Our recycling program

At Gerflor, we are committed to reducing our environmental impact and pioneering a more circular future for the flooring industry. From using plant-based raw materials to recovering and reusing end-of-life flooring, our global sustainability initiatives reflect more than 20 years of dedication to the principles of the circular economy: reducing, reusing, and recycling.

Our European Heritage: The Second Life Program

Gerflor's "Second Life" program is a key component of our circularity efforts worldwide, supporting the recovery and reuse of flooring materials throughout the product lifecycle. Established in Europe in 2011, the program collects installation offcuts and eligible end-of-life flooring materials, processing them into secondary raw materials that are incorporated into the manufacturing of new products. Today, the program operates successfully across 12 European countries, helping recover valuable materials that might otherwise become waste.

Global Impact by the Numbers

We believe in measuring our success. Here is a snapshot of the impact our sustainability and recycling programs have had:

61,006 tons of material recycled in 2025 through Gerflor plants and dedicated recycling centers.
23% average recycled content across all Gerflor vinyl flooring products.
100% of Gerflor Group plants operate as recycling centers, recovering production offcuts for immediate reuse.
Up to 55% recycled content can be incorporated into products manufactured at our eco-designed facility in Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux.
15% to 24% plant-based materials were introduced into Taraflex® and Taralay Premium in 2024 to replace fossil-based raw materials. Today, more than 80% of the content in these products is bio-based, mineral, or recycled.
Up to 98% bio-based or mineral materials are used in our DLW Linoleum range, which is Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver.
14% of Gerflor's global revenue in 2025 came from bio-based product ranges, surpassing our goal of 10%.

What products?

Taraflex Sports Flooring

Taraflex Sports Flooring is now manufactured with an average of 58% bio-based and recycled content, including bio-based material made from non-food soy waste that would otherwise end up in landfills.

Taraflex Sports M Plus

Premium

Our Premium flooring contains 20% crop residues sourced responsibly, using discarded soy waste from the animal feed industry. The result: less fossil-based materials and carbon emissions.

Premium

DLW Linoleum

Our DLW Linoleum is made of 98% natural and 76% rapidly renewable materials, with up to 40% recycled content.

DLW Linoleum

Pioneering Recycling Solutions in the United States

Gerflor is actively exploring opportunities to develop robust recycling solutions right here in the U.S. We are currently working alongside industry organizations, recycling partners, and other key stakeholders to identify practical, scalable solutions for collecting and recovering flooring materials. By leveraging the decades of experience gained through our European programs and collaborating with new partners domestically, Gerflor is fully committed to advancing U.S. recycling efforts and supporting more sustainable commercial flooring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you use carbon credits to achieve carbon neutrality across your product lines?

No, Gerflor is committed to reducing its carbon footprint at the source, prioritizing energy efficiency, renewable power, recycling, and cleaner logistics over carbon offsetting. Purchasing carbon credits is not part of our emissions reduction strategy.

Does Gerflor create commercial flooring with recycled content?

Yes. On average, Gerflor vinyl flooring contains 23% recycled content sourced from production scraps, installation offcuts, end-of-life products, and other controlled secondary raw materials.

Does recycled content affect product quality or performance?

No. Recycled materials are carefully controlled and incorporated without compromising product quality, durability, or performance.

What happens to manufacturing waste?

Production scraps generated during manufacturing at Gerflor Group manufacturing sites are collected, processed, and reincorporated into manufacturing to avoid wasting product offcuts.

What is the Second Life program?

Second Life is Gerflor's European recycling initiative that collects installation offcuts and eligible end-of-life flooring materials and processes them into secondary raw materials for new manufacturing.

Where is the Second Life program available?

The Second Life program currently operates in 12 European countries: France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Finland, Poland, and Italy.

Is Gerflor working with industry organizations to develop a recycling program in the U.S.?

Yes. Gerflor is a member of the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) recycling working group and collaborates with industry partners to support the development of practical recycling solutions for the US.

How are Gerflor facilities reducing environmental impact?

Gerflor continuously works to reduce the environmental impact of its manufacturing and logistics facilities through investments in energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, emissions control, and material recovery. Initiatives include recycling production scraps within our plants, expanding renewable energy generation, implementing closed-loop cooling systems, recovering waste heat, and optimizing manufacturing processes to reduce resource consumption. These efforts have contributed to a 19% reduction in energy intensity and a 33% reduction in water consumption compared with 2021, while supporting our broader commitment to circularity and responsible manufacturing.