NATURAL MATERIALS Let’s Tal
Paulo Rocha, Product and R&D Manager from Granorte, discusses the many, ofte include within your product p
Ask any consumer what they consider to be a natural floor, and they will probably name one at most. Showing consumers that there are alternatives that suit all areas of the home will open up a wealth of opportunity for those looking for natural solutions or making a concerted move to investing in renewable and sustainable options.
Cork is harvested from the bark of the trees that grow mainly around the Mediterranean region. A tree is ready to be stripped after it’s reached 25 years’ maturity, and this is undertaken by skilled harvesters who remove the outer bark but leave the trunk to rejuvenate.
After harvest, the tree will start to regenerate and will be left for nine years before it is ready again. With a life expectancy of 200 years or more, cork is a great example of a natural renewable resource. Add to this that we source much of our cork from the discarded remnants of wine stopper manufacturing, and it’s easy to see why cork may be a great option for homes looking for a more sustainable material.
We’re all for celebrating the natural look and feel of cork and so launched our NATURTrend collection to answer the demand for aesthetically beautiful floors that embrace the natural nuances of cork. For retailers, focusing on some of the key ‘bring the outdoors in’ interior trends will help consumers appreciate the true nature of cork and its ability to add a calming, regenerative appeal.
Many homeowners worry about the expense of installation with natural flooring and, in particular, the need for specially- trained fitters that know how to deal with pure materials. When it comes to our NATURTrend, we created a simple click system which means that there’s no need for excessive fitting costs.
Consumers have long looked at ways to maximise the efficiency of their home, and how they use and consume energy in particular. Cork is one of the best insulators due to its gaseous elements which are sealed in tiny, impermeable compartments.
20 | Tomorrow’s Retail Floors
www.tomorrowsretailfloors.com
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