Consistent towards a circular economy

nora systems recyclable noracare coverings

The future lies in the circular economy – this also applies to the construction industry. Manufacturers are challenged to offer products that are either biodegradable or fully recyclable, thus circulating in potentially endless cycles. Until now, there has been only a very limited selection of circularly capable products in the area of flooring, especially in the field of elastic floors. The milestone achieved by nora is therefore all the more significant. After the entire range of the rubber flooring product line noracare previously received the Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Silver certification, the majority of the portfolio has now been awarded Gold. This is an outstanding result, particularly in the construction sector. Since 2018, the entire standard range of norament and noraplan rubber floors has been certified with Cradle to Cradle Silver. The C2C certification is a globally recognized standard for evaluating materials and products that meet extensive and highest sustainability criteria. "We are proud that the entire nora standard range is Cradle to Cradle certified," emphasizes Bettina Haffelder, Vice President DACH nora. The basis for this is that rubber floors do not contain problematic substances that would exclude C2C certification, such as chlorinated polymers (PVC). "We have continuously developed our products and processes over the past years to contribute to sustainable value creation and also to support our customers on this path," Haffelder continues. "The Cradle to Cradle certifications confirm both the excellent quality of our flooring and our commitment to environmentally friendly and healthy indoor environments."

C2C as a positive contribution to building certifications

In the Cradle to Cradle certification, various categories are evaluated, including material health, recyclability, use of renewable energy sources, responsible water management, and compliance with social standards. The ratings range from Basic through Bronze, Silver, and Gold to Platinum, with the lowest achieved standard determining the overall rating of a product. The subdivision of the noracare portfolio into gold- and silver-certified products results from the use of different color pigments, each classified individually. A major advantage: The Cradle to Cradle certification not only distinguishes the products themselves but also has a positive impact on building certifications according to DGNB, BNB, LEED, or BREEAM.

Excellent environmental and health compatibility

noracare floors are fully recyclable, as the residual materials can be completely returned to the production cycle and used to manufacture new flooring. Thanks to their innovative surface technology, the coverings are equally resistant and easy to maintain, and can be maintained without coatings. In terms of environmental and health compatibility, noracare coverings also impress. They are free of PVC, phthalate plasticizers, and chlorinated polymers, contributing to good indoor air quality. In addition to the "Blue Angel" (DE-UZ 120), they are also certified with the Austrian Environmental Label UZ 42, the Indoor Air Comfort Gold seal, and the M1 certification.