Category: News

– New Optibevel uses an in-line high-precision laser to create premium decorative bevels

– New m-SPC combines waterproof SPC performance with laminate-grade surface resilience

– Both technologies are exclusively available from i4F

DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR, SHANGHAI, CHINA, HALL 7.2, BOOTH #C15 – i4F®, a group of companies providing patents and technologies to the global flooring industry, today announced that it has extended its technology partnership with CFL Flooring. The expanded agreement adds two breakthrough innovations to i4F’s licensing portfolio: Optibevel, a new benchmark in enhanced bevel technology, and Melamine-SPC (m-SPC), a new, premium material category for flooring. Both technologies are immediately and exclusively available via an i4F license.

The new enhanced bevel technology licensed out by i4F as “Optibevel” establishes a new benchmark for enhanced bevel performance, aesthetics, and manufacturing efficiencies by using a high-precision laser to create premium, decorative bevels directly in the profiling line.

Optibevel’s in-line laser process overcomes the limitations of traditional cut, painted, and pressed bevel technologies. While conventional pressed bevels eliminate many of the drawbacks associated with cut and painted bevels, they often introduce added process complexity, height differences, material stretching and shrinking, as well as the need for new molds for each size specification. Optibevel delivers perfectly matched bevel-to-surface gloss, design, and texture with greater accuracy, improved production efficiency, and significantly more sizing flexibility. The technology easily adapts to a wide range of flooring formats, from small herringbone planks to large wall panels, and is fully compatible with SPC, WPC, LVT, and other thermoplastics.

The partnership also introduces an entirely new premium-level material category called m-SPC, which combines waterproof SPC performance with laminate-grade surface resilience. Designed for any environment, including demanding residential and commercial interiors, m-SPC also delivers enhanced resistance to scratches, stains, wear, and everyday traffic. Additionally, its flexible production approach opens new premium product development opportunities for SPC, WPC and LVT, and laminate manufacturers.

Thomas Baert, President of CFL Flooring, says, “Our industry is facing increasing margin pressure, creating a greater need for solutions that meet evolving customer demands while supporting healthy profitability across the supply chain. This is exactly what CFL continues to pursue through innovation. The industry is not served by a race to the bottom – lasting value comes from innovation and differentiation. Having worked closely with i4F for many years, we value the team’s expertise in next-generation technologies. Their global reach and strong industry network make them the obvious choice to license out these new technologies.”

i4F founder and CEO, John Rietveldt, adds, “We are proud to extend our partnership with CFL Flooring, whose latest technologies once again raise the industry’s bar. Enhanced bevel and m-SPC are both smart, commercially relevant solutions that address key demands. We believe Optibevel is the industry’s most advanced enhanced bevel technology ever. With m-SPC, the wait for a new material able to create new opportunities across multiple manufacturing platforms is over!”

 

In the news:

Floor Covering Weekly
Floor Daily

ADAIRSVILLE, GA, August 12th, 2024 — CFL Flooring (Creative Flooring Solutions), the world’s leading manufacturer of SPC and hybrid flooring products, is thrilled to announce the construction of its new manufacturing facility in North Vietnam is well underway, with first shipments due in Q4 of this year. This expansion represents a significant step in CFL’s strategy to maintain its position as the reference for diversified supply, with the Adairsville (Georgia, USA), China, and Vietnam factories serving as its main pillars.

“Spanning 750,000 sq ft, this state-of-the-art facility, once at full capacity, will drastically increase our capacity to meet the growing demand for our innovative flooring products,” said Thomas Baert, president and co-founder of CFL. “This expansion is not just a growth in size but a strategic move to benefit our partners with first-to-market innovative flooring solutions, reinforcing CFL’s leadership in the industry.”

Mr. Baert added: “Furthermore, in line with our commitment to sustainability and net zero, we are working with the industrial zone on introducing alternative energy sources to reduce our carbon footprint from manufacturing.”

The company will continue manufacturing its best-selling Atroguard waterproof laminate, Firmfit Eco-Composite Flooring, and its SPC and WPC products out of its current facilities in Vietnam. Nevertheless, the growing demand has necessitated increased capacity for more complex offerings, such as the patented Novocore Q acoustic SPC, Made-to-Last anti-scratch SPC, and pre-grouted tile solutions. This new facility is set to not only enhance CFL’s production capabilities but also establish itself as a new hub for innovation.

Tom Van Poyer, CEO, emphasized the need for diversification in light of current market dynamics. “The global landscape is fraught with uncertainties—from geopolitical tensions to economic fluctuations. Our strategic expansion in Vietnam is a proactive step towards ensuring we offer diversified, adaptable solutions to our partners and stay ahead of market trends.”

