of carpet tile backings - Interface

11
Bitumen-based
backing systems
(e.g. InterfaceFLOR’s
Graphlex ® backing)
The most common type of
backing in Europe is made of a
mix of polymermodified bitumen
(PMB) with varying amounts of
limestone filler. Bitumen is a
complex hydrocarbon obtained
from the processing of crude oil.
It can be modified with polymers
to improve the backing’s
technical performance – and
extend the life of the product
– by increasing resilience and
dimensional stability. However,
the chemical processes to
make the polymers used in the
backing also use energy.
The polymer-modified bitumen
compound is mixed with
limestone filler to give the tile
weight and stability. This filler
accounts for up to 70% of the
total weight of the backing.
Limestone is an abundant
material which has a very low
environmental impact, and
the high filler content helps to
improve the backing’s overall
LCA figures as well as making
it economical to produce.
InterfaceFLOR’s Graphlex ®
bitumen-based backing systems
also have low VOC emissions
(which can affect indoor air
quality and health) and enable
superior floor hugging and
loose-lay capabilities.