Landfill waste is a growing issue within Australia with the flooring industry being a contributor. In particular resilient flooring contributes to an estimated 60,000 tonnes of waste to landfill that will never even be walked on. Resiloop is a product stewardship scheme conceptualised and created by The Australian Resilient Flooring Association (AFRA), as means to reduce, and mitigate this issue by using local industry leaders as a pathway to circular economy. Polyflor recognising the significance of this initiative and sharing the same values of ethical and environmentally conscious business practices is proud to be an official founding member.

ResiLoop has developed a business case, supported by proof-of-concept trials, for a national scheme supported by the industry in Australia. Based on material flow analysis of locally made and imported products consumed in the domestic market, it will address the logistics of recovering and sorting flooring waste streams, development of suitable recycling technologies and processes to produce recyclate of optimal quality, and identification and development of viable end markets for the material in Australia.

The main objectives outlined by Resiloop are to increase the recovery and recycling of resilient floor coverings in Australia at scale in conjunction with a majority of product distributors and flooring installers. To build onshore recycling capacity by researching and developing new end applications for the recyclate, encouraging growth in the recycling sector through capital investment and employment as well as suppling recyclate to local manufacturers in order to reduce virgin material consumption. On a macro scale Resiloop’s aims to drive sector wide changes by working closely with product development and engaging manufacturers, distributers, specifiers, flooring contractors, recyclers, and consumers.

As of November 1^st 2023, Polyflor has committed to provide funding support for Resiloop, Australia’s first national stewardship scheme for resilient flooring. With additional funding from the Australian Government, ResiLoop was initiated by the Australian Resilient Flooring Association (ARFA) in 2022 and a proposed approach released in May 2023 to start addressing the 60,000 tonnes of flooring waste generated annually from installation and end of use.

Resilient floorcoverings such as sheet vinyl, luxury vinyl tiles are durable products with lifespans up to 30 years. The market for these products has grown significantly in the last decade through imports with demand continuing to increase for these easily installed, durable and stylish products.

The target start date of the scheme is late 2024. The key to the successful commencement is confirming local end markets for the recyclate. AFRA has sought industry investment to continue ResiLoop’s research and manufacturing trials and the preparation for the scheme to begin.

ARFA President, Dan Lovell stated “We are pleased to announce that all of ARFA’s members, representing 60 per cent of market sales nationally, have agreed to provide financial contributions proportionate to their sales to support this ongoing work.”

“We really appreciate the commitment from these companies, the willingness to step up and make this investment to help drive a circular future for floorcoverings in Australia. These companies become the Founding Members of ResiLoop Limited, the product stewardship organisation which will manage the scheme.”

ResiLoop Limited has now been incorporated as a not-for-profit product stewardship organisation.

As the inaugural chair of the organisation, Chris Barker, Managing Director of Forbo Floorcoverings   explained the next steps of the scheme citing the support of industry the key to success. 

“ResiLoop is now in the transition phase, where it moves from being an industry proposed concept to a live scheme.”

Over the coming six months, current re-manufacturing trials will be continued and new, potential end applications for the recyclates will be explored with interested parties. The governance arrangements for Resiloop Limited will also be planned in consultation with Polyflor as one of the Founding Members.

“None of this would be possible without the ongoing support of the Australian Government and the commitment of product suppliers to work collaboratively towards a solution,” Chris said.

“Together, it gives us an opportunity to explore all potential avenues for recycling these materials in Australia.”

“If others in the market are interested in getting involved, they’re welcome to contact us.”

Polyflor continues its involvement in initiatives that benefit national and global interest in regard to the reduction of our carbon footprint through implementation of environmentally conscious business practices. ResiLoop’s values for a circular economy are parallel with Polyflor’s ethos to operate “for a better environment” and we expect continued success for this initiative.  