Strategically located close to the port of Haiphong, the new factory offers significant logistical advantages, facilitating faster and more efficient global distribution.

About CFL

CFL Flooring (Creative Flooring Solutions), is the largest manufacturer of SPC and other hybrid flooring products worldwide. The company is recognized globally as an innovator – committed to developing, manufacturing, and marketing sustainable, value-added flooring products. CFL employs over 3500 associates around the world including in the USA, China, Europe, and Vietnam, leveraging years of technical flooring expertise with the common vision of being the leader in flooring innovation. CFL’s extensive patent portfolio made up of hundreds of patents, granted and filed, is a core element in fulfilling this vision, thus protecting the value offered to its valued customers.

For more information, contact:

Jerome Nurenberg, CFL Marketing Director
jerome.nurenberg@cflflooring.com

Eco-Composite Flooring sets a new standard in both sustainability and performance. Composed of up to 80% organic materials, with half being recycled material, it significantly reduces the environmental impact. Beyond its green credentials, CFL’s Eco-Composite floor excels in durability, boasting up to 10 times the micro-scratch resistance compared to conventional PVC-based waterproof floors. It’s also highly resistant to staining agents. With exceptional stability, CFL’s Eco-Composite floor allows for expansive installations of up to 600m² without transition moldings, even in doorways. Meeting rigorous safety and environmental standards, this flooring solution offers enhanced performance while maintaining a commitment to sustainability, making it ideal even for commercial use.

 

 

Adairsville, Ga. 2nd November 2023 – The Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) recently concluded its annual Fall Board of Directors and Associate Member Meeting in Sarasota, FL, bringing together professionals from various sectors of the resilient flooring industry. Among the attendees was CFL Flooring’s own Barron Frith, Secretary/Treasurer for RFCI. Reflecting on the event, Frith remarked, “It’s inspiring to witness the resilience and innovation that define our industry. Together, we are shaping the future of resilient flooring.”

During the meeting, expert speakers addressed critical topics such as RFCI’s strategic deployment, economic variables, flooring industry trends, and key initiatives by the American Chemistry Council. Discussions also focused on navigating business strategy in uncertain times, reviewing regulatory issues, and examining the construction outlook. A thought panel comprising RFCI Officers tackled pivotal questions concerning the resilient industry.

The event also marked the formal introduction of the new Board Officers for 2024. Chairman Herb Upton of Shaw Industries was honored for his enduring leadership at RFCI, including his two years as Chairman. Additionally, Teresa Williford, RFCI Director of Programs and Services, was celebrated for her 15 years of exemplary service and leadership within the organization.

Former NFL star and ESPN personality Merril Hoge delivered an inspiring presentation titled “Find a Way,” drawing from his eponymous book. The meeting resonated with a sense of shared purpose and determination, setting the stage for a promising future in the resilient flooring industry.

Adairsville, 22nd June 2023 – CFL Flooring, a global leader in flooring solutions, proudly announces the recent grant of a new US patent for Ceramic with a locking system. This groundbreaking innovation marks another significant milestone in CFL Flooring’s continuous efforts to lead the flooring industry through unparalleled ingenuity and forward-thinking solutions.

The newly granted patent signifies a revolution in tile installation methods, by introducing a cutting-edge system that enhances ease of use and durability. This patented technology combines a mineral based core layer with a stone or ceramic and includes a special reinforcement layer which ensures exceptional strength and durability. One of the standout features of this groundbreaking invention is the addition of a user-friendly locking system allowing for a fast and hassle-free installation process; thus, eliminating the need for traditional methods involving mortar or glue. Homeowners, flooring contractors, and flooring enthusiasts can now enjoy the benefits of a seamless, efficient, and convenient installation experience.

“We are thrilled to announce the grant of this US patent for our Ceramic with a locking system,” said Thomas Baert, Cofounder and President of CFL Flooring. “This revolutionary technology not only simplifies the installation process but also enhances the overall durability and strength of our ceramic tiles. At CFL Flooring, we are committed to driving innovation and delivering exceptional products that exceed customer expectations.”

By obtaining this patent, CFL Flooring further expands its extensive portfolio of intellectual property rights. The company’s commitment to leading flooring innovation is exemplified through the continuous development and acquisition of groundbreaking patents. The US patent for Ceramic with a locking system is a testament to CFL Flooring’s dedication to revolutionizing the flooring industry and providing customers with cutting-edge solutions.

CFL Flooring, a renowned leader in innovative flooring solutions, proudly announces the recent grant of a new patent in the United States. This groundbreaking patent represents a significant step forward in the realm of flooring technology and adds to CFL Flooring’s already extensive portfolio.

