Sustainable Resin Floors
Sustainability at Arturo
The environment is at the centre of Arturo’s ethos, and resin floors are ideal for those conscientious about sustainability. Arturo works hard on sustainability throughout the company, from sourcing raw materials to producing solvent-free, low-emission products and packaging.
PLANT BASED RAW MATERIALS
Most resin floors are typically made from either epoxy or polyurethane resins which are largely derived from petroleum based chemicals. However, polyurethane resins can be derived from vegetable oils such as soybean, cottonseed and castor bean. Arturo’s range of polyurethane resins are made from castor oils from the Ricinus plant. Therefore, 85% of the ingredients for Arturo PU resins are obtained from natural, plant based raw materials. Wherever possible, Arturo sources ecological raw materials from suppliers that are also sustainably certified and accredited. For example, Arturo obtains recycled glass beads for use in slip-resistant floors which are required in areas such as commercial kitchens or wash facilities.
As sustainability is one of our most important priorities at Arturo, the company is focused on product development and constantly researches into ways to make products even more sustainable. Through innovations and new production techniques, Arturo makes things possible that previously seemed impossible.
Life Cycle Assessment
Arturo is committed to measuring and reducing the environmental impact of its products. Most Arturo products have been awarded Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) to show the life cycle assessment (LCA) of the product. An EPD is an independently verified document that allows a transparent comparison of life-cycle and environmental impact between products. The document includes the raw materials consumption and emissions from a product during its whole life cycle.
Arturo floors are durable and long-lasting, but when the floor eventually shows signs of wear or becomes tired it can be quickly repaired or over coated. The floor can be rejuvenated with a new colour or design, without the need for removal and wastage associated with other types of floor coverings. Here you can download the Arturo EPD´s.
Suitable for Green Building Certification
All Arturo products are solvent-free and many low in emmission so are safe for the installers and end clients. Arturo products are also better for the environment because they release no damaging emissions or impurities. BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), is the world’s longest established method of assessing, rating, and certifying the sustainability of new and existing buildings. Arturo resin floors are suitable for sustainable building certification such as BREEAM or LEED. Arturo continually strives to reduce emissions and remove any harmful chemicals from products. Here you can download the BREEAM confirmations.
Download here
SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING
Arturo products are manufactured in a CO2 neutral environment at an energy efficient facility. The factory is one of the most sustainable factories in the Netherlands, receiving a “score” of 8.66 from GPR Gebouw, a Dutch Green Building Rating. The premises embody the latest sustainable technology and helps offset the environmental impact from manufacturing. All Arturo products are produced in accordance with ISO 9001 quality management and ISO 14001 environmental management systems. The Eco Institute has also conducted an audit of the factory and fully certified the production process and quality.
Geothermal heating is moslty used to heat the building using a heat pump. If additional heating is required, biomass fuelled pellets can also generate heat. As a result the building and production is CO2 neutral.
Rainwater is used for flushing toilets and the air, light and temperature are sensor controlled. The taps, showers and toilets are also designed to reduce water consumption.
The sedum roof insulates, improves biodiversity and binds carbon dioxide whilst releasing oxygen.
Architect: Te Kiefte Architecten
Construction management: BBD Construction Management
Technical installation: Shops Installation Technology
Construction company: Niehof
Production advice: Ergo Design
Constructed: May 2012 - December 2013
Building size: 12,700 square metres.
