Regupol - Human health and the Environment

Regupol: Recycled Products with Low Emissions

When selecting an acoustic underlay, we all want to choose a product with great acoustic performance and long service life. Likewise, with floorcoverings, we want to select a product according to its appearance and characteristics. However, it's important not to forget another, very important factor: emission levels. Humans spend a lot of time indoors, whether it be at home or in the workplace. The quality of the air we breathe indoors is affected by the fixtures and fittings inside a room or building, especially in areas with poor ventilation. 

Acoustic Underlay and floorcoverings generally cover large areas within an interior, and have the potential to impact significantly the quality of air we breathe. Children spend a lot of time on the floor while playing, watching TV or gaming, meaning they often come in direct contact with floor coverings. 

Avoiding floorcoverings isn't an option - we all need them. So what's the best approach to take? Well, the best thing to do, is be selective.  All floor coverings and underlays are definitely not made equal.  Invest some time researching a product's environmental and health credentials. Ask questions such as:

• Where is the product manufactured?

• What kind of tests do the products undergo? 

• What are the raw materials?

• Is it made from recycled components?

• Can it be recycled at the end of its life?

• Does the flooring contain PVC? 

Some flooring products, especially cheap varieties imported from China, can pose health risks due to toxic emissions. Some manufacturers give little regard to toxicity levels or the resulting effect on human health. Some low grade products contain toxic elements such as ethers, aromatic hydrocarbons, aldehydes, halocarbons, ketones and phenols. In addition to unacceptable levels of toxicity, strong odours are often generated by cheap underlays and floorcoverings. Even when manufactured in Australia, the use of low quality raw materials will lead to the same outcome.       

Regupol underlays and floorcoverings are made in Germany from quality, recycled materials. All products are tested at regular intervals to ensure quality standards are adhered to. All Regupol everroll® products are PVC free. At the end of their life, Regupol underlays and floorcoverings can be recycled 100% and repurposed into another product.   

If possible, don't opt for an underlay or floorcovering purely on price or appearance. Also consider the product's health and environmental credentials. With the rise in conditions such as asthma, allergies and chemical sensitivities, it's becoming ever more important to be selective about what we place in our environment.