The future is sustainable

Sustainable materials are playing an increasingly crucial role in our era, as the planet faces pressing environmental challenges and the need for sustainable solutions is urgent. The shift from finite, non-sustainable materials to naturally replenishable sources represents a fundamental paradigm change.

TK Timber continuously strives to offer products to the Greek market that meet these new necessities.

On the following pages, you can find information about sustainable materials in flooring.

Wood is a sustainable material

Wood is a classic example of a sustainable material, as it comes from trees that can grow back repeatedly. Its renewability is based on a well-organized cycle of growth and reforestation. Trees grow naturally, absorbing carbon dioxide, producing oxygen, and creating biomass. The central principle is sustainable forestry, which ensures that for every tree harvested, new ones are planted. In many parts of the world, strict regulations are in place for forest management, allowing for their continuous regeneration and preventing resource depletion.

Beyond its sustainability, wood offers significant environmental benefits. Its production and processing require much less energy compared to other building materials like steel, concrete, or plastic, thus reducing its energy footprint. Furthermore, at the end of its life cycle, wood is fully biodegradable, returning to the environment without polluting it. It can also be easily recycled and reused, contributing to the circular economy. Overall, the ability of trees to grow continuously, combined with sustainable management practices, makes wood an excellent example of a material that can be used indefinitely in a responsible manner.

59%
It is the contribution of forest biomass to renewable energy.

100%
timber volume increase, produced by countries that implement a rational forest management plan.

30%
Of the global forest area - a significant portion - has been designated primarily for timber production.

160 mil. hectares
are certified with FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).

320 mil. hectares
are certified with PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification)

3,7 - 4,7 bil.
Cubic meters are the forecasts for the sustainable timber supply without depleting forest resources.

Allergies?

Cork or linoleum flooring is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to mold and dust mites, making it ideal for individuals with allergies or asthma.

Why are they so important?

The significance of renewable materials stems from various factors:

Environmental Benefits The extraction and processing of non-renewable materials often lead to significant pollution, loss of biodiversity, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, renewable materials, such as wood from sustainable forestry, bamboo, hemp fibers, or bioplastics, typically have a much smaller environmental footprint. Their use contributes to waste reduction, energy savings, and limiting climate change.

The most common sustainable flooring types

Wooden flooring (from sustainably managed forests): Although wood is a natural product, its renewability depends on whether it originates from sustainably managed forests (e.g., with FSC or PEFC certification).

Cork: It comes from the bark of the cork oak tree, which isn't cut down; instead, its bark is harvested every 9-10 years, allowing the tree to regenerate.

Linoleum: A natural material produced from linseed oil, resins, wood flour, cork dust, and natural pigments. It's biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

Benefits of Sustainable Flooring

Renewable flooring offers multiple benefits. It reduces the ecological footprint and greenhouse gas emissions as it's produced from renewable resources with less energy, while wood and bamboo sequester carbon dioxide. The choice of certified products supports sustainable forestry practices, since they are biodegradable, which implies waste reduction.

They contribute to better indoor air quality, as they have low VOC emissions and often possess anti-allergenic properties (cork, linoleum). Furthermore, they are durable (bamboo, cork), offer thermal/sound insulation (cork), boast a natural aesthetic, and are easy to maintain.

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