When choosing your flooring solution, there are many factors that come into consideration. From aesthetics to durability, there are many reasons why a certain floor may be selected, and eco-friendly flooring is gaining more and more popularity. With sustainable behaviours being encouraged at a global level, many businesses and homeowners alike are looking for a flooring option that does not have a negative impact on the environment. Whether that is through the way the flooring is manufactured, or the materials used to create the flooring, eco-friendly flooring options are now readily available in a wide array of aesthetic finishes. Eco-friendly flooring prioritises sustainability throughout its lifecycle, from material sourcing to disposal, and the most commonly known type of eco-friendly flooring is linoleum.

The Origins of Linoleum

One of the most popular eco-friendly flooring options is linoleum, a flooring solution that was first invented by Frederick Walton in 1860. Linoleum is made using oxidized linseed oil mixed with ground cork dust, gums, and pigments. It was one of the most fashionable and widely used floor coverings from the 1870s through the 1960s, but dipped in popularity as consumers opted for vinyl for reasons such as quick installation times and increased durability.

The Armstrong Cork Company started manufacturing linoleum in 1908, and produced an amazing variety of patterns. By 1918, Armstrong advertised 380 available designs that included; mosaics, tiles, parquetries, granites, marble, and “carpet” patterns. Versatility was one of the many reasons why linoleum performed so well, allowing consumers to create designs unique to their home and their personal tastes. Prior to the introduction of linoleum, flooring options had remained traditional and with little variation in aesthetics, so the ability to choose a striking design was immediately favourable. 

Linoleum has remained fundamentally unchanged for one hundred years. Made from recycled materials and sustainable content, its “green” composition makes it as popular now as it was back in 1939. For years, linoleum was considered something to rip out in order to get down to the “real floor.” However, with the boom in environmentally conscious behaviours, more and more people are looking for an eco-friendly flooring that can also provide the durability and comfort of vinyl and carpet flooring, and their search is leading them to linoleum.

Advantages of Choosing Linoleum

The durability of linoleum is one of the most common reasons as to why people choose it as their flooring option. When properly maintained and cared for, linoleum can last for decades, making it an extremely cost-effective choice. Linoleum being made from all-natural, renewable materials also makes it a desirable flooring solution, many businesses now consider their impact on the environment and consciously make more eco-friendly choices. Furthermore, the antimicrobial properties make it an extremely popular option for kitchens and bathrooms as linoleum naturally resists bacteria and the growing of mould. Comfort and design versatility are also advantages of choosing linoleum as your flooring solutions, the material being able to provide insulation against cold floors whilst also being aesthetically versatile.

Why Choose Linoleum?

Whilst linoleum flooring can be used across a wide range of applications, it is most commonly advised for areas of heavy traffic, or where the cleaning of messes needs to be done quickly and effectively. Rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens would also benefit highly from linoleum flooring thanks to its waterproof qualities, meaning spills can be easily wiped away without presenting a slip risk. With its endless aesthetic possibility, linoleum flooring can be used in any environment where a unique design is desired, from educational facilities to care homes. The beneficial qualities of linoleum flooring solutions make it the ideal choice where intensively cleaning routines cannot be carried out regularly, whether due to time constraints or busyness of the area.

Marmoleum by Forbo Flooring Systems

Forbo Flooring Systems are the global leaders in linoleum flooring thanks to their iconic Marmoleum collection. Featuring up to 98% natural raw materials, Forbo have ensured their linoleum flooring solution is climate positive, without the need for offsetting. With innovative designs to accommodate a variety of commercial settings, Marmoleum can accommodate most professional environments thanks to its renowned durability. The Forbo Flooring Systems Marmoleum range includes: Forbo Marmoleum Click, Forbo Marmoleum Modular Tiles, and Forbo Marmoleum Sheets. By providing their Marmoleum range with a variety of installation methods, they have ensured flexibility of use, and can be used regardless of environment size or any unusual building layouts.