Timber flooring has always held a special place in our hearts. Its timeless charm and natural beauty make it a classic choice for many homes. But recently, I have noticed a shift in the flooring world as technology and people's priorities change. Timber-look vinyl is gaining popularity, and for a good reason. Let's explore why this might be the perfect choice for your home.

The Allure of Timber

I get it—timber flooring is absolutely stunning. The rich textures, unique grains, and distinctive character it brings to a room are hard to beat. But let's be honest: Traditional timber comes with its fair share of challenges. It's expensive, high maintenance, and can be a hassle to install. This is where timber-look vinyl steps in, offering all the visual appeal of timber without the drawbacks.

Unique Timber Looks with Advanced Technology

One of the things I love about modern vinyl flooring is how far technology has come. Today's timber-look vinyl can mimic the look and feel of real timber so well that it's hard to tell the difference. With high-definition printing and embossed textures, vinyl can replicate a wide variety of timber species and finishes. Whether you're dreaming of rustic reclaimed oak or sleek polished chestnut, there's a vinyl timber option for you. This is especially great when looking for hard-to-acquire timber species that are out of stock or season. 

And here's a fun fact: vinyl printing allows for the same unique textures where patterns are set, meaning each plank or tile is unique in its own way. This can offer unique finishes that might not be possible with natural timber, giving you a truly personalised touch.

Cost Comparisons

Let's talk money. Genuine timber flooring can be a significant investment, both in terms of materials and installation. Plus, the ongoing maintenance costs can add up over time. On the other hand, Timber-look vinyl is a much more affordable option and cheaper to install. For those who want that beautiful timber look without draining our bank accounts, vinyl is a fantastic option.

Of course this can depend on availability and product types so make sure you use a flooring calculator to get a better estimate. 

Durability and Maintenance

Here's where timber-look vinyl really shines—its durability. Vinyl flooring is highly resistant to scratches, dents, and moisture, making it perfect for high-traffic areas or homes with pets and kids. I love that vinyl is so easy to clean and maintain. A simple sweep and an occasional mop are usually all it takes to keep it looking great.

In contrast, real timber needs a lot more TLC (Tender Loving Care). It's prone to scratches, dents, and water damage. Keeping timber floors in top shape often means resanding and repolishing, which can be both time-consuming and costly. And let's not forget how careful you have to be with moisture—spills need to be dealt with immediately to avoid long-lasting damage.

Installation Ease

If you're like me and enjoy a bit of DIY, you'll appreciate how easy it is to install timber look vinyl. Many vinyl options, such as those in the Polyflor range, come with a click-lock system that makes the installation process straightforward and quick. You can transform your space in a matter of hours, without needing professional help.

Timber flooring, however, usually requires a professional touch to guarantee no issues with your floors. The installation process can be labour-intensive and time-consuming, involving precise measurements, cutting, and fitting. This not only adds to the cost but also to the complexity of the project.

Comfort and Feel

Both timber and vinyl have their unique qualities when it comes to comfort. Timber floors offer natural warmth and a solid, hard surface underfoot. This can be appealing if you love the authentic feel of real wood.

Vinyl, on the other hand, offers a different kind of comfort. It tends to be cooler and has a bit of cushioning, making it softer to walk on. This can be a big plus if you spend a lot of time on your feet and want a comfortable floor to walk on at home. Additionally, vinyl is better at sound absorption, reducing the noise of footsteps and creating a quieter environment.

Versatility in Usage

One of the best things about timber look vinyl is its versatility. Because it's moisture-resistant, vinyl can be used in areas where traditional timber wouldn't be suitable, like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. This opens up a world of design possibilities, allowing you to have that cohesive timber look throughout your entire home without worrying about moisture damage.

Timber flooring, while beautiful, is more limited in its applications. It's not recommended for areas with high humidity or frequent moisture exposure, which can restrict your design options.