The newly granted patent is a testament to CFL Flooring’s continuous efforts to revolutionize the industry. It encompasses an innovation in mineral-based building panels, wall panels, and flooring, introducing a range of remarkable features that surpass existing solutions. The core of this cutting-edge product is waterproof, high-strength, and entirely free from PVC, fiberglass and other plastics. Furthermore, it showcases exceptional resilience, remaining unaffected even in the face of extreme humidity and heat. The Mineral Core Boards are also compatible with the most popular locking systems, ensuring ease of installation and versatility for consumers.

“This patented technology is an important milestone to bring affordable and plastic free flooring solutions to the market, a direction that CFL is ready to embrace and lead. Focus on sustainability creating a fully recyclable product to market is a big focus of the company” Thomas Baert, coFounder and President at CFL Flooring.

CFL Flooring’s dedication to leading flooring innovation has resulted in an extensive patent portfolio, with the recent addition of the Mineral Core Boards patent further solidifying the company’s position as a pioneer in the industry. These patents demonstrate CFL Flooring’s commitment to advancing the field through research, development, and the pursuit of groundbreaking solutions that meet the evolving needs of customers worldwide.

Adairsville, GA 9th December 2022 – In order to continuously improve the sustainability of our products, CFL Flooring has undergone a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) to assess the environmental impact of a product throughout its lifecycle, from extraction of rawmaterials through its manufacturing up to its end-of-life enabling the Company to issue EDPs (Environmental Product Declarations) for its Rigid Core Floors.

 

Such analysis helps set a baseline and identify areas of potential improvement:

•  Selecting materials that respect health and the environment and with lower greenhouse gas emissions throughout its life cycle;
•  Promoting optimized use of resources in our production
•  Setting up manufacturing closer to the market (e.g. is our facility in Calhoun, USA);
•  Creating new sustainable technologies, that allow us to reduce the use of materials or improve our transportation-related GHG emissions.

 

“Sustainability within CFL is one of the utmost important objectives throughout our innovation efforts,” said Thomas Baert, President & Co-Founder of CFL. “Measuring progress and making it transparent is key to push that progress forward.”

 

“Generating the LCA data allows us to also develop Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) – transparent and objective reports that communicate how a product impacts the environment across its entire life cycle.” Says Konstantin Mishagin, CFL Director ofProduct Management and Sustainability. “We see a rapidly growing global demand for quantitative environmental information, especially in the building materials market segment, in particular because it enables our clients to earn credits for sustainable buildinglabels, such as LEED, BREEAM, DGNB and others.”

Shanghai, 15^th November 2022 – CFL Flooring has completed the Materiality Assessment in a preparation for its first, publicly available Sustainability Report.

The materiality assessment helps identify the material ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) issues and challenges for CFL – from sustainability and climate change to social responsibility and diversity, impact of these issues and challenges on company’s business and stakeholders’ expectations, advancing CFL’s long-term sustainability strategy.

We evaluate against the ISO26000:2010 CSR Guidelines, GRI Sustainability Reporting Guidelines and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board. We then compare this range of potential material topics against the corporate priorities set by the Board and our executive team, evaluating the risks and opportunities associated with each topic and their importance to our business’ bottom line.

“This is our first materiality assessment, and it will help us align our sustainability roadmap with our stakeholders”, Thomas Baert.

Barron Frith, President of CFL Flooring North America, was elected as Secretary/Treasurer for the Resilient Floor Covering Institute during the RFCI Fall Meeting at the Resort on Pelican Hill on Tuesday. Barron brings with him a breadth of expertise and experience that we’re convinced will be of huge value for the category.

 

More in the news:

https://www.floortrendsmag.com/articles/109903-cfl-president-joins-rfci-board-of-directors

https://www.fcnews.net/2022/10/barron-frith-joins-rfci/

 

The CFL team was thrilled to be recognized with the 2022 GreenStep Practice/Process Honoree award for our patented Be-Lite technology at the Dalton Golf & Country Club yesterday! Floor Covering Weekly’s GreenStep Sustainability Awards honor those in the industry making great sustainable strides among their initiatives, products, people and practices.

Be-Lite is a thermoforming technology for SPC panels that, depending on the panel’s thickness, uses up to 20% less raw materials during the panel core manufacturing process. The resulting lighter SPC panels maintain optimum performance reducing a panel’s total manufacturing raw material costs as well as decreasing transport costs significantly.
CFL has entered into a technology partnership with i4F Patents & Technologies to extend the positive impacts of this more sustainable SPC panel production to the broader flooring industry.