With over 120 years of experience in creating safe, sustainable and inspiring flooring and sports surface solutions, the history of Tarkett merges with the history of the flooring industry. Many of the performance characteristics of modern flooring that we take for granted today are the result of pioneering research and development by the Tarkett Group.
Timeline of innovation
1942: Introduction of 3-layer hardwood flooring, minimising hardwood use to protect forests
1952: First vinyl flooring offering durability and a wider choice for interior decoration
1957: Recycling of vinyl tile to reduce waste to landfills
1966: Development of vinyl wall coverings for improved interior hygiene
1975: Launch of PUR surface treatment, minimising water and detergent usage to reduce maintenance costs
1978: First loose lay flooring eliminating adhesives to improve indoor air quality
1980: Product life cycle cost assessments to gauge their overall economic impact
1994: Launch of artificial turf to reduce injuries to athletes, and water and pesticide use in upkeep
1996: Rubber products made from recycled tyres
2003: Post-installation recycling in North America to reduce landfill waste
2006: New surface treatment for linoleum to minimise water and detergent consumption
2009: iQ Natural, the first homogeneous vinyl flooring made with 75% natural, renewable raw materials
Global presence, local focus
Through strategic global acquisitions and constant innovation, the Tarkett Group has grown to become a true leader in its field. Today the Group operates 29 manufacturing plants across the world, producing and selling around 1 million square metres of flooring every day. Employing in excess of 8000 people, Tarkett has sales in more than 100 countries.
Tarkett’s diverse product portfolio includes vinyl, rubber, linoleum, laminate, wood, carpet tiles, accessories and all kinds of indoor and outdoor sports surfaces. Available in hundreds of alternative colours and shades, patterns and designs, quality standards and price points, Tarkett offers truly integrated solutions for every market.
The Solution Provider
Flooring needs can vary dramatically depending on the use of the building. By looking at every aspect of a new build or renovation project, and understanding their unique requirements, Tarkett can offer fully integrated flooring and sports surface solutions.
For Housing, Tarkett works with architects and interior designers to create good design and clever functionality that allows customers to truly personalise their space, with solutions in engineered wood, laminate and vinyl.
Through consultation with teachers, students and facilities managers in the Education sector Tarkett understands the complex and often conflicting demands of these high-use areas. Affordable, yet long-lasting; safe yet inviting; Tarkett solutions are functional, inspiring, durable and hygienic.
Healthcare flooring must meet stringent performance criteria such as hygiene, heavy traffic, static control, water and chemical resistance, and acoustics. But Tarkett recognises that the sensory aspect is equally important and has developed its healthcare flooring solutions in a variety of colours and patterns designed to aid healing and recovery.
Offices, retail outlets and restaurants have yet another unique set of requirements, whether it’s to motivate, inspire or entice. Tarkett’s solutions in engineered wood, laminate and vinyl can help create contemporary, fashionable interiors.
With over 5000 sports installations world-wide, Tarkett is the largest provider of sports surfaces, including running tracks, turf fields and indoor sports flooring. Tarkett sports surfaces are designed to meet the needs of sportsmen and women at every level, from grassroots to Olympic athletes.
A Sustainable Future
Tarkett pioneered floor recycling back in the 1950’s and continues to lead the field, diverting over 77,000 tonnes of waste from landfill in 2009. Six recycling centres are at the heart of the Tarkett ReUse programme. Re-Use is our terminology for recycling, where post-installation vinyl waste is reformulated and then manufactured back into new flooring. ReUse means just that, without any ambiguity regarding what actually happens to recyclates.
New product development promotes the use of natural, renewable materials including sustainably sourced wooden floors; linoleum made from sawdust, linseed oil and jute; and the latest innovation, iQ Natural, which is made from 75% natural or renewable raw materials. Tarkett’s PUR treatments are also constantly being enhanced to minimise the use of energy, water and detergents needed for cleaning.
Tarkett products also meet the generic requirements for the highest BRE ratings for environmental performance in major use areas within the healthcare and education sectors.
For a vast product range and an unrivalled depth of knowledge and experience, choose Tarkett for the Ultimate Flooring Experience.
