Interface invests in captured carbon material innovation

Atlanta—Interface recently incorporated captured carbon in its manufacturing processes as a key raw material in an effort to store more carbon and lower the carbon footprints of its carpet tile products. This initiative is said to align with the company’s “all in” commitment to be carbon negative by 2040, as well as to repurpose former carbon offset investments into projects that accelerate carbon reduction and carbon storage.

Customers will now receive a lower carbon footprint carpet tile for their projects at no extra cost and without compromising design and performance. As an early adopter of captured carbon technology, Interface aims to create a demand for an innovation that can be used to lower the carbon impact of various end-user products across multiple industries.

Captured carbon is an innovative low-carbon raw material that avoids carbon emissions—which would otherwise be released into the air by capturing and reintegrating them into an existing raw material. This new version of the raw material performs the same as the material that Interface has used for years but has a lower carbon footprint—it locks carbon away in a closed loop and keeps it out of the atmosphere.

“Since 1996, we’ve made impressive progress to reduce our carbon impacts through product and manufacturing innovations,” said Luca Achilli, global innovation and sustainability projects director. “In fact, we’ve reduced the carbon footprint of our carpet tile portfolio by 82%. Our R&D and product development teams are constantly analyzing our supply chain processes and raw materials, looking for opportunities to make the most progress toward our carbon negative by 2040 goal. Captured carbon is an output of this innovative thinking that furthers our leadership across the commercial flooring industry.”

Over the years, Interface has worked with its supply chain to source recycled and bio-based materials to support circularity through manufacturing. Incorporating captured carbon in select regions is said to be another important step for Interface to store more carbon. Now, captured carbon, alongside recycled and bio-based materials, will be an integral part of carpet tile manufacturing processes in U.S. and Europe.

“Carbon is not only the problem—we also see it as the solution to making progress on our climate commitments,” Achilli said. “We need less carbon in the air, and more stored in our products. That’s why we’re always innovating across our flooring categories. We’ll continue to invest in new raw materials and other innovative solutions that help us avoid carbon, reduce carbon and store carbon in our own products and operations—and throughout our supply chain.”

The post Interface invests in captured carbon material innovation appeared first on Floor Covering News.

Interface invests in captured carbon material innovation Posted First on https://fcnews.net

i4F, PurChem Systems enter into exclusive technology partnership

Turnhout, Belgium—i4F has entered into a technology partnership agreement with PurChem Systems, Inc., for its patented technologies, including SilentTouch and OneLayer. These provide significant advantages over traditional laminate flooring as well as decorative furniture panels and greatly improve in-room acoustics. Additionally, innovative technologies make panels softer to the touch as well as fingerprint and footprint resistant. As part of the agreement, i4F obtains exclusive licensing rights to PurChem’s patented technologies.

“We’re thrilled to partner with PurChem to revolutionize the laminate market with innovations that can rival new material-based products,” said John Rietveldt, i4F’s CEO. “Consumers want the beauty of natural-looking large wood planks—without the noise and fragility. Combine that with a resilient, warm-to-the-touch, fingerprint-resistant surface and an easy-to-install system, and you have a game-changer: silent, soft-touch laminate flooring. It looks, sounds and feels like real hardwood, delivers unmatched quietness and durability, and comes at the price of premium laminate—all made from natural materials, free from plastic and PVC.”

Headquartered in Brantford, Ontario, PurChem is a Canadian company specializing in innovative, formaldehyde-free adhesives and coatings for wood-based products, including flooring, furniture and composite panels. PurChem has developed, and owns, various breakthrough technologies, including SilentTouch, OneLayer, DryCoat and FlexWood elastic panels.

SilentTouch enhances laminate surfaces to look, feel and sound like natural wood, offering a durable, noise-reducing and sustainable alternative for flooring and furniture. SilentTouch treated overlay papers are elastic, enabling HDF panels to be relaxed and stress-free as well as flexible and up to 50% thinner than traditional laminate. The patented elastomer treated paper layers also absorb room and footfall sound energy. Traditional melamine laminate surfaces amplify and reflect sound energy up to 10x more (+10 dB louder) than SilentTouch. OneLayer is an innovative coating system that simplifies production by applying a single, high-performance layer to surfaces, enhancing durability, aesthetics and efficiency while reducing material and energy use.

