(End user title) Ecologically safe and sound Laminate flooring in children’s rooms for healthier living

Every parent wants the assurance that there are no hidden health risks in the building products used in their home, especially in a child’s room. So when choosing a floor covering, it is recommended not to just look out for a product that looks attractive, but rather – more importantly – one that has been tested for quality, contains harmless components and is proven to be environmentally-friendly. In the league table of healthy living flooring products manufactured in an eco-friendly way, laminate boards are very popular and rank amongst the leaders.

Ludger Schindler, President of the Association of European Producers of Laminate Flooring, or EPLF e.V. (www.eplf.com), advises: “If the CE marking and wear classes of the laminate flooring in accordance with EU standard EN 13329 are displayed on the packaging, this signifies a tested European product you can trust. The addition of the EPLF logo indicating ‘Quality and Innovation made in Europe’ guarantees the customer a top quality laminate floor that conforms to EU standards.”

Environmentally cleaner production

It’s not without good reason that these tested laminate boards are also described as “high-tech green products”. With their excellent environmental credentials – proven by Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) issued by the IBU in Berlin (the German Institute for Construction and the Environment) – they are amongst the front-runners in the flooring market: resource-saving production, very long-lasting and with superb functional benefits, plus they can be completely recycled after disposal. EU-certified laminate floors are predominantly manufactured from renewable raw materials and are completely free from plasticisers. The main components in these planks are wood fibres and pulp sourced from wood in the form of top-quality special papers. They carry recognised seals of approval that verify the sustainable origin of the wood pulp used. To protect human health and the environment, all floor components are guaranteed to comply with REACH, the rigorous EU European Chemicals Regulation.

Healthier living

Laminate boards are classed as environmentally-friendly products and contribute to a healthy living environment. And that means safety, even for the tiniest members of the household. Due to the wide variety of designs available, today’s laminates are practically unbeatable in terms of appearance. With attractive decors with beautiful wood, stone, textile or creative effects, tactile 3D surface textures, and plank sizes that can be laid in a variety of ways, every need is catered for. Whether for a new-build, an upgrade or a renovation – regardless of the room setting, there is always a suitable laminate available offering a wide scope for design.

Laminate has also proved to be a very hygienic type of flooring because of its surface finish. The protective layer is made from melamine resin which is particularly tough and hard-wearing, and as a result of an advanced click-lock technique, the boards can be installed easily and securely and are dimensionally stable when joined together. The sealed surface of the laminate prevents the common problem of a build-up of dirt and dust particles. Even house dust mites and other allergy-inducing micro-organisms find the environmental conditions hostile to growth and reproduction and this is something that not only allergy-sufferers appreciate. 

Laminate is easy to clean, making it a particularly family- and animal-friendly type of floor covering. Household dirt or grime from outside can easily be removed with a broom, vacuuming or an occasional wipe with a slightly damp cloth. Adding a laminate cleaner to the cleaning water from time to time is recommended. These are offered by laminate manufacturers and are stocked by retailers. Only a small amount is needed so as to keep the use of cleaning agents to a minimum. This doesn’t just protect the environment – it’s kind on the household purse, too!


Images

elnd1508_b1: Little ones can run around barefoot without a care: the production of certified European laminate flooring is environmentally cleaner and completely free from plasticisers. – Photo: Egger

elnd1508_b2: Renewable raw materials, certified product quality and proven environmental performance: in the “Formula 1” of flooring for healthy living, laminate boards are starting out in pole position! – Photo: Meister

elnd1508_b3: Hard-wearing and easy to maintain: laminate is simple to clean which makes it a particularly family- and animal-friendly type of floor covering. Household and outdoor dirt can easily be removed by sweeping, vacuuming or the occasional wipe with a slightly damp cloth. – Photo: Wineo

elnd1508_b4: Excellent green credentials: laminate floors consist mainly of renewable, natural raw materials and play an important part in creating a healthy living environment. Photo: Haro

elnd1508_b5: There is more to laminate than meets the eye. – Ludger Schindler, President of the Association of European Producers of Laminate Flooring, advises: “If the CE marking and the wear classes of the laminate flooring in accordance with EU standard EN 13329 are displayed on the packaging, this signifies a tested European product that you can trust. The addition of the EPLF logo indicating ‘Quality and Innovation made in Europe’ guarantees the customer a top quality laminate floor that conforms to EU standards.” – Photo: EPLF