Flooring Magazine - Feb/Mar 2024

SMART LAY HERRINGBONE

The all new innovative vinyl flooring solution for commercial and residential application. A fusion between the timeless herringbone design pattern, and the ease of installation of our well trusted 5mm vinyl plank range.

Polyflor

1800

Editor’s Note

Welcome to the February / March 2024 issue of Flooring Magazine. Inside this issue you will find our annual Adhesives Guide. This year’s guide has been designed to simplify the task of selecting the correct flooring adhesive, which as we know is crucial for ensuring the longevity, durability, appearance, and safety of the flooring installation, as well as adhering to warranty requirements and building regulations.

For our Company Profile, Philip Ashley talks to the people behind Serfloor Australia, a family-owned and operated flooring wholesale company. Whether it’s a stylish floor or a stunning feature wall, Serfloor Australia has the range to meet any design criteria. And with a host of awards under their belt this is definitely a company to watch.

If you have any industry news, company events and or new product information you would like to share please feel free to contact me directly at – michelle@elitepublishing.com.au

Until next time, enjoy your read.

Michelle Cammiade

A roadmap to sustainable PVC accreditation

The Vinyl Council of Australia’s (VCA) long-running whole-of-life PVC Stewardship Program (PSP), has undergone an alignment with the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA)recognised Best Environmental Practice (BEP) PVC 2.0 scheme to make it even easier for companies in the PVC industry to undergo their own sustainable development journey.

The PSP provides an opportunity for companies to demonstrate actions taken to progressively address all relevant environmental, health and safety issues across the supply chain within responsible and deliverable timeframes. Program commitments sit under five key themes and cover upstream supply chains, product manufacturing, energy and resource efficiency, and social responsibility, amongst others.

Unlike Best Environmental Practice PVC, the PVC Stewardship Program does not require signatories to demonstrate compliance with all relevant commitments

from the outset, but rather provides the opportunity for incremental improvement with the assistance of the VCA.

Companies reaching Excellence in Stewardship status (100% compliance) will then be well-placed to undertake the external audit and licensing process for BEP PVC certification – providing an opportunity for certified products to be listed within the GBCA Responsible Products Framework for use in Green Star projects.

Companies in the PVC industry looking to further promote the use of PVC recyclate and highlight their own role in pursuing a more circular economy can undergo the VinylCycle authentication and licensing process. The VinylCycle Label enables a claim of recycled content to be made and authenticated, that is not misleading and communicates an environmental benefit.

GECA, a well-known and trusted authority on environmental performance, conducts

the assessment of the claim through their ‘Claims Authentication’ service.

With the ever-increasing focus on environmental and social responsibility, the PVC Stewardship Program, Best Environmental Practice PVC scheme and VinylCycle Label, provide an opportunity for organisations to demonstrate meaningful sustainability-focused actions, as we work toward a greener future.

To find out more about the VCA programs, please visit www.vinyl.org.au. s

New DESSO & Patricia Urquiola Carpet Tile Collection

Step into the world of high-tech graphic softness with DESSO & Patricia Urquiola, a designer collaboration that redefines comfort, sophistication, and sustainability. Richly textured and imaginative, the design combines the tactile quality of textiles with the visual appeal of graphic patterns.

• Designer Collection

• Low circular carbon footprint

• Available in 12 distinctive colours

• Contains up to 60.7% recycled content

• Standard EcoBase backing with up to 80% recycled content

• 100% recyclable

• Cradle-To-Cradle Silver certified www.tarkett.com.au

ARDEX invests for the future with a new sustainable Oceania HQ

ARDEX Australia is near completion of a green star manufacturing regional headquarters in Kemps Creek, west of Sydney, positioning it as an Industry 4.0 building materials manufacturer for Oceania.

Oceania Regional Managing Director, Fabian Morgan, said the move underscores the company’s future-focussed sustainable vision.

“We are passionate people who are driven by innovation, responsibility, integrity and belonging. The site’s 50-year design life and targeting 6-star green rating are testament to our vision, values and plans for reinvestment back into our people, profitability and planet.”

“We’re investing now for long term, low cost production ensuring we will retain our market focused position for decades to come,” he said.

The site’s bespoke advanced manufacturing design includes a world-class 35-metrehigh powder manufacturing tower used to vertically mix raw materials efficiently. The new liquids manufacturing plant is an industry-first for its orientation and size and includes a 20-metre silo tower for storage and transfer of raw materials to the multi-level mixing plant.

