Tarkett awarded Platinum EcoVadis award

Solon, Ohio—Tarkett, a world leader in innovative and sustainable flooring and sports surface solutions, has been awarded the prestigious platinum medal for the 2nd year in a row by EcoVadis, a leading platform for assessing CSR (Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility) performance.

This distinction places Tarkett in the top 1% of the 130,000 companies assessed by EcoVadis across 185 countries. With an overall score of 86/100, Tarkett confirms its maturity in sustainability and social responsibility. Tarkett is therefore the only multi-product company in the flooring and sports surfaces sector to achieve this level of rating at EcoVadis.

“Recognition like the EcoVadis platinum medal validates the deep integration of sustainability into every part of our business—from transparent material sourcing to responsible manufacturing and circular product design,” said Roxane Spears, vice president of sustainability for Tarkett North America. “It’s a reminder that meaningful change requires consistency, collaboration, and a willingness to lead by example.”

The EcoVadis assessment is based on four key pillars: environment, labor and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement. With this platinum medal, Tarkett surpasses its previous score of 81/100 and strengthens its position as a pioneer in its sector. This progress is in line with the sustainability roadmap set for 2030, approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in 2023.

“Our new EcoVadis score recognizes the commitment of our teams and the maturity of our social, environmental, ethical and responsible purchasing practices,” said Arnaud Marquis, Tarkett’s chief sustainability officer. “These two levers support our transition to a low-carbon, circular economy.”

In addition to the EcoVadis certification, Tarkett has also been recognized every year since 2023 in the European Climate Leaders ranking by the Financial Times and Statista. In February 2025, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) gave Tarkett an A rating for its climate action, placing the company in the top 2% out of 24,800 assessed companies.

The post Tarkett awarded Platinum EcoVadis award appeared first on Floor Covering News.

Tarkett awarded Platinum EcoVadis award Posted First on https://fcnews.net

Beauflor energizes Metro Atlanta’s largest generating rooftop solar system

Cherry Street Energy’s system sits atop Beauflor’s manufacturing facility near Cartersville, Ga.

Cartersville, Ga.—Beauflor USA, an industry leader in flooring manufacturing, is now supporting its operations in Georgia with solar power. Beauflor recently energized Metro Atlanta’s largest solar power system by capacity, marking a significant milestone in its sustainability efforts.

“This solar installation represents our commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices while also making sound business decisions,” said Emile Coopman, continuous improvement manager. “By partnering with Cherry Street Energy, we’re reducing our environmental footprint and stabilizing our long-term energy costs, which benefits both our customers and the planet.”

The system boasts an impressive 1,040 kW capacity, surpassing the previous record-holder’s 1,034 kW system. Cherry Street’s installation will produce enough electricity annually to power over 100 homes or 77 million mobile devices. Each year, it will account for approximately 10% of

Beauflor’s energy usage and reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 920 metric tons, equivalent to 923 acres of forestland absorbing carbon.

Moreover, the solar system, constructed and maintained by Cherry Street Energy, required no upfront capital investment by Beauflor. “The system is built with plans for future expansion,” Coopman said. “This is the first step towards more renewable energy.”

Michael Chanin, Cherry Street CEO, stated: “As Georgia’s manufacturers ramp up production amid rising costs for grid energy, sophisticated operators seek ways to quickly and sustainably address their energy needs. Our core customer group seeks near-term solutions to control costs from increasing electricity demand. Cherry Street’s solution—on-site solar with no capital expense—delivers just that: reliable, affordable electricity. Simple as sunshine.”

Under a 30-year solar energy procurement agreement, Cherry Street invested $1.8 million to build the system while assuming all construction and maintenance costs. The system, with nearly 2,000 solar panels, took less than four months to complete. Beauflor purchases the generated electricity directly from Cherry Street, allowing the manufacturer to realize immediate energy savings without capital expenditure.

