New Flooring Classification Distinguishes PURLINE Flooring as Sustainable Choice
Matter Surfaces, the exclusive distributor of PURLINE in North America, says the new ASTM standard sets PURLINE apart as the ‘flooring of the future’
Matter Surfaces, the nationally recognized commercial flooring company, announces an exciting development for one of its core product lines, eco-friendly PURLINE flooring. “Following six-plus years of diligent independent research and exhaustive investigation, we are thrilled to see these two new ASTM standards formally released by the F06 resilient floor coverings committee,” says Rich Ruhlin, Chief Growth & Product Officer of Matter Surfaces. “We are proud to have been at the forefront in driving the introduction of bio-based polyurethane flooring in North America with our flagship product, PURLINE, and this standard release will dramatically accelerate the growth of this powerful new high-performance flooring category.”
SETTING A NEW STANDARD
The new classifications – Standard Specification for Heterogeneous Polyurethane Sheet Flooring and Standard Specification for Heterogeneous Polyurethane Tile or Plank Flooring – are the first ASTM resilient flooring standards in five years. It sets a benchmark for polyurethane flooring performance that— for the first time—does not reference vinyl standards, allowing PURLINE and other polyurethane flooring options to emerge from the resilient category at large as the better, greener solutions they are.
THE FLOORING OF THE FUTURE
PURLINE is a completely new type of flooring formulated from renewable, organic ingredients. Unlike LVT, it has no vinyl and no PVC. Made from plant-based materials, with FSC-certified paper and water- based inks, PURLINE is carbon neutral, Cradle 2 Cradle Silver and GreenGuard Gold certified, as well as Third Party Verified Declare LBC Compliant—making it ideal for commercial project aiming for LEED or WELL certification. PURLINE wins sustainability points for its durability, too. It’s five times more resistant to abrasion than LVT, stain-proof, and extremely easy to clean. Available in planks, tiles, and sheets, in many styles and colorways—plus TK new shades to come in 2023—PURLINE is a smart choice for architects and designers looking for a beautiful, mid-range, eco-friendly flooring for healthcare, higher education, and corporate environments.
About Matter Surfaces
Matter Surfaces was founded in 1971 as Mats Inc., a family-owned company selling entrance mats throughout the Greater Boston area. Founders Bob and Catherine Schiffmann spent the next decade building a vast portfolio of entrance solutions and strong vendor and client relationships. As the company continued to grow, Bob and Catherine’s 3 sons joined the business. Together, John, Richard and Paul opened additional warehouses and expanded the sales team across the country while diversifying their product portfolio. In the early 90s, they introduced contract flooring products – known today as the Formative Collection. Throughout the 80s and 90s, the company focused on building the world-class service organization and unmatched global planning and logistics team for which they’re known today. In 2004, they partnered with award-winning, European design house Bolon; in 2014, with PURLINE; and in 2021, with Parador Modular ONE.
