Robust, reused, recycled terrazzo flooring
In almost every aspect of our lives, we are reminded to recycle, whether through the recycling symbol on food packaging, the reduction of single-use plastics in retail, or via some alarmist social media posts about the future of our planet.
The fact that the topic is so widely and openly debated is increasingly prompting us to do our part to reduce, reuse and recycle, even when it comes to interior design.
At CPG Europe, we have put a lot of thought into recycled flooring materials and how recycling materials can reduce waste, without affecting the quality or lifespan of the flooring. A great way to achieve this is to opt for Terrazzo flooring.
Choosing terrazzo flooring is a great way to use recycled materials.
Reuse
The history of Terrazzo dates back more than five hundred years. While some sources suggest that it dates back to the ancient mosaics of Egypt, its predecessors would be ingenious Venetian mosaicists, who found a useful way to reuse the marble remains by incorporating them into other flooring systems.
Even today, only 17% of Flowcrete seamless Terrazzo flooring consists of epoxy resin-based binders, while the rest includes natural or recycled aggregates, as well as pigments and fillers.
In fact, up to 60% of the composition of a resin-based Terrazzo floor can be made up of aggregates, all of which can represent pre- or post-consumer waste, including recycled clear, colored and mirror glass debris, as well as shards of granite, flint, marble, and mother-of-pearl from stone processing plants.
Robustness
The fact that many old terrazzo floors are still in use today is a true testament to the durability and longevity of the material as a flooring.
Nowadays, Terrazzo epoxy is ideal for commercial, industrial and institutional installations, especially when durability and minimal maintenance are required. This flooring solution is often used in high-traffic areas, where a decorative finish is sought, easy to clean and maintain.
The low maintenance requirement of the Terrazzo material also allows for significant energy savings over time. While flooring such as carpet, tile, or vinyl requires regular vacuum or steam cleaning, the best method of cleaning epoxy floors is to use a dry or wet mopstick, with a simple periodic polish restoring it to its original luster each time.
Different shades can be mixed together.
Recycling
Recycled aluminum strips can also be used to complement any design work. They are most often used to separate colors, between areas of different colors, or to create complex patterns.
In addition to helping reduce waste, the National Terrazzo & Mosaic Association (NTMA) has found that Terrazzo epoxy offers customers the lowest life-cycle cost of any flooring, due to its durability, low maintenance requirements, and minimal need for repair or replacement. It is therefore good for the environment and for your finances!
For your Terrazzo resin flooring projects in Europe and around the world, call on our experts.