“This system demonstrates how far solar technology has come and why Cherry Street leads in its incorporation,” Chanin stated. “The previous record-holder for metro-Atlanta’s largest rooftop solar required over 4,000 panels. We’re using less than 2,000 to reliably generate even more power.”

The post Beauflor energizes Metro Atlanta’s largest generating rooftop solar system appeared first on Floor Covering News.

Beauflor energizes Metro Atlanta’s largest generating rooftop solar system Posted First on https://fcnews.net

Resilient trends: Looks shaping today’s hottest category

COREtec’s new additions to its Originals line were designed to meet consumers’ top demands and offer the best overall value in its 100% waterproof, kidproof, petproof portfolio. Ten new design-forward colors join the WPC collection and provide practical and essential style for budget-conscious homeowners, while offering retailers a quality product that is competitively priced, the company said.

Resilient flooring is undergoing a dynamic transformation. Once prized purely for its performance—and price—today’s resilient flooring products are pushing boundaries in design, comfort and sustainability. From the return of WPC as a core comfort solution, to the rise of longer and wider planks that deliver high-impact visuals, the category is proving it can be both stylish and practical. Add in digitally enhanced designs, eco-conscious materials and technology-driven textures and it’s simple: resilient flooring isn’t just evolving—it’s leading.

The Comeback Core

WPC flooring continues to gain traction as retailers and consumers alike rediscover its unique combination of comfort, durability and design versatility. After a period where SPC took center stage due to its rigid construction and sharp pricing, WPC is experiencing a strong resurgence—driven largely by its superior underfoot feel, sound insulation properties and ability to mask subfloor imperfections. (That and the influx of low-quality SPC that flooded the market of late.) Manufacturers are responding with refreshed visuals, longer/wider plank formats and enhanced performance features, positioning WPC as a high-value alternative in both residential and light commercial applications. As consumer demand shifts toward floors that offer both comfort and performance without sacrifice, WPC is reclaiming its role as a leader in the resilient segment.

Eco Aesthetics

As resilient flooring continues to evolve, sustainability is emerging as a driving force behind innovation. With growing consumer demand for healthier, more environmentally responsible options, manufacturers are embracing eco-friendly materials and processes—including PVC-free alternatives—to reduce their environmental footprint. This shift reflects a broader industry commitment to balancing performance and design with ecological integrity. Moving forward, sustainable practices in resilient flooring are expected to raise the bar, setting a new benchmark for quality, durability and responsible manufacturing.

Mohawk’s SolidTech R is engineered with a unique stone recycled core, replacing all PVC with 100% recycled single-use plastic. Each square foot contains the equivalent of 20 recycled water bottles. Additionally, every purchase of SolidTech R goes toward stopping ocean plastic in collaboration with Plastic Bank.

Bigger. Bolder. Better.

In resilient flooring, the trend toward longer and wider planks is transforming the aesthetic and performance of spaces across residential and commercial settings. These oversized formats offer a more seamless, expansive look that mimics high-end hardwood visuals while minimizing pattern repetition. Wider widths and extended lengths also allow for faster installation and fewer seams, enhancing both efficiency and visual appeal. As consumer tastes lean toward clean, modern design with a touch of luxury, manufacturers are responding with resilient plank formats that deliver elevated style without compromising on durability or affordability.

Form Meets Function

The WayneParc and WayneParc Reserve series from MSI offer an assortment of high-quality, worry-proof products. Some features include a naturalistic dimensional bevel, embossed-in-register texture, longer, wider planks (9 x 72) and a premium natural cork backing.

Resilient flooring design has entered a new era where cutting-edge technology meets high-end style. Thanks to advanced digital printing and embossing techniques, today’s products deliver hyper-realistic visuals that capture the texture, depth and character of natural materials like wood and stone—down to the grain, knot or veining. At the same time, bold, fashion-forward patterns and colorways are making their way into the category, allowing resilient flooring to serve as a true design statement. This blend of durability and design versatility is giving consumers more reasons than ever to choose resilient as a go-to flooring solution for both trend-savvy aesthetics and everyday performance.

