Monday, April 20, 2026
A significant development has emerged in the global flooring industry as CLASSEN introduces a new production process for polypropylene (PP) flooring. The innovation enables PP-based products to be manufactured at the same cost level as traditional PVC flooring for the first time. This breakthrough is expected to influence material choices across the sector.
CLASSEN has long maintained a strategic decision to avoid PVC. This approach was driven by concerns over plasticisers and stabilisers typically used in PVC products. Instead, the company focused on polypropylene, a material known for its chemical stability and clean composition. PP is free from critical additives and is fully recyclable. These features make it suitable for sustainable and circular production systems.
More than 15 years of research and development have supported this advancement. During this period, an extensive patent portfolio has been established. The company has also secured rights to production technologies involving alternative materials such as PET. Continuous innovation has been prioritised to strengthen its position in non-PVC solutions.
Despite its advantages, PP flooring faced a major limitation in the past. Costs remained significantly higher than PVC alternatives. This restricted wider adoption. That barrier has now been addressed through the newly developed process.
The production system has been optimised to improve efficiency. Investment requirements have been reduced. Scalability has been increased. Product quality remains consistent. High performance has been maintained in key areas such as dimensional stability, water resistance, and durability.
Cost parity has now been achieved. This is considered a turning point for the industry. Manufacturers may begin to reassess their material strategies. Sustainability requirements are increasing worldwide. PP offers a viable response to these demands.
The application of polypropylene is also expanding beyond flooring. It can now be used in doors, wall panels, mouldings, and stair elements. This creates new opportunities in interior design. Entire interior solutions based on a single material may become possible. Recycling processes would be simplified. Waste reduction could be improved.
A comprehensive feasibility study is currently being conducted by the company. Key factors are being evaluated. These include raw material supply, energy costs, and scalability potential. Geopolitical conditions and trade policies, including tariffs, are also being assessed.
The study aims to support global implementation. Strategic partnerships are being explored. These collaborations could accelerate the adoption of the new production technology in different markets. Regional adaptations may be required, but the core manufacturing process remains consistent.
Operational efficiencies have been achieved through streamlined workflows. Lower capital investment is required. Some production stages have been simplified. Environmental performance has also been considered. Emissions may be reduced, and material waste can be reintroduced into the production cycle.
The flooring sector is undergoing transformation. PVC has dominated the market for decades. Alternatives have struggled to compete on price. That situation is now changing.
Short sentences reflect the shift. Costs are aligned. Performance is strong. Adoption may increase.
Céline Quervel, Managing Director of Sales and Marketing at CLASSEN, stated that the company has long believed in the benefits of polypropylene. With the new production process, the economic conditions now support large-scale market adoption.
Sustainability is becoming essential. Regulatory pressures are rising. Consumer awareness is growing. PP flooring is now positioned as a practical and responsible solution. It combines environmental benefits with competitive pricing.
Further developments are expected in the coming years. Additional applications may be explored. Production processes could be refined further. The transition towards non-PVC materials is likely to accelerate.
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Tags: best wood news, Classen, flooring, polypropylene flooring, PP flooring innovation, recyclable materials flooring, sustainable flooring solutions, woodworking industry
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