“We are 100% focused on the wood-based products market, and with flooring representing a substantial part of that industry, we believe a partnership with i4F, with its broad reach, will expand accessibility to these technologies,” said Robert Clausi, founder and owner of PurChem Systems. “Laminate has long been an essential part of the flooring industry, but while SPC and WPC have evolved rapidly, laminate has remained stagnant. Our new technologies with elastic resins set a new standard versus traditional melamine surfaces, delivering unparalleled performance while maintaining sustainability.”

The post i4F, PurChem Systems enter into exclusive technology partnership appeared first on Floor Covering News.

i4F, PurChem Systems enter into exclusive technology partnership Posted First on https://fcnews.net

New trim, moldings innovations tout elevated design

In an era where custom colors and unique finishes take center stage, the fact remains that the final details can make or break the look. A project left unfinished can feel sloppy, and today’s discerning customers expect more. Fortunately, there’s a wealth of cost-conscious yet eye-catching finishing options in trim and molding that can add that perfect touch of sophistication and completion to any installation.

Following is a glimpse of several new accessory offerings:

Durastair introduced Soft Walk at TISE 2025.

Durastair

Durastair announces the introduction of Soft Walk, which aims to enhance sound protection. Featuring 5G end locks and a Unilin lock on the long side, SoftWalk delivers proven sound reduction without compromising durability. Additionally, the company is reintroducing its acclaimed stair tread program, Durastair, which recently earned Vendor of the Year honors from Bonna. As an OEM manufacturer, Durastair offers both custom and in-house color options to meet a variety of design needs.

Küberit offers solutions for resilient, wood and ceramic flooring.

Küberit

Küberit’s expansive catalog—compatible with flooring from 2mm to 22mm, including sheet vinyl, LVT, wood, floating floors and ceramic—offers a seamless solution for any project. Easy to specify and install, its products provide durability, slip resistance and a polished finish. Küberit’s custom powder coating, now available with a rapid 7–10-day turnaround in both the U.S. and Europe, ensures tailored design options. With over 700 stocked SKUs in Florence, Ala., and 15,000 more in Germany, Küberit remains committed to quality, service and innovation.

TrueMatch was designed to provide a smooth, flush transition between the stair nose and flooring plank.

Performance Accessories

Flush Stair Noses with innovative TrueMatch, PerimeterSeal waterproofing technology and three new surface preparation products—a primer and two powder-based solutions for patching and leveling—expand Performance Accessories’ evolving lineup. It’s all about giving Mohawk retail partners and their sales teams the ability to sell the complete project, not just the flooring.

“Our surface preparation products are designed to make the installation process easier and more precise,” said Alfredo Donjuan, vice president and general manager of Performance Accessories. “With these products, installers can achieve level surfaces, resulting in a professional and high-quality finish without the guesswork of traditional troweling methods.”

Ventiques provides durable, stylish flush mount metal floor vents with new color options for 2025.

Ventiques

Style meets versatility with Ventiques’ flush mount metal floor vents. This year, the company is unveiling new color options to complement the latest flooring trends. Ventiques also offers an adjustable height register, allowing for a flawless flush mount finish across various flooring thicknesses with the use of spacers. With a commitment to both function and aesthetics, Ventiques provides solutions that enhance any interior.

Versatrim’s Keith Medick shows off the company’s new stair solutions.

Versatrim

Versatrim is enhancing its offerings with new stair solutions and installation accessories. Its latest full stair treads, available in square, edge and the new round profile, provide an exact match to customers’ flooring. The award-winning VersaFlex line now includes the L Porter stair molding, a flexible, stainable and paintable solution for curved areas.

Expanding its role as a one-stop shop, Versatrim now offers perimeter sealant tape, adhesives and installation kits—all with no minimum order requirements—delivering convenient, customizable solutions for flooring professionals.

The post New trim, moldings innovations tout elevated design appeared first on Floor Covering News.