The post Resilient trends: Looks shaping today’s hottest category appeared first on Floor Covering News.

Resilient trends: Looks shaping today’s hottest category Posted First on https://fcnews.net

Decocer launches Cubik tile collection

Castellón, Spain—Cubik is Decocer’s latest launch, combining the strength of geometry with the subtlety of texture to transform any space into a unique visual experience. Designed for those who seek innovation, quality and personality in their projects, this collection—available in matte and glossy finishes—offers a contemporary look that enhances the creativity of architects and interior designers.

Relief design that comes to life

Cubik’s design features a geometric relief pattern that adds depth and movement to surfaces. Its rectangular 7.5 x 30cm format and three-dimensional structure play with light and shadow, generating an immersive visual effect that enriches the walls of both residential and commercial spaces.

Cubik comes in a carefully curated palette of nine colors designed to adapt to a wide range of decorative styles. From neutral tones like Off White, Sand and Mud, to fresh and natural options like Mint, Moss and Forest, and more intense, sophisticated shades like Wine, Ash and Black. Each color is available in both matte and glossy finishes, offering designers a wide range of combinations.

Thanks to its relief and color palette, Cubik is ideal for interior wall coverings, bringing dynamism and character to kitchens, bathrooms, shared areas or commercial spaces that seek to stand out through distinctive architectural elements.

Decocer has developed Cubik by combining handcrafted techniques with advanced manufacturing processes, resulting in a product that meets high technical standards while offering a refined and contemporary aesthetic.

The post Decocer launches Cubik tile collection appeared first on Floor Covering News.

Decocer launches Cubik tile collection Posted First on https://fcnews.net

Barefoot Flooring steps out of its comfort zone

(Editor’s note: Following is the third installment of a 10-part series featuring retailers who signed on to become Mohawk Edge Store Members. This segment focuses on the myriad benefits that Edge membership provides. This installment follows Barefoot Flooring.)

Lake St. Louis, Mo.—Situated in a strip mall about 40 miles west of St. Louis lies Barefoot Flooring, a profitable floor covering dealer that has capitalized on the migration from St. Louis proper to St. Charles County. Specifically, Barefoot Flooring is located in Lake St. Louis, an upper-middle class suburb that has seen population growth from 4,000 to 90,000 over the past 18 years, which provides a healthy backdrop for success.

But it’s not just Lake St. Louis from which Barefoot draws. “We basically pull from southern Illinois almost as far as Lake of the Ozarks and then pretty much everything in between,” said owner John Modica, who has been in flooring retail for 30 years. “They may live 15 or 25 miles away, but they have no problem coming here if they think they’re getting good value.”

Barefoot Flooring’s volume today is somewhere between $5 million and $10 million. “I’m happy to say I have had growth year to year since day one,” Modica said. He’s owned the company for nearly two decades. “My bandwidth is the mid to upper-end customer who wants to spend some money and get a good product at a good value. We also do really well with the consumer who is building a home.” As such, Barefoot’s average ticket is around $9,000.

As an Edge Premier dealer, Barefoot Flooring gets first dibs on merchandisers, including this RevWood display shown here.

Modica attributes much of his success to his partnership with Mohawk, which dates back almost to the day he became sole owner in 2010. “I was a Color Center Elite retailer,” he recalled. “What attracted me back in the day was protection on proprietary products. There would be a two-month sale on a particular proprietary product, and we would take advantage of that tremendously.”

As Mohawk phased out the Color Center program and transitioned to Edge, Barefoot Flooring continued to thrive as a Premier dealer, estimating about 45% of his business today is with Mohawk.

Modica cites the advertising help as one critical advantage. “Edge Premier dealers are based on volume, so the more you do with Mohawk, the better return on investment you’re going to get as far as advertising goes,” he explained. “This year we’ve really ramped it up with Roomvo, one of Mohawk’s digital partners, just to make sure we’re taking advantage of working with Mohawk.” Modica also leans on Roomvo to ensure he is spending his advertising dollars wisely.