Conclusion

So, while traditional timber flooring will always have its place for its natural beauty and timeless appeal, timber-look vinyl offers a host of benefits that make it a strong contender. It's more affordable, durable, easy to maintain, and versatile. If you're considering new flooring, why not visit a Floorworld store to explore our range of Polyflor Vinyl Flooring products? Seeing the stunning designs and practical advantages of timber look vinyl in person might just convince you it's the perfect flooring solution for your home.

Introduction- Best Installation Practices 

By following these simple steps, based on Australian Standards AS1884 Floor Coverings - Resilient sheet and tiles, you will create the best possible environment for a successful installation of your new flooring products. This will increase the performance of these products and give you peace of mind for many years to come.  

Preparation 

Recently, in conjunction with Carpet Court, Polyflor had the opportunity to be involved in launching the new store in Springvale, showcasing the Laneway range. At Polyflor, we believe there are several critical factors in the quality of a finished installation. The quality of the subfloor preparation can heavily impact the result.  

 Before an installation begins, all contaminants must be mechanically removed from the surface.  This can include existing floor coverings, paint, or any surface treatment including curing compounds. These can interfere with bonding to the subfloor.  The substrate must be clean and porous.  Following this, the substrate should be thoroughly vacuumed to remove any dust, dirt and loose materials.  

Always control the environment where the installation of the vinyl floor coverings is to occur. The recommended temperature range is between 15 degrees and 28 degrees celsius, but controlled to within 2 to 3 degrees celsius within this range.  This stable controlled temperature should be maintained for a minimum of 24 hours prior to, during and 24 hours after installation. 

Moisture Control 

Before an installation begins, all contaminants must be mechanically removed from the surface.  This can include existing floor coverings, paint or any surface treatment including curing compounds. These can interfere with bonding to the subfloor.  The substrate must be clean and porous.  Following this, the substrate should be thoroughly vacuumed to remove any dust, dirt and loose materials.  

A moisture test is required to be completed before any installation of vinyl flooring.  For concrete substrates, the only suitable test is an in-situ probe test as per ASTMF270.  High moisture can cause the adhesive to fail over time, resulting in the vinyl separating from the floor or moving, causing gaps or peaks.  

Most of Polyflor's products can be installed with a moisture level less than 80% RH. If the moisture results are greater than 80% RH, then moisture control needs to be applied prior to installation.  Please contact your Polyflor representative if you are unsure on the recommended moisture level for your chosen vinyl product, or which moisture control products to use. 

Priming 

Priming the substrate before applying levelling compounds serves a specific purpose to improve the bond strength between the substrate and levellers, especially on non-absorbent substrates.  Primers also improve the compatibility between difficult to adhere substrates and the levellers. By applying the correct primer, you are eliminating potential complications in the life of your product. 

Surface Correction 

Every installer knows that a smooth, flat surface is essential for achieving quality results.  Creating a smooth subsurface that won't telegraph trowel marks to the floor covering surface demands a high-quality levelling compound. Clause 3.1.4 in AS1884 provides guidelines on acceptable surface quality.  

If using a water-based adhesive over a moisture barrier or non-porous substrate, the levelling compound needs to be a minimum of 3 mm deep. This is so the adhesive can dry. Ramping to create falls or height transitions can be an alternative to a levelling compound and should be applied over a primed surface. 

Final surface correction or patching can be done with a smoothing compound. Two coats of a smoothing compound are not equivalent to a 3mm levelling compound. 

Choosing your Adhesive 

Choosing the appropriate adhesive for installing floor coverings is essential for a high-quality installation.  Water based adhesives need to be applied with a V1 notched trowel and polyurethane adhesives should be applied in wet areas and high temperature areas with a U1 notched trowel and vinyl installed within the recommended working time of the adhesive.  

The vinyl should be rolled with a heavy roller shortly after it has been placed into the adhesive to ensure a good bond has been achieved and any trapped air has been removed.  Temperature conditioning is critical to vinyl laying. Maintaining a stable temperature during the laying process will ensure the adhesive bond is strong and will prevent expansion or contraction of the vinyl during normal everyday use.  

