PVC-Free Resilient Flooring: A Complete Guide to Sustainable Solutions

By: Lisa Coleman | Updated: July 2, 2025 |

PVC-free resilient flooring is revolutionizing the commercial flooring industry by combining exceptional design aesthetics with environmental responsibility. As architects, designers, and facility managers increasingly prioritize sustainability without compromising performance, PVC-free resilient flooring solutions have emerged as the gold standard for forward-thinking commercial projects.

PVC-free resilient flooring is a specific type of product that doesn’t contain polyvinyl chloride or vinyl. PVC-free resilient flooring does not contain phthalates, which can be a significant benefit to those who are concerned about the health impacts of PVC.

Benefits:

PVC-free resilient flooring is a great alternative for those who care about sustainability and want to take a holistic approach to a project. It is ideal to use PVC-free resilient flooring in hospital spaces or healthcare facilities where individuals are more sensitive to the environment, such as NICUs, intensive care units, or cancer centers.

Beyond healthcare applications, PVC-free resilient flooring excels in:

Educational environments where indoor air quality is paramount
Corporate offices pursuing LEED certification and ESG goals
Retail spaces prioritizing employee and customer wellness
Hospitality venues committed to sustainable practices

The Case for PVC-Free Resilient Flooring

The LVT market has grown substantially; however, in recent years, some leading architecture and design firms have begun to exclude PVC-based LVT products from their specifications due to concerns about sustainability. This shift reflects the growing importance of environmental responsibility in commercial design decisions.

PVC-free resilient flooring collections support multiple green building certifications:

LEED v4 credits for Building Product Disclosure & Optimization
WELL Building Standard requirements for material health
BREEAM sustainability assessments
GREENGUARD Gold certification for low chemical emissions

Cost Benefits:

Reduced maintenance requirements with no-polish finishes
Extended warranties up to 25 years for Shaw Contract products
Lower total cost of ownership through durability and easy maintenance
End-of-life value through manufacturer reclamation programs
Installation and Maintenance Excellence
Simplified Installation

Modern PVC-free resilient flooring products offer installation advantages that reduce project timelines and costs:

No acclimation time required for many products
Existing surface installation capability
Superior dimensional stability, reducing expansion/contraction issues
Multiple adhesive options for various substrate conditions

Maintenance Advantages:

No-polish maintenance protocols reduce ongoing costs
Stain and chemical resistance for easy cleaning
Scratch and wear resistance, maintaining appearance over time
UV stability, preventing color degradation

Flexco: Distinct Designs Rubber Flooring Collection

Flexco’s flagship Distinct Designs collection represents the pinnacle of PVC-free rubber flooring innovation, offering coordinated design solutions across multiple product categories with comprehensive customization capabilities.

Environmental Excellence:

100% PVC-free construction with no phthalates or harmful chemicals
Red List Free certification by the International Living Future Institute
GREENGUARD Gold certified for low chemical emissions and healthier indoor environments
USDA Certified Biobased products using rapidly renewable raw materials

Maintenance Advantages:

No coatings, finishes, or sealers required or applied
Fungal resistance in accordance with ASTM G21 standards
Simple cleaning protocols using standard commercial methods
Long-term appearance retention without refinishing requirements

Mannington Commercial: Proxy Collection

Mannington Commercial’s Proxy Collection represents the perfect marriage of environmental stewardship and commercial-grade performance, offering both wood and stone aesthetics in a comprehensive PVC-free platform. Features of the Proxy Collection include:

100% Free of PVC, Ortho-phthalates, PFAS/PFOS, Halogens, Plasticizers, and Chlorine
105% Carbon Offset Cradle to Gate for carbon-positive impact
Third-party Verified EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) and HPD (Health Product Declaration)

The Proxy Collection excels in challenging environments and features Quantum Guard Elite® Technology with:

Superior scratch and dent resistance for demanding commercial environments
20 mil wear layer for exceptional durability
Easy no-polish maintenance significantly reduces lifecycle costs
Best-in-class dimensional stability for reliable performance

Shaw Contract: Leading Innovation in PVC-Free Resilient Solutions

Shaw Contract has established itself as a pioneer in sustainable, resilient flooring with its revolutionary product lines, which prove that performance and environmental responsibility can coexist seamlessly.