Another aspect of the Edge program that Modica finds beneficial is his preferential ranking on Mohawk’s dealer locator. “As a Premier dealer, when someone is searching on the Mohawk website, we are going to be toward the top,” he noted. “And the fact that Barefoot Flooring is listed as an Edge Premier dealer says to customers that we’re more aligned than some other companies.”

Modica said that when Edge dealers receive new products first, it gives them a leg up on the competition. “If I’m at convention, or they know us as an Edge dealer, we’re going to get that RevWood Premier rack ahead of everyone else. Those little time spans help.”

Natural progression to Edge store

Barefoot Flooring was one of the early adopters of the Edge Stores program, signing up at Edge Summit this past December. “I need to take advantage of what Edge offers—I like the rebates; I really like how they’ve partnered with the best vendors in the industry. There are distinct advantages of the Edge program, especially as you start doing more and more volume. And again, they’re helping me so I don’t have to spend time on the internet and advertising side. So it’s nice to have them as a partner to handle it. They know what they’re doing.”

Modica discussed some of the other benefits of being an Edge store:

1. Priority placement on the Mohawk dealer locator: Edge Store members always receive the top spot on the dealer locator.
2. Edge Experience Academy RSA training: “We have two people in that today. One is one of our best retail salesmen who’s been doing this for 30 years, and then I’ve got somebody who’s been in it for six or seven months. This RSA training is different than Mohawk University, where you learned about the technical stuff. This sales training is more of caring for the customer, finding their needs.”
3. Showroom lighting solution: “So basically you put product underneath a light and it’s going to show you how that product will look in different types of lighting environments. Do you want daylight? Do you want warm light? Do you want neutral light? Lighting changes the color of the floor.”
4. Dedicated marketing concierge: “I call my concierge whenever I have an issue. It’s nice to have one designated person. One point of contact. She’ll have the answer for me. And she also knows our business a little bit better than if you just got a random. She’s going to say, ‘John, the last time you did this, maybe you want to try this.”
5. Increased co-op: That’s probably one of their biggest advantages because it allows companies like us to try different things, like TV advertising. It’s not as big a risk because I can co-op some of it.”
6. Showroom consultants: “Right now it’s not a priority for us, but I will look into that probably within the next 12 to 14 months when I make the decision to either stay here or build a new store. If we’re going to stay here, then I will need people to lay out the showroom the way we want.”
7. The use of co-op on a visualizer kiosk: “It is just one more thing to help the consumer. There are times when I don’t have a particular sample in the store. I can go over to that kiosk and [show what something will look like in her home]. It also has the comparison feature. Do you want to go light or do you want to go dark? Then they can see it in their own home and make those determinations. And the fact it’s co-opable is very nice.”
8. Priority displays and POP kits: “I’m going to get those updates and new displays before everybody else. And if you’re going to get something first, you can advertise that particular product before the competition.”

The post Barefoot Flooring steps out of its comfort zone appeared first on Floor Covering News.

Barefoot Flooring steps out of its comfort zone Posted First on https://fcnews.net

Carpet trends run gamut from pets to patterns

For carpet, the high-end decorative trend has been a bright spot of the residential segment and will continue to lead the way, according to executives.

“Higher-end carpet has performed well because consumers with the means are prioritizing quality, comfort and style in their home investments,” said Bob Hardaway, vice president of carpet for Shaw Floors.

The luxury/decorative segment isn’t the only trend moving the needle in soft surface these days. Here are five trends worth nothing:

1. Luxury/decorative

Interest rates, inflation, economic downturns? The wealthy consumer is less impacted by these factors than the rest of the population and is willing to spend more on carpet to make a statement. “If affordability is not an issue, they are more inclined to proceed with a renovation project than a consumer who must borrow money to complete the project,” said T.M. Nuckols, president of the residential division of The Dixie Group. “And wealthy consumers appreciate higher end, luxury products.” Mills looking to seize this opportunity include Dixie’s Fabrica and Masland brands, Stanton, Couristan and Karastan. An ideal example of luxury is Karastan’s Kashmere XTRA Leap, which features a dense nylon yarn that provides ultra softness and comfort.