Avoiding heat sources on the floor while laying, e. g. direct sunlight, is paramount.  North and West facing windows should be covered to prevent sunlight entering. 

Choosing the right Floorcovering 

Choosing the right floor covering for your needs is just as important as how it is installed. By choosing the correct product, which is fit for the purpose it is intended to be used, you will have a product that is as beautiful as it is functional and provide many years of enjoyment. All of Polyflor's vinyl products feature a tough polyurethane coating, creating an easy to clean surface.  

This provides protection against everyday wear, ensuring optimum long-term performance of your floor. Floor coverings, when part of the complete design concept, can have a significant impact on the look and feel of a space, enabling the creation of truly bespoke interiors.  Polyflor and Kiesel are proud to have provided Carpet Court with the highest standard of flooring, leaving them with the confidence of flooring that will stand the test of time. 

One System Warranty 

Please note that it is also very important to use products that are compatible with one another and that have been designed and tested to work together.  For the best results, use Kiesel primers, patching and levelling products, as well as Kiesel adhesives to form a Polyflor One System installation package.  This will ensure compatibility of all products and full Kiesel technical support. 

Our materials offer a multitude of different installation options that make them a preferred choice with installers.  Easy to trowel, reliable bonding, no hazardous vapours or odours and excellent coverage. Our products set high standards.  When Polyflor vinyl is installed with Kiesel products and installed as per the supplied custom written One System Recommendation, the warranty is extended from 10 to 15 years.  

This One System Recommendation is available through consultation with your Polyflor representative prior to installation.  For information about the best products to suit your individual needs, please contact our Technical Department at technical@polyflor.com.au. 

Flooring is a quintessential aspect of a room’s décor; it is a part of the skeleton of a room. It provides form and function dictating the intentions of the rooms use. It can create beautiful synergy with bespoke furniture and can accentuate a rooms space. Not only this but your choice in flooring is a big determining factor in the feeling you get when you or a guest walks into a room. It’s up to you to create that ambience, that warm feeling, that eyebrow raise or that elongated scan of admiration. We believe Polyflor’s Palettone and Expona Commercial do just that.  

Palettone is Polyflor’s most extensive range offering a gateway to a world of colour and opportunity. Whether you are looking for traditional tones or striking shades there is a pallet of 50 solid colour bases and complementary tone highlights. The wide range is rife with features with a high quality cross-linked polyurethane reinforcement, as well as the outstanding durability and abrasion resistance. Not only this but it achieves a Generic A+ rating in major sectors such as health, education. It also boasts being 100% recyclable containing 25% recyclable materials.  

Palettone is versatile when working in conjunction with other Polyflor ranges to create bespoke environments that elevate the ambience of any room. This task often proves challenging in sectors such as health and education, which are so used to bland and sterile spaces, but Palettone breaks that boring mould and allows you to reinvigorate healthcare and education spaces with interesting and subtle colour schemes.  

The Expona Commercial range was created as a means to bring forth the widest range of 80 shades across a plethora of natural and man-made materials combined with innovative modern finishes, each featuring a complementary surface texture for an authentic appearance. 

Producing exclusively beautiful flooring designs was at the heart of the Expona creative development process, and with this came an appreciation for individuality and creating a corporate or brand identity through the use of a floorcovering. This understanding has led to a suite of out-of-the-box design floors being included in the Expona Commercial range that are straightforward to install yet deliver on style and excellence. 

From a project’s early conception to the final fruition, we can provide visuals, advise on colour combinations and product selection to reflect the attitude and lifestyle of an overall scheme. There's virtually no limit to the shapes, patterns, or imagery you can create with the help of Polyflor's design service, realised. 

Underwood Dental is a project that exemplifies the design prowess of Palettone and Expona Commercial. Palettone and Expona Commercial complement each other to create a vibrant and inviting environment. 

