Benefits of Cork Flooring
(Page 3 of 4)
Dec. 9, 2008
By Misty McNally
Other significant factors to consider are the dyes, binders, adhesives and/or finishes used in the manufacturing or installation processes for cork flooring. To preserve the air quality within your home, look for cork flooring that is formaldehyde-free, has low- or zero-volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and that is made without harmful solvents. Prefinished cork flooring may be preferable, as it will have already offgassed (released harmful chemicals) considerably before installation. If you will be finishing the cork flooring on site or using an adhesive, choose a low-VOC variety recommended by the flooring manufacturer.
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Floating or snap-in-place cork flooring usually has an engineered wood substrate. Look for substrates that are formaldehyde-free. If you can find it, choose cork flooring with a wood substrate certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which ensures sustainable practices from the forest to the manufacturer.
Berrahmouni says that like FSC-certified wood products now available in many home improvement stores, cork forests and products can also be recognized by the FSC, but the products are uncommon and generally not available to consumers yet. For now, she says, “We would encourage consumers to ask for FSC cork products so that they can deliver the message that people are ready to buy them.”
Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now
According to ReCORK America, a cork stopper recycling project sponsored by Amorim, the world’s largest producer of cork bottle stoppers, there are approximately 13 billion corks sold into the market each year. Almost all of them end up in the trash — a sad fact because corks can easily be recycled into flooring and other commercial products.
To combat the uncorked waste, a few recycling efforts are making earnest efforts. Most recycling programs require consumers mail the corks to a site, much like recycling printer cartridges. Northern California Whole Foods stores are collaborating with ReCORK by providing cork drop-off sites. Yemm & Hart, who makes cork flooring from recycled stoppers, gives preferential pricing to those who recycle.
Cork Recyclers
