Unilin prevails against Vilox

Waregem, Belgium—A jury in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas ruled in favor of Unilin in a patent case against Vilox and one of Vilox’s licensees.

The March 3 decision found that products sold under a Vilox license infringed four Unilin U.S. patents. The jury also determined that Vilox willfully infringed the patents.

Because of the willful infringement ruling, the court will now determine whether additional damages should be imposed. The court could award up to three times the compensation for infringement. Both parties have the right to appeal the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

“This is an important decision for Unilin, its licensed partners and for all companies that respect intellectual property rights,” said Bart Van der Stockt, president of Unilin’s IP business. “Unilin invests heavily in the development of innovative technologies that move the flooring industry forward. We remain committed to protecting our R&D investments and supporting a fair and competitive market.”

Unilin Technologies is known for its licensing model for flooring innovations. The company developed widely used locking systems including Uniclic, Unidrop and Unipush.

The company holds nearly 4,500 patents across more than 550 patent families. In addition to technology development, Unilin provides technical services to licensees and supports collaboration across the flooring industry.

The post Unilin prevails against Vilox appeared first on Floor Covering News.

Unilin prevails against Vilox Posted First on https://fcnews.net

Shaw’s Candi Hampton receives IWBI Visionary Leadership Award

Dalton—Shaw Industries Vice President of Global Sustainability Candi Hampton received the 2025 IWBI Visionary Leadership Award from the International WELL Building Institute. The award recognizes individuals who advance health and wellbeing in the built environment through education and collaboration.

The recognition is part of IWBI’s annual Community Awards. The program honors leaders who promote people-first places designed to support occupant health and wellbeing.

“We are proud to recognize the 2025 Community Award honorees, the visionaries catalyzing a global shift toward people-first places,” said Rachel Hodgdon, president and CEO of IWBI. “These leaders are redefining their industries and shaping the future of WELL.”

Hampton leads Shaw’s sustain[HUMAN]ability strategy, which places people at the center of the company’s sustainability efforts. Nearly 90% of Shaw’s products are Cradle to Cradle Certified. The certification evaluates material health, circularity, clean air and climate protection, water and soil stewardship and social fairness.

She also serves on the IWBI Global Commission for Healthy Indoor Quality. Hampton is a changemaker with the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. The Manufacturing Institute named her a 2025 Women MAKE Awards honoree.

“Candi’s dedication to sustainability has made a profound impact on both Shaw and the broader industry,” said Shaw President and CEO Tim Baucom. “We’re proud of our legacy of leadership and the work Candi has done to build on that foundation and create a better future for our customers, associates, communities and the company.”

Hampton said the recognition reflects Shaw’s commitment to creating spaces that positively impact people.

“I’m truly honored to receive the IWBI Visionary Leadership Award and to be included alongside inspiring leaders from around the world,” she said. “At Shaw, we believe in the power of spaces and the ability of the places where we spend time to positively impact lives.”

The post Shaw’s Candi Hampton receives IWBI Visionary Leadership Award appeared first on Floor Covering News.

Shaw’s Candi Hampton receives IWBI Visionary Leadership Award Posted First on https://fcnews.net

Modern Estimates partners with Flooring Stores United

Edmonds, Wash.—Modern Estimates, creator of the AI-powered estimating platform MEasure, has joined Flooring Stores United (FSU) as a preferred service provider. The partnership gives members access to a platform designed to help flooring retailers qualify shoppers and protect margins.

“FSU’s commitment to measurable value aligns with our mission to modernize the way flooring retailers across the country qualify shoppers, save money and protect their margins,” said Maksim Nazarhuk, founder and president of Modern Estimates. “Digital qualification is no longer optional. It is becoming operationally essential.”

The partnership positions FSU members at the forefront of the flooring industry’s digital shift. Consumer expectations continue to move toward instant pricing transparency. At the same time, traditional in-home estimating models are becoming more expensive and less efficient. Rising labor costs and wasted truck rolls continue to impact profitability for independent flooring retailers.

MEasure addresses these challenges with a web-based platform that allows retailers to offer branded Instant Virtual Estimates for labor and materials directly from their websites. Shoppers take a few photos and answer guided questions. Shoppers do not need to measure or have industry knowledge.

The platform’s AI processes the information and delivers structured project data to retailers before they schedule an in-home visit. The result, according to the company, is digitally qualified shoppers, fewer unnecessary site visits, improved close readiness and stronger margin control.

The post Modern Estimates partners with Flooring Stores United appeared first on Floor Covering News.