When visualising a new flooring layout for any large-scale installation, the wealth of design floors available can take on varying levels of intricacy. In some interiors the simplest solution can be the most effective. By simply combining different flooring tiles together, either with complementing or contrasting patterns and colours, a stunning result can be achieved with little effort. 

Pureflor makes long term maintenance of these two ranges effortless. It’s multi-enzyme cleaning formula works up to 72 hours after application breaking down stains and odours in their basic elements of water and carbon dioxide readily integrating with the environment instead of polluting it. Pureflor Hard Surface Cleaner is now available in 5, 10 and 20L for commercial use. Even mineral build-ups fall apart when our enzymes break down the organic ‘glue’ that holds it in place. 

Polyflor continues to offer flooring solutions that elevate spaces within the Health and Education sectors, with premium functional specifications that to do not compromise on design.  

Renovations can be a daunting task with affordability being a large determining factor in whether a project comes to fruition or whether it gets delayed with a financial hand break that could even lead to the project fading away. Polyflor realises this and wants our customers to have the feeling of reinvigorated space that makes you feel proud to walk into without a huge financial burden. Polyflor’s MiPlank, Affinity and XL serve as fantastic flooring solution for your next home renovation. 

The MiPlank range was hand selected by a team of interior design experts, combining the latest trends and designs to create a premium feel and look. The collection features 15 authentic timber designs, each containing unique knot and grain details to replicate the natural beauty of the different wood species. Designed with the Australian home in mind, we know families are busy which why the Miplank installation process is easy with MiPlank’s ticker and longer design, eliminating any long-drawn-out process. It features 15 planks all inspire by natural timber available in 8 shades. Let your imagination be the only driving force behind the commencement of your next renovation project. Whether it is your kitchen, living room or bedroom, MiPlank allows you to focus less on the logistics of installation and cost and more on the look and feel of your new space.  

The Affinity collection features sixteen spectacular wood species, carefully selected by our team of experts specialising in interior design. The collection offers an incredible variety of shade options with realistic knot and grain detailing. You are sure to find the perfect design to enhance your home interior. Affinity provides as a great option for granny flats. As the property market has changed and developed, the function of granny flats has evolved over the years. Originally granny flats were used to house the older members of a household, but as rent prices have increased and city living has become denser, the granny flat has been embraced as a viable alternative to regular accommodation. Now is a fantastic time to utilise your tired looking or vacant granny flats and transform them with Affinity to capitalise on the changing rental market. Create that passive income simply by giving your granny flat that luxury feel that people desire. 

XL PUR provides the perfect flooring solution for modular building projects. XL PUR combines a high pedigree of performance and optimum duotone marble style enabling the transformation of any commercial environment through the selection of vivid colours. The specially formulated polyurethane surface treatment makes it perfect for portable and modular buildings. XL PUR is the affordable flooring solution that just makes sense for these projects and ticks all the right boxes for a heavy traffic space with its ease of installation, maintenance, longevity, and design. 

Polyflor designs flooring solutions fit for purpose with the consumer and use area in mind so you can be reassured your flooring will fulfill all your needs. Whether you are renovating your home, granny flat or even looking for a modular building, the Polyflor range expertly delivers with choice, style and functionality. With the assurance of longevity to ensure you remain more that satisfied for years to come. 

MiPlank - Designed for the Australian Home

When renovating with vinyl it is important to consider choosing vinyl specifications that are fit for purpose and going to allow you to get the most out of your desired space.

If you are looking to renovate your home, vinyl is a fantastic option that provides a wealth of features that would be beneficial for the busy Australian family home. MiPlank is the perfect flooring choice for an upstairs renovation, extension or even a revamp of your entire flooring plan.

