大象传媒 Scotland - 大象传媒 Scotland - Linoleum: it鈥檚 recyclable, biodegradable and hard-wearing 鈥� so why aren't we using it more on our floors?

Linoleum: it鈥檚 recyclable, biodegradable and hard-wearing 鈥� so why aren't we using it more on our floors?

Many of us are searching for ways we can make our lives a little greener.

The answer... may be right under our noses — or, rather, our feet.

Linoleum was invented in Britain in 1855 and, after rapid growth in the industry and refinement of production techniques, the small town of Kirkcaldy emerged in 1877 as the world leader in production of the flooring.

Since then, competing products entered the market and the industry declined.

However, in recent years linoleum’s fortunes have turned back around as its credentials as a ‘natural’ product have made it more attractive to eco-conscious consumers.

The 鈥渕agic鈥� of linoleum

Process workers describe what linoleum means to them.

It’s mostly made from natural materials
Linoleum has ingredients that include wood flour, rosin, ground limestone, powdered cork, pigments, jute and linseed oil.

You can recycle it
Old linoleum, including the scraps and remnants from production, can all be recycled to create new sheets of the flooring material.

It’s biodegradable
If old linoleum doesn’t get recycled and, instead, finds its way to the landfill, it will decompose without releasing harmful gasses or toxins.

Low allergens
The surface of lino does not harbour bacteria or dust mites so is a good choice for people who have allergies. It’s also popular in hospitals.

It has a long life cycle
Like in the days of your grandparents, linoleum was made to last, with a typical life cycle lasting between 25 and 40 years.

However, even if you don’t have linoleum floors, there are plenty of ‘green’ flooring options out there, like bamboo, cork, glass tiles, rubber, reclaimed hardwood, and carpets made of wool, sisal, jute, or cotton.