New trim, moldings innovations tout elevated design Posted First on https://fcnews.net

From hardship to hope: FCIF supports flooring families

Dalton—When unexpected medical challenges strike, the financial burden can be overwhelming. That’s where the Floor Covering Industry Foundation (FCIF) steps in. Just ask Randi, a dedicated flooring worker who faced a cancer diagnosis and mounting bills.

Randi—a dedicated 20-year veteran of the flooring industry—was diagnosed with Stage 1 squamous cell carcinoma in 2021. Despite surgery and radiation, Randi was faced with a recurrence in 2024. As the weight of mounting medical bills grew heavier, the FCIF stepped in to help ease the burden by covering essential medical expenses during this difficult time. “Thank you to FCIF for being a hand of hope as I continue to face this battle,” Randi said.

Free FCIF webinar

To ensure more industry professionals can access this support, FCIF is hosting a free webinar: “Unlocking FCIF’s Financial Assistance.” This informative session seeks to provide insights into how flooring employees and their families can receive financial aid during medical crises.

Event details

• Register here: https://qrco.de/bfsaNd
• Date: Monday, April 21, 2025
• Time: 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. EDT
• Format: 20-minute presentation + 10-minute live Q&A

Who should attend?

• Flooring industry professionals and leaders: Learn how FCIF assistance can support you or your team
• HR professionals: Discover resources available for employees facing medical challenges.
• Industry supporters and philanthropists: Find out how you can contribute to this philanthropic cause.

The post From hardship to hope: FCIF supports flooring families appeared first on Floor Covering News.

From hardship to hope: FCIF supports flooring families Posted First on https://fcnews.net

Masters Building Products appoints Shane Calloway CEO

Shane Calloway

Sunrise, Fla.—Masters Building Products, a distributor of high-quality flooring and molding solutions, recently appointed Shane Calloway as its new chief executive officer. The appointment became effective on March 10, 2025. Calloway succeeded Juan Molina, who will continue to serve as an active member of the board.

“We are thrilled to welcome Shane Calloway to Masters Building Products,” said Andres Abad, president of Masters Building Products. “His vision and extensive industry experience align perfectly with our mission to deliver top-tier flooring, molding, outdoor and building product solutions, along with exceptional service. We are confident he will lead Masters into an exciting new chapter of growth and innovation.”

Calloway brings 28 years of experience in the flooring industry and is said to bring a proven track record of driving growth, operational excellence and customer-focused innovation.  Prior to joining Masters Building Products, he also served as president of Regal Craft—where he successfully launched a new company focused on producing OEM and private label programs for national manufacturers and regional flooring distributors.

Before Regal Craft, Calloway served as president and CEO of Swiff-Train Company, where he is said to have led strategic initiatives that expanded market reach and strengthened industry partnerships. Swiff-Train was then acquired in 2022 by UCX—formerly known as Belknap-Haines Company.

“I am honored to join Masters Building Products and excited about the opportunities ahead,” Calloway said. “The company has built a strong reputation for quality, service and innovation in the flooring and molding industry. I look forward to working with the talented team to drive further success and deliver value to our customers and partners.”

Under Calloway’s leadership, Masters Building Products said it plans to continue to pursue strategic growth initiatives, enhance its product offerings and deepen relationships with customers and suppliers.

The post Masters Building Products appoints Shane Calloway CEO appeared first on Floor Covering News.

Masters Building Products appoints Shane Calloway CEO Posted First on https://fcnews.net

Road to success: Reading your way to the top

In a market that remains ever competitive, it’s imperative for business leaders to expand their knowledge. One way to do this, according to many, is to read content that can help provide insight and tools to better both your personal and professional life.

FCNews reached out to five industry leaders to gather their top picks in books today. Here’s what they’ve read (and learned):

“Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life” by Marshall B. Rosenberg

“The book has been around awhile, but I think it’s needed now more than ever. It isn’t news to anyone that we live in a climate filled with rampant villainization and a cacophony of rage. This book was incredibly insightful and has helped me in how I communicate in work, family, extended family and public settings. It’s been particularly beneficial in reframing how I approach difficult conversations. I’m still learning, but it’s taught me better listening and communication skills. It’s a book that I still refer back to quite often. I probably need to reread it every few years just to keep those lessons intact.”

