There are many flooring products claiming the ‘eco’ title, however, few are truly environmentally sympathetic in their manufacture and sustainable in their sourcing.   There is no doubt that all flooring manufacturers globally are under inreasing pressure to adhere to governments’ guidelines ensuring that they meet their envorinmental responsibilities.  We applaud the efforts currently being made by governing bodies and welcome the advent of truly ‘eco’ flooring, that isn’t purely PR led.

We, at Alan Baker Flooring Ltd, remain honest about the subject.  We ‘cherry pick’ all of our products, therefore, we are knowledgeable about how they are sourced, how and where they are manufactured and whether or not they carry eco-certicfication.   This allows us to keep you fully informed.

Cork flooring remains the overall winner - with the production methods and sustainability rising well above any other product, Marmoleum, too, is produced from harvestable raw materials and is completely biodegradable.  Wood manufacturers vary – whilst many products now  derive sustainable sources, whether they are carbon-netural in their production is debatable.  More and more carpet manufacturers are striving to rise to the challenge, whilst the underlay market already appreciates the potential of recylcling .  Recycled rubber tyres and recycled foam are both excellent underlay products of a superior quality which we have promoted for years.  Laminate flooring remains the biggest concern. Due to its composition the raw materials are unsuitable for separation and re-use, and the product may not provide the longevity of real wood.

Due to increased costs in the disposal of carpet, we are now forced to charge for this.  We would always encourage old carpet to be recycled (loft, shed etc) or donated elsewhere so that it may enjoy a second life.  This reduces our burden of disposal and saves you money.  Further research is currently being undertaken by the Govenment body WRAP into recycling methods and processes.  We are closely monitoring, and keen to explore, the initiatives that may arise.