Trace and evaluate recycling potential of PVC flooring in buildings

PVC flooring accounts for a significant share of plastic use in the construction sector and has great potential for secondary recycling. Nevertheless, the actual recycling rate of PVC flooring in 2018 was less than 20%, according to the national system for the separate collection and recycling of material residues from the installation of plastic floors, developed by Tarkett AB and now used by all manufacturers in the flooring industry.

To improve the sorting and recycling process of old PVC flooring it is necessary to identify where the material is in the building stock and evaluate its recycling potential. The environmental inventory that is mandatory to carry out prior to a major renovation, reconstruction and demolition contains information on the presence of PVC flooring that can be used to map the location of PVC flooring in existing buildings, and to some extent also the quality of materials if samples are taken. By combining inventory data from renovated and demolished buildings with national building registers, the presence of PVC flooring in different building types can be forecasted. Such information is crucial for demolition waste recycling companies and flooring manufacturers to improve recycling practices for PVC flooring and then use the recycled plastic materials in the new flooring production.

The project results are therefore expected to contribute to a climate-neutral supply chain with recycled PVC flooring. Dialogue will be conducted, and recommendations and guidelines will be developed for the flooring industry and the Swedish Flooring Industry's national association, GBR.