Yes, there are several environmental certifications for floor coverings:

Sustainability certifications

• A certification based on the NSF/ANSI 332 standard evaluates resilient floor coverings according to environmental, health and social impact criteria.
• An environmental label certifies that the covering is made from highly renewable or recycled materials.

Sustainable management certifications

• A certification guarantees responsible forest management for wood coverings.
• A global forest certification programme is also available.

Standards and labels

• A compulsory marking since 2007 for all floor coverings in Europe.
• A classification certifies the suitability for a specific use and the performance of the covering.
• An international standard establishes a classification system for resilient, textile and laminate floor coverings.

These certifications help manufacturers to stand out, contribute to credits for green building programmes, and assure consumers that the products meet high standards of durability and health.

Repex Floor, manufacturer of parquet and concrete sanders, is strongly committed to a sustainable development and eco-responsibility approach. Here are the main aspects of their policy:

Sustainable design and manufacturing

• Use of sustainable materials for the manufacture of machines, avoiding plastic components as much as possible.
• Design focused on the longevity and repairability of products, going against planned obsolescence.
• Optimisation of the production process to minimise waste and CO2 emissions.

Resource management

• Constant search for ways to reduce energy consumption.
• Recycling programme for used materials, especially cardboard.
• Programme for sorting Blanchon and Wakol product containers (Rekupo collection point)
• Innovative use of cardboard received from suppliers for machine packaging, replacing less environmentally friendly materials and facilitating reuse with embossing.

Commitment to customers and the community

• Facilitation of machine maintenance and repair, even for customers far away.
• Provision of advice and information for the responsible and efficient use of the machines.
• Creation of stable, high-quality jobs, with a focus on developing the skills of employees.

Local procurement and production

• Collaboration with local suppliers as much as possible to reduce transport distances.
• Support for the local economy and job creation in France.

Environmental commitment

• Reduction of the carbon footprint associated with transport thanks to local production.
• Compliance with environmental standards in manufacturing.

In addition to these initiatives, Repex Floor promotes the environmentally friendly products of its partners, particularly those in the Blanchon range. This collaboration promotes more environmentally friendly solutions in the flooring industry. Blanchon products, such as the Huile Environnement Biosourcée and the Qualité Environnement range, offer an eco-responsible alternative for the finishing and maintenance of parquet flooring. These products contain a significant proportion of natural and bio-based ingredients, thus reducing the environmental impact while maintaining a high technical performance.

By integrating these products into its range, Repex Floor is strengthening its commitment to sustainable development and offering its customers comprehensive solutions for more environmentally friendly construction sites. This approach combines Repex Floor's expertise in sanding machines with environmentally friendly finishing products, creating a synergy that benefits the circularity and durability of solid wood flooring.

The most environmentally friendly floor coverings are those made from natural, renewable or recycled materials with a low environmental impact. The main options are as follows:

1. Solid wood flooring

Solid wood is a durable and natural solution, especially when it comes from sustainably managed forests. It is robust, aesthetically pleasing and can be restored rather than replaced.

2. Bamboo

Bamboo is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional wood. It grows quickly, regenerates easily and is highly resistant.

3. Cork

Cork is harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree without felling it. It is a renewable, insulating, antibacterial and comfortable material.

4. Natural linoleum

Made from raw materials such as linseed oil, pine resin and wood powder, linoleum is biodegradable, durable and easy to maintain.

5. Sisal and seagrass

These plant fibres come from natural plants such as agave (sisal) or aquatic rush (seagrass). They are resistant, elegant and suitable for indoor spaces.

6. Porcelain stoneware tiles

Porcelain stoneware is made from clay and other natural minerals. It is durable, recyclable and does not require chemicals for maintenance.

7. Ecological polished concrete

Polished concrete can be an ecological option when it is made with local and natural materials. It is very durable and suitable for modern styles.

8. Recycled floors

Some laminate or vinyl flooring can be made from recycled materials, thus reducing their environmental impact while remaining affordable.

For a truly ecological choice, favour sustainable, non-toxic, local materials or those certified by environmental labels (such as FSC for wood).