Why Phthalate-Free Flooring Matters

Sustainability

Creating Safer, Healthier Spaces with Gerflor

At Gerflor, we believe that high-performance flooring should not come at the expense of human health or indoor environments. That is why we’ve eliminated the use of phthalates in our products. This commitment reflects our focus on delivering solutions that support healthier schools, hospitals, offices, and recreational spaces without compromising on style or durability. But what exactly does “phthalate free” mean, and why does it matter?

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What Are Phthalates?

Phthalates are a family of chemical compounds once widely used as plasticizers. In flooring, plasticizers are added to make vinyl products more flexible and resilient. For decades, phthalates were considered a standard ingredient that helped products resist wear while maintaining comfort underfoot.

Why Phthalates Are a Concern

Although effective in performance, phthalates can migrate out of materials and into indoor environments. Studies have linked certain phthalates to potential health risks, particularly with long-term exposure. These concerns are especially important in schools, healthcare facilities, and public spaces where children, patients, and the elderly spend significant amounts of time.

Indoor air quality: Phthalates can contribute to VOC emissions that reduce the quality of indoor air.
Health and wellness: Exposure to certain phthalates has been connected to respiratory irritation and other health issues.
Public demand: Growing awareness has increased the demand for safer, more sustainable building materials.

The Role of Recycled Materials

Recycling is an essential part of sustainable flooring production, and Gerflor incorporates recycled content across many of our collections. When post-consumer or post-industrial recycled materials are used, there is a possibility that small amounts of phthalates may be present. These amounts are far lower than what would be found in products that were originally manufactured with phthalates. For customers, this means they still benefit from products designed to minimize exposure while also supporting circular, environmentally responsible practices.

Learn How Recycling Gives Our Flooring New Life

Gerflor’s Phthalate-Free Innovation

Gerflor made the decision years ago to eliminate phthalates from its product formulas. Instead, we use alternative non-phthalate plasticizers that provide the same flexibility, resilience, and durability. Gerflor uses various alternatives to Phthalates, including bio-based plasticizers such as citrates, to create resilient flooring that contributes to a healthier indoor environment. The result is flooring that performs to the highest standards while helping to create healthier environments.

This approach provides:

Cleaner indoor spaces: Products designed to support better air quality.
Peace of mind: Flooring solutions that meet or exceed strict environmental standards in both the U.S. and Europe.
Proven performance: The durability, comfort, and design versatility that building owners and managers expect from Gerflor.

Learn About Gerflor's Commitment to Eco-Design

The Benefits of Choosing Phthalate-Free Flooring

Selecting Gerflor products supports both people and the spaces they occupy. Facilities benefit from:

Healthier schools, hospitals, and workplaces.
Strong alignment with sustainability and wellness initiatives.
Flooring that meets modern environmental expectations without sacrificing performance.
All Gerflor products are FloorScore® certified and exceed recognized indoor air quality standards to ensure a safe and healthy indoor environment.

Commitment to Safer Materials and Sustainability

Phthalate-free flooring represents a shift toward healthier building practices. Gerflor is proud to lead that effort with products that deliver long-lasting performance while creating safer and cleaner indoor environments for everyone who uses them. Phthalate-free flooring represents a shift toward healthier building practices, aligning with Gerflor's broader sustainability initiatives.

Gerflor is Commited to Limiting Our Carbon Footprint