2. Bold patterns

Patterned carpet is a popular choice these days, offering both visual interest and practical benefits like concealing dirt and wear, which makes it particularly well-suited for active households. While patterned carpets check two of the most important boxes for homeowners—durability and stain resistance—consumers often demand that it be stylish as well. A case in point is Fabrica’s Wanderlust, a patterned tip-shear cut/loop carpet made from the company’s EnVision Nylon.

3. Pet-proof portfolios

The American Pet Products Association reported that in 2025 94 million U.S. households now own at least one pet, a significant increase from 82 million in 2023. Carpet mills know all about this market opportunity as they develop lines specifically for pets.

Shaw Floors boasts 55 products across its PetPerfect and PetPerfect+ offerings, which are positioned as ultra-durable, easy-to-clean carpet. All products come with Anso High Performance fibers, R2X stain and soil protection, ColorGuard, Lifeguard Spill-Proof technology and a 25-year limited residential warranty. The collection includes Blended Touch I and II. These carpets are created with delustered yarns and blended color to make Blended Touch one of the most sophisticated multi-colored products.

4. Indoor/outdoor rugs

The pandemic highlighted the importance of outdoor spaces as havens for recreation, socialization and overall well-being when indoor options were limited. That trend has continued post-pandemic as homeowners treat their outdoor spaces as extensions of their indoor living areas. This emphasis on outdoor living translates into higher demand for outdoor furniture and accessories, including rugs. Increasingly carpet mills are offering indoor/outdoor rugs as part of their portfolios. Among the companies in that space is Bloomsburg Carpet. Its latest Silver Creek launch, Southport, redefines outdoor carpet with a plush cut pile.

5. Solution-dyed rules the roost

Solution-dyed carpet has been in vogue in recent years, prized for its impressive resistance to fading and staining as well as its durability in high-traffic homes with pets.

It’s these attributes that give mill executives confidence that the solution-dyed process—whether polyester or nylon—will continue to resonate with retailers and their customers for years to come. Solution-dyed’s growth has been fueled by at least four factors, according to executives: increased color separation, colorfastness, innovation opportunities and environmental benefits.

Tarkett, for example, includes all carpets under its Cloud 9 solution-dyed fiber. Cloud 9 boasts a natural resistance to staining and fading, suitable for any room in the home.

The post Carpet trends run gamut from pets to patterns appeared first on Floor Covering News.

Carpet trends run gamut from pets to patterns Posted First on https://fcnews.net

Canadian hardwood suppliers look to claim their stake

Mirage, a Canadian hardwood brand synonymous with product quality and consistency, continues to earn the praises of retailers and distributors in the trade.

When it comes to the flooring industry, which relies on products made around the globe, the overall quality of a given product from a certain region doesn’t automatically equate to high performance or visual standards. However, there’s definitely something to be said about the reputation that quality-driven hardwood flooring suppliers based north of the U.S. border have rightly earned over the decades. This has provided Canadian hardwood suppliers with a tremendous opportunity to leverage their respective strengths in the market as a means to grow sales and gain market share in the process.

“We are experts in hardwood, and we cover most product needs for any installation, in any looks or price point from unfinished solid to our prefinished Tru-Balance wide engineered floors,” said Jean-Pierre Thabet, director of special projects, Mirage. “We are proudly North American and we are focused on selling in North America. We have invested in additional engineered capacity to follow the market needs in volume and also offer different thicknesses, width and lengths.”

