Recycled Materials and Responsible Manufacturing

One of the biggest sustainability challenges in the flooring industry is reducing waste and dependence on virgin materials. COREtec addresses this directly by using recycled content in many of its rigid core and backing layers. Post-industrial and post-consumer materials are reprocessed into new flooring components, reducing both landfill waste and the carbon footprint of production.

Manufacturing itself is also cleaner. COREtec’s parent company has invested in closed-loop systems designed to minimize waste and capture byproducts during production. This kind of resource efficiency keeps raw material use lower and supports the growing corporate focus on circular economy practices.

For specifiers and procurement teams, those details matter. They allow companies to include flooring in sustainability reports with confidence, supported by verifiable product data and transparency documentation like Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) or Health Product Declarations (HPDs).

GREENGUARD Gold and Healthier Indoor Air

The health of a workplace starts with the air employees breathe. That’s why GREENGUARD Gold Certification has become a gold standard across commercial interiors — especially in education, healthcare, and office environments.

COREtec floors meet GREENGUARD Gold criteria for low chemical emissions, which means they contribute less to indoor air pollutants that cause headaches, fatigue, or respiratory irritation. For building owners, that’s not just a sustainability win; it’s a wellness benefit that supports productivity and employee satisfaction.

Cleaner air also contributes to LEED Indoor Environmental Quality credits, allowing businesses to demonstrate that their material choices promote occupant well-being. It’s a reminder that sustainability is about people as much as the planet.

VOC Compliance and Material Safety

Beyond third-party certifications, COREtec’s products are tested for VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) compliance under some of the strictest standards in the country. They meet or exceed California Section 01350 and CARB Phase 2 requirements, both benchmarks for low emissions in building materials.

The benefits extend into installation. Because most COREtec products are floating floors, they require no adhesives — eliminating another common source of airborne chemicals. That’s especially valuable for offices, clinics, and retail spaces that can’t afford prolonged shutdowns for ventilation after installation.

For businesses that prioritize occupational health and safety, these features align with internal ESG metrics and OSHA best practices without requiring any compromise in design flexibility.

Supporting LEED and Green Building Credits

Architects and designers working toward LEED certification often look for flooring that supports multiple credit categories. COREtec qualifies for points under Materials & Resources (for recycled content and supply chain transparency) and Indoor Environmental Quality (for low emissions).

These contributions can be the difference between achieving LEED Silver and reaching LEED Gold. Beyond LEED, COREtec products also support other frameworks such as WELL Building Standard and Fitwel, where occupant wellness and indoor air quality play central roles.

Commercial developers and corporate design teams appreciate how COREtec merges sustainability with practicality. There’s no trade-off between environmental goals and the timeless look of real wood or stone. The brand’s extensive visuals allow sustainable choices to also be design-driven choices.

Aligning with Broader ESG Narratives

For corporate leaders, sustainability is no longer confined to product selection — it’s a storytelling tool. Flooring may seem like a small piece of the puzzle, but it plays neatly into all three pillars of ESG:

• Environmental: Use of recycled materials, responsible manufacturing, low-VOC construction.

• Social: Healthier indoor environments and improved comfort for employees and visitors.

• Governance: Documented compliance, third-party certifications, and transparent sourcing data.

These attributes allow companies to report measurable progress toward ESG benchmarks and tell an authentic sustainability story backed by verifiable proof points.

In an era where environmental credibility matters to investors, clients, and staff alike, specifying COREtec becomes both a design decision and a reputational one.

A Smarter, Greener Business Choice

Sustainable flooring isn’t just about being eco-friendly — it’s about longevity, health, and brand trust. COREtec’s mix of recycled materials, clean air certifications, and durable construction creates a strong business case for environmentally responsible design. It lasts longer, performs better, and helps companies meet the growing expectations of sustainability-minded stakeholders.

For businesses looking to source COREtec for green-building or ESG initiatives, Carpets in Dalton offers nationwide supply and expert support. Their commercial specialists can help match the right COREtec collection to your sustainability goals — because building a greener future starts from the ground up.