Domotex 2020

•••3••• Interview Healthy,durable and easy to maintain DIEMESSE in discussion with Feriel Saouli, Managing Director of MMFA and EPLF Ms Saouli, you represent both the MMFA as well as the EPLF and your stand can be found at Domotex in Hall 12, booth B34. What are your priorities this year? Having just taken over from my predecessor, Mr Meyer, in No- vember 2019, my personal prior- ity at Domotex is to meet as many members as possible and get to know them. From an association perspective, I would be happy if I could convert some exhibitors into members or associate mem- bers as both associations have a lot to offer to the sector as a whole. Both associations that you are representing deal with multi-layer flooring. What are the core issues of both organisations? The main issue is finding engaged members that actively contrib- ute to the activities of the asso- ciations, such as standardisation, share insights and overall, help advance the industry as a whole. Another issue is securing funding, mainly for large scale research projects, say around the circular- ity and sustainability of the sector. Having just celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2019, I would say that EPLF is a mature organisa- tion. While it represents ca. 50 per cent of the world market, 80 per cent of the European mar- ket, we still see room to grow our membership and would love for some of the important players out there to join us. MMFA on the other hand is an organisation in its teens, with products developing fast to respond to the mar- ket’s needs, so as an indus- try association, we have to keep-up the pace with the strong market development in terms of categorisation, standardisation, quality def- inition, etc. Multi-layer flooring is con- stantly in demand, especial- ly laminate flooring. What is special about this technol- ogy and for which purposes it is particular suitable? The basic difference between both types resides in the core and the resin used. Traditional lami- nate floors are on a wood-based core board, usually HDF, and the resins are thermosetting resins. MMF floors have a polymer-based core, and the resin is thermo- plastic. Laminate floors are rigid panels, not temperature sensi- tive; they were moisture sensitive however this has been improved thanks to new technologies. Vinyl floors are less rigid than laminate floors. They can be rather flexible or more rigid. Because of their thermoplastic properties, they are a bit temperature sensitive, but not moisture sensitive. Sub- floor preparation for example is more critical than for laminate floors. Both are available for resi- dential and commercial uses. The final choice will depend on the project itself (construction or ren- ovation), specific use (residential or commercial), desired look, etc. What about the ecological foot- print of laminate flooring: How sustainable is its production and how “healthy” is its use in house- holds? Laminate flooring is made of wood, a renewable raw material. It is ecologically produced with- out any addition of pesticides, or- ganic chlorine compounds or haz- ardous heavy metals. Thanks to advanced production techniques, laminate flooring has all the posi- tive environmental impact of wood products. Its environmental impact is even further reduced as thinning material from for- ests and wood waste from the sawmill industry can be used to manufacture its wood fibreboard. ISO-com- pliant life cycle assessment studies show it is a sustain- able product with extremely positive values for primary energy consumption and global warming potential. It also excels when it comes to indoor air quality assess- ment. Proof of this can be seen in evidence-based En- vironmental Product Decla- rations (EPDs). It is healthy to use in house- holds, and in public/com- mercial spaces. It is hard-wearing and durable, easy to lay or swap out extra-long or extra-wide planks, easy to maintain and can be used in any living or working area. Other features are available such as integral sound insulation, anti-static surface, edge protec- tion or special moisture protec- tion for use in bathrooms and kitchens. When choosing prod- ucts, consumers should look at products labelled with the load classes according to the Europe- an laminate flooring standard EN 13329 and the CE mark which EPLF members comply with. How about multi-layer flooring and its ecological compatibility? MMFA members are turning to ecological production processes and biobased product formula- tions, making their products free of plasticisers, heavy metals, solvents and any other harmful substances. Increasingly, various polymer plasticisers that are de- rived from renewable raw materi- als and are also biodegradable are being used for specific require- ments. The result is safe and qual- ity products which are also certi- fied by recognised ecolabels such as the Blue Angel or the ECO seal, or even international labels. Mul- ti-layer flooring is healthy to use in households but also in project flooring. It offers a wide range of decors, is light-weight so ideal for renovations, has a positive impact on room acoustics, comes in a va- riety of sizes to cater to differing needs and is scratch-resistant and abrasion-proof which makes it a long-lasting product. EPLF celebrated its 25th anniversa- ry in 2019. During this period, the European producers have become the main exporters worldwide. What are the future objectifs and challenges you have to cope with? Pro capita consumption in various countries show that some home markets are possibly reaching sat- uration, while others have a good potential for growth. Penetrating these high potential markets re- quires market data and insights, targeted and specific marketing. As an industry association, our main challenge will be to have the EPLF logo recognised as the qual- ity commitment it is beyond our usual borders and equip our mem- bers with the tools they need to showcase this. The Domotex is regarded as the performance show of the indus- try. About what innovations are you particularly curious this year? For laminate flooring, I am curi- ous to see what technological advancements exhibitors will pre- sent for water resistance in terms of technical insulation of edges and grooves, adhesive systems in- side the substrates and improved sound insulation. For MMF, I will be looking at rigid SPC, water re- sistance and alternative polymers. Laminate and multi-layer modu- lar flooring are versatile solu- tions to cover floors according to the needs – be it for residen- tial or commercial use. Laminate is an ideal covering for private rooms having “all the positive environmental impact of wood products”, says Feriel Saouli, Managing Director of European Producer of Laminate Flooring (EPLF), in particular “when it comes to indoor air quality as- sessment”. She discusses the potential of multi-layer flooring and future challenges for the in- dustry with DIEMESSE . Feriel Saouli, Managing Director of the Multilayer Modular Flooring As- sociation (MMFA) and of the Euro- pean Producers of Laminate Floor- ing (EPLF) Photo: private / David Plas Categorisation and standardisation Future challenges Robust laminate with real wood look Photo: Swiss Krono Group Laminat D4725 Mammut Plus