EcoWorx™ Resilient: The Game-Changing Collection

Building on Shaw Contract’s 25-year legacy of sustainability innovation, EcoWorx Resilient represents a breakthrough as the first PVC-free, non-vinyl resilient flooring product that is fully recyclable. This revolutionary platform demonstrates that sustainability doesn’t require compromise.

Key Features:

100% PVC-free construction with no ortho-phthalates or plasticizers
Fully recyclable through Shaw’s re[TURN]® Reclamation Program
Low carbon footprint of just 5.21 kg CO₂e/m², significantly lower than traditional LVT
ExoGuard+® finish for superior scratch, stain, and wear resistance
25-year commercial warranty backing exceptional durability

Performance Highlights:

Bio-based polyurethane construction
ExoGuard+® advanced top-coat technology
Highest Martindale rating for scratch resistance
UV light degradation resistance
Hand sanitizer and disinfectant resistance

Patcraft: Pioneering PVC-Free Innovation

As a commercial brand of Shaw Industries, Patcraft has been at the forefront of PVC-free innovation, extending this leadership to its expanding resilient flooring portfolio with market-focused solutions for healthcare and education environments.

EcoSystem

The EcoSystem collection offers five different styles with multiple color ways. Inspired by our customers’ desire for PVC-free, resilient flooring, EcoSystem is a collection of coordinating wood-pattern planks and sheets, as well as abstract tiles and sheets. Derived from bio-based, rapidly renewable materials like canola, rapeseed, and castor oil, EcoSystem is free of ortho-phthalates, plasticizers, and solvents and is Cradle to Cradle Certified®.

Healthcare Performance Features:

Medical Stain and Chemical Resistance testing compliance
Closed, non-porous surface for easy cleaning and maintenance
Odor-neutral and virtually emission-free for sensitive environments
No-polish maintenance reducing operational disruption

ReMaterial

Looking to green chemistry to create a circular, resilient product, ReMaterial is made from polyolefin materials, including up to 25% post-consumer recycled plastic derived from products such as yogurt cups and laundry detergent containers. It is PVC-Free and “In the Loop,” meaning the products can be fully recycled through Patcraft’s re[TURN]® reclamation program, at the end of a long life span, to be turned into the material ingredients to make other EcoWorx products.

Longitude

Longitude is an innovative, resilient flooring solution offering the ultimate in dimensional stability. Constructed with a rigid mineral core combined with a durable ExoGuard+ top layer and InLine Level Edge T™ Profile, it can be installed over existing hard surfaces while hiding subfloor imperfections without telegraphing. No acclimation time is required, resulting in minimal floor preparation and reduced installation times.

Healthcare Applications:

Clinical environments requiring stringent cleaning protocols
Patient care areas prioritizing indoor air quality
High-traffic zones demanding durability without compromise

Education Environments:

Classroom spaces supporting learning and concentration
Common areas requiring easy maintenance and long-term performance
Administrative offices balancing aesthetics with functionality

Simplified Maintenance:

Low-RPM machine compatibility for resilient surfaces
No-polish maintenance protocols for appearance retention
Chemical resistance for easy cleaning and disinfection

PVC-free resilient flooring represents more than just an environmental choice—it’s a strategic decision that supports health, wellness, and performance in commercial environments. Whether specifying Flexco’s Distinct Designs collection, Mannington’s innovative Proxy Collection, Shaw Contract’s comprehensive EcoWorx platform, or Patcraft’s healthcare-focused solutions, design professionals can confidently deliver spaces that meet the highest standards for sustainability, performance, and aesthetic excellence.

As the commercial flooring industry continues to evolve, PVC-free resilient solutions stand at the forefront of innovation, demonstrating that the future of resilient flooring lies in products that are both beautiful and responsible. Ready to explore PVC-free resilient flooring solutions for your next project? Contact Continental Flooring to discover how these innovative products can elevate your space while supporting your sustainability goals.

One Call Does It All!

Many of our flooring products are available on GSA Contracts. Continental Flooring Company can help you find the right combination of materials, design, and performance features for your facility. Contact Continental Flooring Company today to explore your flooring solutions. With decades of experience and partnerships with leading manufacturers, we’re ready to help you find the best resilient floor for your space!

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