— Chris Ogden, owner, QFloors

“Nexus” by Yuval Noah Harari

“I’ve been reading everything from Yuval Harari since I first read Sapiens in 2017 and started thinking differently about the ways humans connected over time and the role that has on our identity and groups. As for “Nexus,” it evaluates the incredibly interesting role AI and other forms of non-human intelligence will play in the future of information/misinformation/disinformation. As humans divide from one centrally agreed upon truth—on a wide variety of subjects—how will we continue to relate to one another? There are tremendous applications of this question and these topics to business and personal interest.”

— AJ Warne, vice president of sales and marketing, Abraham Linc

“Can’t Hurt Me: Master your Mind and Defy the Odds” by David Goggins

“This book really inspired me to look at a negative as a positive. No matter how many times we get knocked down or the outcome isn’t what we expected, you must keep pushing forward and hit your goal. This is a book of triumph over the mind and negative life events—touching on how strong the mind is and how we can overcome our different challenges with success.”

— Typhannie Harker, owner, Carpeting by Mike

“Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care and Social Class ” by Rob Henderson

“I’ve always been attracted to real life stories that take you from strife and struggle to hope, resolve and triumph. [This book] reinforced what I already believed—that politicians and the ‘elite intelligentsia’ at our universities are out of touch and their policies don’t really help those most in need.”

— Olga Robertson, president, FCA Network

“Uncommon Greatness: Five Fundamentals to Transform your Leadership ” by Mark Miller

“I can say that the reading of the book ‘Uncommon Greatness’ has been in conjunction with the SEAL (Seeking Excellence as Leaders) leadership and certification program the WFCA offers. I am taking the course along with the other nine leaders at our company. There are five fundamentals of leadership shared in the book: See the future; engage and develop others; reinvent continuously; value results and relationships; and embody a leader’s heart. With each of these there are real life examples of people who have exemplified this in their personal life or professional careers—the best of these is Bill Campbell in his manifesto while working as the CEO of Intuit. He summarized his leadership philosophy in a few words, ‘People are the foundation of any company’s success.’ The cost [of the book] is minimal considering the lifelong impact it has on both your personal and professional life.”

— Deb DeGraaf, co-owner, DeGraaf Interiors

The post Road to success: Reading your way to the top appeared first on Floor Covering News.

Road to success: Reading your way to the top Posted First on https://fcnews.net

Tennessee representative honored as ‘friend of the tile industry’

Clemson, S.C.—The Tile Council of North America (TCNA) recently honored Tennessee sixth congressional district representative John Rose as a “friend of the U.S. tile industry.” A specially designed ceramic tile noting the designation was presented to Congressman Rose in his Washington office.

“We appreciate the important contributions made by Representative Rose in support of the many tile producers in his district, in the State of Tennessee and in the nation,” said Eric Astrachan, executive director of Tile Council of North America. “He has taken the time to get to know the manufacturing base in his district, meet the people who work there and understand their concerns. Today, more so than ever, tile producers and Tennessee clay suppliers—and the families who rely on their success, face unprecedented dumping and unfair trade practices from overseas. Representative Rose is pushing for a level playing field and we in the North American tile industry applaud his efforts.”

The congressman concurred that the ceramic market should stay available to those in the state. “Tennessee jobs are at risk due to unfair and uncompetitive trade practices in the ceramic tile market,” Rose said. “Tennessee’s manufacturers deserve a fair shake on the world stage. Foreign countries all too often subsidize and dump ceramic tile into the U.S., upending the domestic market and hemming in American manufacturers. The Department of Commerce should do the right thing and use the tools at its disposal to aggressively counteract these nefarious trade practices to protect Tennessee jobs and domestic manufacturing.”

The post Tennessee representative honored as ‘friend of the tile industry’ appeared first on Floor Covering News.

Tennessee representative honored as ‘friend of the tile industry’ Posted First on https://fcnews.net