Mirage, which continues to earn numerous industry of awards that set the benchmark for product quality, has utilized its strengths to help its customers remain profitable. “We provide a wider offering of looks, prices and platforms to cover most of our customers’ needs,” Thabet added. “We also provide a variety of customized options that fall outside our regular product offering.”

The ability to customize products to suit the needs of a particular client is also one of the main reasons why customers buy from Wickham Hardwood. “That’s our strength—made-to-order products,” said Derick Roy, director sales, U.S. and Canada. “You can plug and play any color, any finish, on any of the species that we offer. Plus, having a perfect mix of customization along with our automation, our mass manufacturing process and the balance between both of those elements, allows us to really stand out in a crowd.”

Other major Canadian hardwood suppliers are also leveraging their strengths accordingly. Mercier, for example, is capitalizing on its expertise in the area of prefinished hardwood flooring to satisfy customers and seize share at the same time.

“At Mercier our strength has always been centered around being the best prefinished product on the market from a quality and innovation standpoint,” said Wade Bondrowski, director of sales, USA. “This commitment is what has maintained Mercier’s longevity in the marketplace for 45 years. Mercier is also proud to be one of few Canadian mills that are vertically integrated, controlling our process from log to box to ensure the highest possible standards.”

Mercier, a pioneer in the field of prefinished hardwood, seeks to raise the stakes in high-performance coatings with its Generations+ finish.

The most recent example of Mercier’s prefinishing prowess, according to Bondrowski, is its new Generations+ finish. The innovation provides 10X more scratch resistance compared to the previous version of the inaugural Mercier Generations finish. On top of that, it’s also easier to clean and reduces the adherence of dirt, residues and smudges. Despite the tougher finish, the natural attributes of the wood characteristics still shine through, the company said.

While some Canadian hardwood suppliers emphasize their finishing capabilities, others focus on different aspects of their sourcing and manufacturing strategies. “At Lauzon, our complete vertical integration is our major strength,” said David Lauzon, Jr., vice president of sales and customer service. “Having one of the biggest Canadian sawmills and controlling the materials down to the timber rights, gives our customers stability in supply, consistency in quality and stability in pricing.”

How does this benefit Lauzon’s retailer and distributor partners? “Our customers want a headache-free solution,” Lauzon Jr. added. “No headaches when opening a box of wood, ease of installation and no callbacks.”

Preverco has invested millions of dollars to automate many of its manufacturing functions.

Another area where Canadian hardwood suppliers continue to excel is in the field of automation. Computerized processes and robotics not only help manufacturers address the challenge of finding skilled labor to work at the plants, but automation also helps provide greater consistency when it comes to quality controls, proponents say.

“Five years ago we switched over to automation and optimization in our factories,” said Julien Dufresne, vice president of sales and marketing at Preverco. “We now have more than 25 robots installed at the factory. As a result, we’ve been able to reduce a lot of the direct labor we were using while at the same time increase output.”

Preverco primarily utilizes the robots—which entailed a significant investment estimated to be in the millions of dollars—in various manufacturing functions of the plant, including product handling and distribution within the facility. But these are not just your run-of-the-mill automated systems. “All the expertise has been developed internally at Preverco with our IT team,” Dufresne explained. “In fact, there are others in the market reaching out to us to buy our technology.”

Beyond automation, Preverco also leverages its capabilities in other areas, namely its ability to change product formats quickly to meet customer demands. In particular, Dufresne cited the company’s signature Flex technology, which enables the creation of multiple thicknesses on a 2-ply structure. “There are very few companies that offer a similar technology—and those that have it are very limited in terms of the widths and thicknesses they can offer,” he explained. “Flex is our flagship of product that helps us differentiate our products.”

Preverco also prides itself on its ability to control virtually every facet of its operation, from start to finish. “We produce everything throughout the process,” Dufresne said. “We don’t rely on anybody else or buy materials from other manufacturers.”

The post Canadian hardwood suppliers look to claim their stake appeared first on Floor Covering News.

Canadian hardwood suppliers look to claim their stake Posted First on https://fcnews.net