I have attended Surfaces during the last five years and found it a wonderful resource for residential flooring products + education. Although there is a strong dealer/distributor attendee focus, each year I see more A&D attendees. This year the show really focused on GREEN. I won't take the time to highlight all of the booths I visited that had a green message, but here are a few that were sharing the benefits of Green technology. Next week I'll be at IBS to bring you some highlights from Orlando.

Mapei

Mapei held a press conference regarding its new Dust Free technology, which reportedly produces 90 percent less dust, cleaner air, and the same performance without the cleanup. The company also shared its environmental commitment to use less energy by doubling production without doubling energy, addressing manufacturing across the U.S. to accommodate the 500-mile radius set by the USGBC, third-party ISO 14001 certification, and working to have its products contribute to LEED certification of projects.

Forbo

Forbo was promoting Marmoleum Click. It comes in 12-inch x 12-inch or 12-inch x 36-inch panels. The panels simply "click" into place and require no glue. It's available in 18 colors and anti-static for easy cleaning. For more details, visit www.themarmoleumstore.com.

Capri Cork

Capri Cork made a strong appearance at Surfaces this year. Although the company has many beautiful cork flooring options, the hot product at Surfaces was CorTerra — an 18-inch x 18-inch rubber tile textured with cork available in 25 colors, and reportedly with endless design options. Visit their website www.capricork.com to check out this product in more detail.

Kahrs

Kahrs had a very environmental booth this year, focusing on educating attendees that "small things can make a big difference" by giving out environmental bags with suggestions on how all of us can make a difference. The company’s Linnea floating engineered hardwood floor was my favorite, and comes with a variety of water-based stains. Not only has Kahrs been FSC certified since 2005, it’s also promoting the company goal of Optimal production, by reducing waste by 30 percent and naturally cleaning its process water. To find out more about Kahrs’ wood floors visit www.kahrs.com.

Mannington

Mannington had the largest booth at Surfaces this year with everything from commercial to residential in hard surface flooring and carpet. The company was highlighting its RElay resilient sheet flooring which contains 35 percent recycled content (20 percent post consumer and 15 percent pre consumer). To find out about RElay, LOOP (Mannington’s carpet reclamation program), and the infinity RE modular carpet backing (with 30 percent total recycled content — 10 percent post-consumer carpet/drywall, 20 percent pre-consumer), visit www.mannington.com.



Until Next time,
Diana