waste-free system. Additionally, vinyl films andother materials used in agriculture and horticulture are repurposed as raw materials. Since 1974, wehave pioneered technologies for collecting, sorting, cleaning, crushing, and granulating these recycledmaterials, effectively integrating them into our production processes.
These recycling initiatives have reduced the use of new raw materials and CO₂ emissions byapproximately 32%. We contribute to the realization of a recycling-oriented society by lessening theburden on the environment.

The texture of P-TILE has been highly evaluatedby both users and designers.
Actual examples of TAJIMA's P-Tiles are introduced in separate articles. We interviewed users about theirreasons for selecting them and their impressions of the finish. Here is a link to the article.

P TILE Modern A-25（Photo：Ryosuke Sato）[Interview with designers]

P TILE Classic P-41

I like P-TILE for its distinctive texture and ease of installation, making it aflooring material I would like to continue using. - kurosawa kawara-ten[Designer Interview and column] P-TILE for restore the Registered Tangible Cultural Property:"Diffendorfer Memorial Hall East Wing in International Christian University"

P-TILE and composition tiles have evolved into various designs.

Upper right:P TILE Classic P-17 , P-32 , P-4、Bottom left:P TILE Modern A-27、Bottom right:P TILE Muji PRD-401 , PRD-475

TAJIMA's P-TILE is currently available in three variations: 'Classic', 'Modern', and 'Muji'. The 'Classic'
design features a timeless mottled texture in P-TILEs. The 'Modern' design offers a simple, contemporarystyle inspired by natural textures, while 'Muji' presents a colorful, plain design that reflects changing
trends over time.

Left:WOOD CRAFT 648-807 , 648-808 , 648-810 , 648-811、Center:TERAHNO TN-107 , TN-109 , TN-110 , TN-115 , TN-118、Right:MORTALIKE 647-701

In the same "Vinyl Composition Floor Tile" category as P-TILE, we also offer "WOODCRAFT", which
replicates the unique grain and color variations found in natural wood, "TERAHNO", featuring acobblestone-like texture with subtle gradations, and "MORTALIKE", offering a stylish matte finish
resembling mortar.
The design possibilities for composition tiles are expanding, with the addition of designs that express avariety of familiar materials as well as simple plain patterns.

The attractiveness of composition tiles
lies in their distinctive material textures.

Here, we would like to share more general information about composition tiles, including P-TILE.
Composition tiles are primarily made from polyvinyl chloride resin and calcium carbonate, withpigments blended meticulously through advanced craftsmanship. This process creates a warm, natural
texture and rich expression, ensuring that each tile is unique.
As tiles with authentic material textures, they are highly regarded by designers and architects aiming torealize their vision in their designs and spaces. Despite this category of tile having a history of over 50years, it has achieved a new status among plastic tiles as a value-added product with a "distinctivematerial texture".

The future of composition tiles

TSUCHINAGI TG-2101

In response to the growing demand for more environmentally friendly building materials, we launched
the biomass composition tile "TSUCHINAGI" in 2023, which incorporates reused eggshells as part of its
raw materials. By repurposing eggshells, waste from food manufacturers, we reduce the amount of waste
incinerated or landfilled, thus minimizing environmental impact. Eggshells account for approximately
20% of the raw materials, and the flooring material has received the Biomass Mark from the Japan
Organic Resources Association. The colors and patterns feature new 'soil'-like textures that align with thebiophilic design trend.
TAJIMA’s composition tiles incorporate environmentally friendly manufacturing methods while
prioritizing the well-being of individuals and indoor environments. Design-wise, we aim to leverage their
attractive textures to simulate a variety of familiar materials. We hope that P-TILE and our composition
tiles continue to capture your attention and serve as excellent options for creating attractive spaces.

P TILE Style Book

Composition Tile Collection