MiPlank is desirable choice for many reasons, it is easy to install and quiet underfoot. MiPlank also offers a high quality, cross-linked polyurethane reinforcement (PUR) for improved cleaning and maintenance. Not matter if you are a family with young children or and family living with older children noise reduction is a highly important feature to ensure a cohesive shared environment. The MiPlank Acoustic range addresses this need with great performance. The specially formulated MiPlank Acoustic Luxury vinyl flooring combines the high-quality and design traditional MiPlank, with an acoustic backing that reduces impact sound by up to 19dB. MiPlank is available in 15 planks inspired by natural timbers each containing unique knot and grain detail and the MiPlank Acoustic range is available in 8 shades.

MiPlank Acoustics noise reduction means you can reduce upstairs rumblings from playful children as well as reducing noise spilling into other apartments of flats in shared building complexes. Everyone deserves their space and noise reduction provides people with an enhanced level of peace that can only come with reduction of unwanted noise from others in shared environments.

Building owners and landlords love MiPlank Acoustic as it ensures greater tenant satisfaction and significantly reduced noise complaints. Families love it has it means households with individuals with different work schedules are less likely to disturb others. This is becoming more and more as a desired feature as individuals are choosing to work from home at an exponential rate.

Polyflor Australia is ecstatic to bring this new innovation to our existing line of products. Resilient, daring, and versatile, we are proud to present the latest in commercial acoustic flooring: Silentflor.

Specifically designed for use in heavy commercial areas, Silentflor is a versatile, environmentally friendly flooring solution ideally suited for use in the:

• Educational
• Healthcare
• Retail
• Office
• Leisure, and
• Residential

sectors.

Available in an eclectic range of modern designs, Silentflor  is available in 22 contemporary colours and prints, ensuring that there is a shade available to compliment your commercial environment.

But why Silentflor?

Polyflor is proud to announce that this range achieves 19dB of sound impact reduction, whilst still retaining outstanding durability, demonstrating slip resistance up to, and including, an R10 (DS to EN 13893), and remaining a sustainable and environmentally friendly flooring alternative.

Meeting demands of highly diverse commercial environments, Silentflor is where current aesthetics meet superior performance, surpassing client expectations, and ensuring a perfect fit for your business.

Technical:

• Impact sound reduction of 19dB.
• Heterogeneous sheet flooring with 3.7mm gauge & 0.65mm wear layer.
• R10 slip resistance, classified DS to EN 13893 (for sustainable wet slip resistance refer to Polysafe ranges).
• Demonstrates outstanding durability and abrasion resistance Type I as defined in EN ISO 10582.
• BRE Global A+ rating (Generic).
• Features a Polyurethane Reinforcement (PUR) for improved cleaning and maintenance.
• Use area classification: 23/34/42 as defined in EN 685/EN ISO 10874.
• Tested to international standards for low VOC emissions.
• Abrasion Resistant
• And 100% recyclable.

With an optimistic outlook and daring ambitions, we all strived forward into 2023, rejuvenated and ready to Rock And Roll, especially following the better part of the past two years spent in isolation. The new year symbolises new beginnings, and manifesting change in your life, often coincides with reimagining your environment. It really is no wonder that so many Aussies continue to renovate and redesign their homes, perpetuating the trend started amidst the pandemic.

Pantone’s colour of the year, the illustrious Viva Magenta, takes centre stage for an illustrious beginning 2023. Evoking a feeling of empowerment, Pantone’s own Leatrice Eiseman recounts how “Viva Magenta galvanizes our spirit, helping us to build our inner strength.” A perfect staple for any homes colour palette, the audacious hues of Viva Magenta adds vibrance, and a distinctly personable touch to any space."

Striking, subtle, and the epitome of commercial flooring solutions, Expona Flow is one of Polyflors top selling designs.

A pragmatic approach to flooring solutions in the commercial sector as well, Expona Flow is comprised of beautifully replicated wood planks in a vinyl sheet format, available in an extensive range of over 50 shades, adapted to specifically suit heavy commercial installations across a wide variety of sectors, including education, healthcare, office and retail sectors.

Pragmatic and hygienic, Expona Flow features easily accessible surfaces, making cleaning and maintenance an effortless task thanks to a polyurethane reinforced surface area.