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SUSTAINABILITY

Environment

Download report
  • Sustainability report 2023
    pdf

Material, where we source it and how we use and reuse it will define how successful we are in delivering our Promise

Since 2018 we’ve increased recycled material use in our flooring by around 30%
79% of the material we use in our flooring we produce is fossil-free
Phthalates were phased out of our flooring as long ago as 2013

Climate

The climate impact from our flooring mostly comes from the materials included, both as raw material and as waste after installation and use.

63%
RAW MATERIAL
14%
AFTER USE
11%
INSTALLATION
8%
TRANSPORT
4%
under USAGE
0%
MANUFACTURING

Carbon footprint

The carbon footprint of our flooring depends on its’ weight. For this reason, we divide carbon footprint data in terms of rolls, tiles and acoustics.

ROLLS
5,18kg
CO2 PER SQUARE METER
Tiles
6,19 kg
CO2 PER SQUARE METER
ACOUSTIC
5,47 kg
CO2 PER SQUARE METER
Note: As defined in A1-A3 in our EPDs.

Circularity

To deliver our 2028 Promise, material, where we source it and how we use and reuse it will define our success. In 2022, we used 1130 tonnes of recycled material in our floors, our highest number yet. The increase is achieved by more supply of recycled material, and the strategy of including recycled material in all collections and all types of floors instead of concentrating it to a selected line. Over the past four years, all three of our product types have increased in the proportion of recycled material. In average 71 % since 2018.

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OUR RECYCLING RATES 2023

22%
Rolls
31%
Tiles
32%
Acoustic
28%
AVERAGE

OUR JOURNEY

2014
WE OPENED OUR OWN, ONSITE RECYCLING FACILITY IN SWEDEN
2018
RECYCLED MATERIAL USED IN ALL COLLECTIONS
2020
POST-CONSUMER WASTE USED IN OUR ACOUSTIC FLOORING

“For every kilogram of recycled material we add, we reduce our CO2 footprint by two kilograms.”

Making every ㎡ count

In 2020, we conducted four pilot programs, the purpose being to learn more about takeback and how we can do this efficiently, sustainably and successfully in the future. In total, we took back 2100m2 of flooring which was successfully turned into material for new products in our integrated recycling facility. The programs also revealed significant climate benefits when transport is discounted – a total of 8300kg of CO2 saving for the 2100m2.

Good habits start at home

All our manufacturing takes place in Ulricehamn, Sweden. We’re proud of our hometown, our factory and its sustainable profile, but the following facts give us a little extra feeling of satisfaction.

  • The entire factory is a dry plant, which means that we do not handle any liquids except water as a humidifier.
  • We operate a closed loop cooling system without additives or the need for any external water consumption.
  • Production at Bolon only uses renewable electricity, so our factory produces no emissions from the combustion of gas or other energy sources.

What is in our flooring?

We use construction plastic in our flooring as it is a very resource-efficient material that is both light and strong and doesn’t contribute to the general pollution of the oceans. Our flooring contains PVC plastic as polymer, chalk as filling and non-hazardous additives.

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VIRGIN VS RECYCLED

VIRGIN-MATERIAL

0%

RECYCLED (AVERAGE)

0%

MAIN INGREDIENTS

FILLING CHALK

0%

POLYMER (PVC)

0%

NON HAZARDOUS ADDITIVES

0%

What is in our flooring?

We use construction plastic in our flooring as it is a very resource-efficient material that is both light and strong and doesn’t contribute to the general pollution of the oceans. Our flooring contains PVC plastic as polymer, chalk as filling and non-hazardous additives.

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NON-FOSSIL VS FOSSIL

NON-FOSSIL

0%

FOSSIL

0%

Material and supplier fast facts

  • Chalk, PVC and thread account for 97% of our material purchases.
  • We only use modern PVC with non-hazardous additives.
  • PVC is durable, fire resistant, easy to clean and offers great recycling possibilities.
  • Most of our Tier 1 suppliers are located in Sweden within 250km of our production facility.
  • Our Tier 2 suppliers of PVC raw materials must ensure it is eco-labelled by third parties.
  • Our flooring meets strict emission standards over its full lifespan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PVC really good?

The PVC we use comes from environmentally certified factories that have low emissions and efficient energy use. Moreover, Bolon's flooring has been free from toxins for many years, without additives such as phthalates and heavy metals. The plasticisers used today are even permitted in children's toys.

How much fossil material does your flooring contain?

Our flooring consists of about 1/3 fossil raw material, which is significantly less than other vinyl flooring. The remaining 2/3 consists of salt and calcium oxide, of which there is a very good supply and it is also harmless from an environmental standpoint.

Is plastic a good material for flooring?

Plastic can be a beneficial material for flooring in particular. This totally depends on the type of plastic used and how it is handled. The plastic we use is hardwearing with a 10 or 15 year guarantee. Our raw material, PVC, can be recycled up to seven times and it is completely free of additives such as phthalates or heavy metals. Our floors have low emission values and are, therefore, approved for hospital environments. The floors are also easy to clean, usually, plain water is all that’s needed to clean them. Based on these facts, a plastic floor from Bolon is many times a good environmental option compared to other flooring.

Which products contain recycled material?

All of our collections contain recycled materials. The proportion of recycled material varies between 10-30% of the total material used.

How much impact does bolon's transports have on the climate?

Bolon has efficient solutions for both the transport of raw materials and the end product to customers. Our transports represent only about 2% of our total climate footprint.

Do you calculate the flooring’s environmental impact across the whole life-cycle?

Yes, we have performed so-called EPD's, life cycle analyses, on all our collections. This made it clear that the biggest climate impact comes from the production of the vinyl raw material. We will reduce this climate impact in the coming years.

Do you use renewable energy?

Yes, all our manufacturing and our headquarters are powered by 100% renewable energy for both electricity and heat.

Does a Bolon floor contain any dangerous substances?

All of Bolon’s floors are free from hazardous plasticisers and stabilisers such as phthalates and heavy metals. Moreover, the floors have very low emissions throughout the useful life of the floor.

Are your floors ecolabelled?

Our vinyl raw material is ecolabelled and the flooring complies with strict requirements for the eco-labelling of buildings. Bolon is also classified as best health class by the Norwegian Asthma and Allergy Association. In addition, Bolon has many different certifications covering both health and the environment, as well as declarations that completely openly show the components and environmental impact.

How transparent are you with the content and impact of your products?

We are completely transparent and have third-party certifications for both environmental performance and content declarations.

Sustainability

Our promise

Certifications