Modern Estimates partners with Flooring Stores United Posted First on https://fcnews.net

Cyncly, Inhaus partner on digital retailing

Tuscaloosa, Ala.—Cyncly, a leading global provider of software and content solutions, announced a strategic digital retailing partnership with Inhaus, a premier manufacturer known for German-engineered, sustainable flooring.

This collaboration integrates Inhaus’s full product catalog into the Cyncly Websites digital retail ecosystem, providing independent dealers with high-conversion tools including AI-driven room visualization, direct-to-consumer sample ordering, and automated digital merchandising.

By activating Inhaus’s premium collections—including the PVC-free Ceramin, water-resistant Lamdura and eco-conscious Ecolam—within Cyncly-powered websites, the company said dealers can now offer a seamless experience that spans their digital storefront and physical showrooms.

“Our partnership with Inhaus marks a milestone in our mission to connect every stage of the consumer journey, from the first click to the final installation,” said John Weller, chief innovation officer, Cyncly Flooring. “By pairing Inhaus’s sustainable, German-engineered products with our digital retailing tools, we are giving independent retailers the competitive edge they need to simplify the buying process and grow their margins.”

Key benefits for flooring retailers include:

• Enhanced room visualization: Consumers can instantly see Inhaus products in their own rooms and in retail showrooms’ visualization kiosk.
• Frictionless sampling: Integrated online sample ordering streamlines the lead-to-sale pipeline, putting physical products in customers’ hands faster. Showroom sample check out and management helps retailers keep their best samples in stock.
• Seamless manufacturer collaboration: The partnership ensures efficient fulfillment of samples and digital assets, all powered by Inhaus, reinforcing their commitment to supporting their dealer network.
• Data-driven sales: Sales teams gain visibility into a customer’s online preferences, allowing for more personalized and effective in-store consultations.

“This initiative is about using the industry’s leading technology to support the independent retailer,” said Derek Welbourn, Inhaus CEO. “By leveraging Cyncly’s digital merchandising capabilities, we ensure that our commitment to innovation and sustainability is translated clearly to the consumer, making the path to purchase as simple and transparent as possible.”

The post Cyncly, Inhaus partner on digital retailing appeared first on Floor Covering News.

Cyncly, Inhaus partner on digital retailing Posted First on https://fcnews.net

MSI expands hardwood lineup

Herringbone Wayland from the McCarran Collection

Orange, Calif.—MSI expanded its hardwood flooring lineup with the introduction of the McCarran and Kelmore collections. The engineered wood lines combine contemporary design with durability for residential and light commercial spaces.

The McCarran Collection features European white oak engineered planks designed to complement a range of interiors. The line includes 9.5-inch-wide planks up to 86 inches long as well as a 5 x 24  herringbone format for added design flexibility.

Each plank features a 7-ply core construction with a 4mm real sawn-cut veneer. A lightly wire-brushed surface and MSI’s CrystaLux Ultra finish provide texture and protection against everyday wear.

The Kelmore Collection features 7 x 48 European hardwood planks with a sliced finish that delivers consistent grain patterns and natural character. Finished with CrystaLux Ultra protection and built with a multi-ply core, the Kelmore Collection is designed for long-term performance. The line offers six color options ranging from soft blondes to rich browns.

Both collections in the new hardwood lineup designed for residential homes, multifamily developments and light commercial environments.

The post MSI expands hardwood lineup appeared first on Floor Covering News.

MSI expands hardwood lineup Posted First on https://fcnews.net

Cali launches Longboards Icons premium WPC collection

San Diego—Cali launched Longboards Icons, a premium WPC luxury vinyl collection that builds on its bestselling Longboards line. The new collection targets growing demand for thicker and more premium vinyl options.

Longboards Icons features 14mm WPC planks. The added thickness provides cushioned comfort and improved sound insulation.

The collection retains the coastal oak aesthetic of the original Longboards line. Planks measure 9 x 72. The line features embossed-in-register wood grain and an upgraded 22-mil wear layer.

“Longboards has been one of our top sellers for years because it delivers what people actually want: beautiful durable floors at a fair price,” said Doug Jackson, CEO of Cali. “Icons takes that formula and makes it even better with improved visuals and more substantial planks. It is what the market is asking for.”

Key features include:

• 14mm WPC construction for added cushioning and sound absorption
• 22-mil wear layer for enhanced scratch protection
• 100% waterproof core for use in kitchens bathrooms and basements
• Embossed-in-register wood grain in coastal oak tones
• Click-lock installation over most subfloors without glue or nails
• 50-year residential and 15-year commercial warranty
• FloorScore certified for indoor air quality
• Coordinated trim and transitions for seamless installation

Cali said the launch positions the company to compete in the premium vinyl segment. The thicker profile addresses consumer concerns about hollow-sounding floors while maintaining waterproof performance and ease of maintenance.

