--- title: VINYL: a sustainable choice? description: With the increased demand for sustainability, architects, specifiers and contractors worldwide are adapting their methods to adopt this thinking. Polyflor South Africa weighs in, with some information on the sustainability of vinyl flooring. image: https://info.polysales.com/hubfs/RCL3.jpg --- [![Polysales_Logo_FullColour](https://info.polysales.com/hubfs/Polysales_Logo_FullColour.png)](https://www.polysales.com/) - [WHY VINYL](https://www.polysales.com/why-vinyl/) - PRODUCTS - [PRODUCTS](https://www.polysales.com/flooring-products/) - [ROLLING REGULARS](https://www.polysales.com/rolling-regulars/) - [SOLUTIONS](https://www.polysales.com/flooring-solutions/) - [PROJECTS](https://www.polysales.com/featured-projects/) - [NEWS](https://info.polyflor.co.za/news) - [MEET THE TEAM](https://www.polysales.com/about-us/) [CONTACT](https://www.polysales.com/contact-us/) Sustainability # VINYL: a sustainable choice? With the increased demand for sustainability, architects, specifiers and contractors worldwide are adapting their methods to adopt this thinking. Polyflor South Africa weighs in, with some information on the sustainability of vinyl flooring. [Nelia Garcia](https://info.polysales.com/news/author/nelia-garcia) Oct 10, 2023 --- ## Polyflor is committed to reducing carbon emissions while also promoting social and economic responsibility. Our business model globally is guided by the Three Pillars of Sustainability, which emphasise the interconnectedness of the environment, society, and economics. THE 7-STEP SUSTAINABILITY PROCESS ### Step 1:  Sustainable Design ![Polyflor Sustainability - our seven step process](/sites/default/files/styles/media_item_uncropped/public/2023-02/Sustainability-Landing-Pages-7-STEP-Image-Step-1.png?itok=4Qs9YhUE)   ### Future Proofing Polyflor embraces technological enhancements whilst producing functional and aesthetic products which will perform for years to come. Embracing the circular economy from the outset, to minimise waste, is also crucial. ## **Step 2:** Materials ![Polyflor Sustainability - our seven step process](/sites/default/files/styles/media_item_uncropped/public/2023-07/Sustainability-Landing-Pages-7-STEP-Image-Step-2.png?itok=usIcx1J5) ## Responsible Sourcing Polyflor floor coverings contain a combination of ingredients which are clean, compliant, sustainable, and recycled. The materials we use in our flooring are responsibly sourced and audited by the most stringent of global authorities. [![Final Save Green Tick Logo Green-1](https://info.polysales.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Final%20Save%20Green%20Tick%20Logo%20Green-1.png?width=439&height=311&name=Final%20Save%20Green%20Tick%20Logo%20Green-1.png)](https://southern-african-vinyls-association.mailchimpsites.com/) ## Step 3:  Production ![Polyflor Sustainability - our seven step process](/sites/default/files/styles/media_item_uncropped/public/2023-07/Sustainability-Landing-Pages-7-STEP-Image-Step-3.png?itok=e9sde5z3)   ### Protecting Resources Our flooring is energy efficient to manufacture and minimise environmental impact and carbon emissions. We apply ‘The 3 Rs’ as we look to continuously reduce, recycle and reuse resources. Our use of renewable energy has also increased dramatically. ## Step 4: Logistics ![Polyflor Sustainability - our seven step process](/sites/default/files/styles/media_item_uncropped/public/2023-07/Sustainability-Landing-Pages-7-STEP-Image-Step-4.png?itok=nk9bLouP) ### Reducing Footprints We are responsible within the supply chain, and our floor coverings are distributed efficiently through a well managed fleet and distribution network. We recognise social and environmental impacts of all transportation, therefore adopting appropriate strategies to minimise our carbon footprint.   ## Step 5: Installation ![Polyflor Sustainability - our seven step process](/sites/default/files/styles/media_item_uncropped/public/2023-07/Sustainability-Landing-Pages-7-STEP-Image-Step-5.png?itok=L-3Q_qhA) ### Sustainable Fit Polyflor is reducing environmental impacts associated with installation through healthier adhesives, adhesive-free installation and promoting correct installation for a long-lasting, well performing vinyl floor covering.   ## Step 6: In Use ### Zero Compromise Accounting for a significant part of our flooring’s environmental impact, the "in use" phase is an important element of the life cycle, given the typical 20-25 year lifespan of most of our products. Low maintenance and low VOC, our floor coverings are fit for purpose without compromising on the environment. ![Polyflor Sustainability - our seven step process](/sites/default/files/styles/media_item_uncropped/public/2023-02/Sustainability-Landing-Pages-7-STEP-Image-Step-6.png?itok=QfK-WS6x)   ## Step 7: Closing The Loop ![Polyflor Sustainability - our seven step process](/sites/default/files/styles/media_item_uncropped/public/2023-07/Sustainability-Landing-Pages-7-STEP-Image-Step-7.png?itok=v0sJbE-2) ### Recycling Polyflor UK has been recycling their post-production waste vinyl since the 1950s and now collect and recycle post-consumer waste vinyl too. Many of our floor coverings can be reused, but if not, they are all 100% recyclable through the global, Recofloor take back scheme or other initiatives and outlets. Locally, Polyflor SA is committed to maximising recycling efforts and creating a culture of sustainability throughout the entire value chain. According to Nelia Garcia, Polyflor Commercial Sector Sales Manager and Green Building Council South Africa's Green Star Accredited Professional, "We have been actively collecting and recycling installation offcuts for several years, successfully diverting over 20,156.90kg from ending up in landfills." Garcia further explains, "We are currently piloting an innovative and groundbreaking process that will revolutionise the construction industry." ![RECYCLING LOGO](https://info.polysales.com/hs-fs/hubfs/RECYCLING%20LOGO.png?width=490&height=221&name=RECYCLING%20LOGO.png)     To access detailed information, [click](https://www.polyflor.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Sustainability-Report-2023.pdf)to download the latest [Sustainability Brochure.](https://www.polyflor.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Sustainability-Report-2023.pdf)     [Sustainability](https://info.polysales.com/news/topic/sustainability) [Vinyl Flooring ins and outs](https://info.polysales.com/news/topic/vinyl-flooring-ins-and-outs) ## Similar posts Sustainability ### [Follow our journey in sustainable flooring](https://info.polysales.com/news/follow-our-journey-in-sustainability) At Polyflor, we strive to provide world-class, environmentally sound, sustainable flooring solutions to South Africa’s industry. As the Triple Bottom... Tandy Coleman Apr 3, 2018 Ask Denver ### [How to determine the sustainability of a floor covering.](https://info.polysales.com/news/how-to-determine-the-sustainability-of-a-floor-covering) Polyflor flooring has earned SAVA's local 2022/3 GREEN TICK certification. Ongoing focus on sustainability and stringent quality and controls are key. Tandy Coleman Jun 3, 2022 Sustainability ### [\[Update\] 9 Reasons vinyl floors are environmentally responsible](https://info.polysales.com/news/update-are-vinyl-floors-environmentally-sustainable) Sustainability matters at Polyflor. Our vision is to be as carbon neutral as possible, as well as being socially and economically responsible. Nelia Garcia Aug 16, 2022 ### Get insights and trade secrets from our team of experts, straight to your inbox. We would love to share our knowledge that we’ve gained from many collective years of experience within our team. ![Polysales_Logo_FullColour](https://info.polysales.com/hubfs/Polysales_Logo_FullColour.png) Polysales, specialists in a range of quality vinyl flooring and wall protection solutions, with an extensive fit-for-purpose range, built to last.  Dependable, consistent and reliable partner, who provide ethical and responsible advice honed from years of experience.  A values driven business you can trust with your reputation. ### Contact Details - T: 011 609 3500 - F: 086 609 8131 - [E: marketing@polysales.com](https://info.polysales.com/news/marketing@polysales.com) ### Address - 8B Buwbes Road North Sebenza 1609 - P O Box 3967 Edenvale 1610 Copyright © Polysales 2025. 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