WHAT LIES BENEATH
With climate change a major global priority, consumers are increasingly concerned with the eco-credentials of the goods they buy. Louise Walters, commercial director for Designer Contracts, looks at the effect of that scrutiny on a product once considered almost an afterthought: underlay.
It says much about growing consumer awareness around environmental issues that the manufacturers of underlay have being responding to growing demands for more sustainably produced products for some years.
PU underlay made from recycled foam has long been available, but we are increasingly seeing home buyers demand much more from ‘that which lies beneath’. They want to know it is responsibly manufactured and sourced – and for many, buying British offers a certainty and reassurance not always associated with imports.
There are many inferior underlays out there which can significantly affect the appearance retention and durability of carpet. This has seen most reputable flooring contractors switch their offer to quality UK-made products only.
But before we look at the innovation in the sector which this has led to, let’s just remind ourselves of the key functions we expect from any good underlay.
Underlay enhances the comfort of carpet by providing additional underfoot cushioning. It improves insulation in the home, trapping heat under the floor and could help reduce energy bills by up to 15%. It helps to reduce noise and improve acoustics, acting as a further barrier to sound. Not only this but underlay can improve home hygiene by preserving carpet pile, making it easier to clean and providing an additional layer against dirt. It also helps to make carpet last longer by acting as a shock absorber, preventing wear and tear and so extending the life of the carpet
In short, underlay offers huge benefits which most consumers both recognise and expect. So, retaining those features and benefits while also meeting the growing demand for more sumptuous and environmentally-friendly products has been no mean feat by innovative British producers.
We have certainly seen increasing demand from housebuilders to upgrade to more luxurious products. And, when offered, the conversion rate is growing hugely, with a variety of different upgrades storming the market.
They can be PU, sponge rubber or ‘green’ but the one really stealing the market is Texfelt’s Spring Bond, a ground-breaking new product manufactured in the UK and made from 85% recycled PET plastic bottles.
As the construction industry becomes increasingly aware of its carbon footprint, the launch of Spring Bond represents one of the most exciting and innovative new developments in underlay products in decades. And one which in just five years’ time, if adopted by all major
28 | UNDERLAY & ACOUSTIC SOLUTIONS
housebuilders, could save over 15bn plastic bottles from impacting on the environment.
Lightweight and dust free, Spring Bond has been awarded the coveted Allergy UK seal of approval for reduction in exposure to VOC’s, suitable for those affected by allergy. Fully recyclable at the end of its life, Spring Bond also offers excellent thermal and acoustic properties, making it the ideal choice for homeowners conscious about reducing their carbon footprint, without compromising on performance.
Other companies have come up with innovations too, including renu from Tredaire which is said to be made from 98% recycled materials and 100% recyclable at the end of its life. Features include recycled paper backing and a carbon negative bio-based film used to complete the underlay and also used in the packaging.
As a major supplier to both commercial and public sector buildings, it’s interesting to see how the underlay sector is beginning to meet growing demand for more thoughtfully sourced and ethically produced products without sacrificing on either performance or comfort.
As customers see for themselves that it is possible to have the best of both worlds, then going forward, I believe we can expect to see more manufacturers embrace the needs of climate change with ever more advanced solutions for the flooring underworld.
www.DesignerContracts.com
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