The post Cali launches Longboards Icons premium WPC collection appeared first on Floor Covering News.

Cali launches Longboards Icons premium WPC collection Posted First on https://fcnews.net

New adhesives showcase meaningful innovations

Flooring adhesives are evolving toward safer, high-performance and faster-installing solutions, with an emphasis on products that reduce emissions and offer easier cleanup. New formulations focus on extreme moisture resistance, enhanced, eco-friendly, low-VOC components and integrated antimicrobial protection.

Here is a sampling of what’s happening in the adhesives market.

Bona

Bona R820 is a one-component, silane-based wood flooring adhesive that offers adhesion to a variety of surfaces. The initial bonding strength and ridge stability make it particularly suitable for engineered flooring installations with low movement. The adhesive, which is Greenguard Certified for indoor air quality, offers a long open time of up to 90 minutes and allows for easy trowel application.

Bostik

Bostik Lock H899 Optimum is a high-performance, one-component hybrid adhesive designed for resilient floor coverings in demanding environments. The improved viscosity of Lock H899 allows for easy troweling and a cleaner, less messy wet-set installation. The product is designed to resist topical moisture and temperature fluctuations, delivering reliable results in wet rooms and climate-sensitive spaces. Engineered for durability, it provides exceptional mechanical strength to handle heavy foot traffic and rolling loads in high-traffic areas such as airports, lobbies and corridors. With cure times as fast as three hours, Lock H899 Optimum supports fast-track installations without sacrificing long-term performance.

Performance Accessories

ExpressLok is a next generation, high strength, hard set adhesive engineered for demanding commercial and residential resilient flooring installations. Its fast-grab formula locks flooring in place in as little as 25 minutes, while color changing technology ensures installers never miss the critical application window. ExpressLok delivers exceptional shear strength, long-term performance and can be applied on concrete substrates as early as 28 days—making it a reliable solution for today’s accelerated construction timelines.

Engineered Floors – Xcessories

Engineered Floors’ Xcessories Adhesives and Floor Prep Systems provide a complete portfolio of high-performance, low-odor and low-VOC solutions for the most demanding commercial, institutional and heavy commercial flooring installations. The products (Pro-Tac, Pro-Tac Primer and Pro-Tac Primer+) are formulated for powerful, long-term bonds, superior moisture control and ease of application, making them the ideal choice for health-conscious projects and virtually all approved substrates.

Taylor

Resolute RT is a next-generation, single-part, moisture-cured flooring adhesive engineered for challenging environments where every minute matters. Built to dramatically reduce setup time, Resolute RT now achieves quick access for heavy rolling loads in just six hours while supporting light and heavy traffic with confidence. Its waterproof design forms an unlimited moisture vapor barrier, resists topical liquids and eliminates the need for RH, pH or MVER [moisture vapor emission rate] testing. The result is minimized downtime and a more reliable installation in the spaces that demand it most.

Roberts

Roberts 8799 Quick Bond vinyl flooring spray is a premium adhesive formulated as a quick, one-step application process for LVT/LVP, VCT and fiberglass-backed tile in residential/commercial applications. Pressure sensitive with aggressive tack and high-shear strength, the “stand and spray” installation method uses less adhesive than typical trowel applications and allows for immediate foot traffic. Roberts 8799 can be used in a double-bond installation for cushioned underlayment with resilient flooring applications.

VacuuBond

Innovative adhesive technology is seen with VacuuBond, which sticks to virtually all substrates and eliminates the mess of traditional troweled adhesives. Featured on VacuuBond LVT this preapplied “peel and press” system uses a patented beaded adhesive that activates under pressure to create an instant vacuum bond. VacuuBond performs capably under a range of temperatures.

TotalWorx Accessories

RockHold by TotalWorx Accessories is a premium, high-tack transitional adhesive designed for superior versatility and performance. It can be installed dry, semi-wet or wet and quickly firms as it cures for a secure bond. Engineered to support a range of resilient flooring solutions, LokWorx RockHold is solvent-free and delivers exceptional resistance to moisture, pH and plasticizers migration. When the flooring manufacturer’s installation guidelines permit a fully adhered, dry-to-the-touch pressure-sensitive adhesive, use RockHold to install luxury vinyl tile and plank, EVA, IXPE, XPO attached pad products and VCT.

The post New adhesives showcase meaningful innovations appeared first on Floor Covering News.

New adhesives showcase meaningful innovations Posted First on https://fcnews.net