“Our commitment to local manufacturing and Australian-made supply brings certainty and stability to customers.”

Other Industry 4.0 characteristics include automation, electric vehicles and forklifts, solar panel system spanning 17,000 sqm, rainwater tanks, and energy efficient lighting – targeting the site a 6 Star Green Star Design As-Built v1.3 rating and a serious contender for awards into the future.

The YARDS developed by joint-venture partners Frasers Property Industrial and Aware Real Estate is the first industrial estate in Australia to achieve a 6 Star Green Star Communities v1.1 rating from the Green Building Council of Australia, within which the ARDEX Oceania HQ resides. It includes solar installations, water harvesting and recycling, and full electrification to facilitate a seamless transition to fossil fuel-free energy sources in the future.

The ARDEX HQ site doubles the size of the company’s current research and training facilities, recognising the requirements for new and innovative building material solutions and a strong succession of future installers and applicators in the waterproofing, generation construction, flooring and tiling industries.

The location is strategic for an optimal national logistics network for the warehouse, located nearby the 24/7 Western Sydney International Airport and future Southern Link Road in the Western Sydney

Aerotropolis, close to the M4 and M7, and within Greater Western Sydney’s sought-after industrial zone, alongside Microsoft and Amazon.

ARDEX has future plans to grow local employment opportunities. According to Tanya Davies, Member for Badgerys Creek, ARDEX is clearly an organisation with strong values and best employer qualities which brings attractive employment opportunities for residents within the largest employment catchment area in Sydney.

“We’re excited to welcome ARDEX into the neighbourhood and value their integrity and responsibility towards the environment, skills and future vision.”

The $140 million investment is the single largest infrastructure investment that the intergenerational privately-owned global organisation has internally funded in its 70 years of operation. s

Room of the year competition 2024

The Room of the Year Competition is now open.

You can enter your room, installed with Godfrey Hirst, Hycraft by Godfrey Hirst, Feltex or Redbook carpet or hard flooring for a chance to win. *

Homeowners and retailer stores who have recently completed a project featuring carpet or hard flooring by Godfrey Hirst, Hycraft by Godfrey Hirst, Feltex or Redbook are invited to submit rooms that show flooring integrated into overall design.

The competition provides an opportunity to celebrate flooring as the fifth wall. As one of the largest areas in a room, the floor contributes to the overall aesthetic and ambiance of the space. This competition aims to showcase rooms with great design that effortlessly harmonise form and function, creating spaces that captivate the senses while seamlessly enhancing the practical aspects of daily living.

Godfrey Hirst’s expert judge

With an extensive career spanning over 30 years, Bree Leech is an Interior Designer renowned for her expertise in trend forecasting and styling.

A maestro in colour, Bree approaches each project with a commitment to creating aesthetically appealing and emotionally rich spaces. Her projects, marked by surprises in colour, pattern clashes, and innovative use of scale, reflect a passion for gently pushing boundaries and intuitively understanding her clients' brief.

Beyond her role as an Interior Designer, she stands as a visionary trend forecaster, shaping the contemporary landscape of Australian interiors with her forward-thinking aesthetic.

Judging criteria and awards

Entries from both Australian and New Zealand homeowners and/or the retail stores that have worked with the homeowner to complete the room are encouraged.

For the inaugural Room of the Year, we invite you to submit projects completed from 1 January 2023 through to the closing date (31 October 2024). Entrants can submit up to 10 digital images that illustrate how flooring has enhanced the room, and a brief room description and rationale of the flooring type and colour selection.

Finalists 2024 – announced at the beginning of November 2024. Prize: AU$500 for homeowners and AU$500 for their store

Consumers Choice 2024 – announced December 1st, 2024, as voted on by the public. Prize: AU$1000 for homeowners and AU$1000 for their store

Room of the year 2024 – announced December 1st, 2024, judged by Bree Leech. Prize: AU$4,000 for the successful homeowner and AU$4,000 for their store

Entries close on 31 October 2024. The finalists will be announced at the beginning of November on the Godfrey Hirst, Feltex and Redbook websites, and the winners will be revealed at the beginning of December.

*For terms and conditions and to complete the entry form visit www.godfreyhirst.com/au s

Product Update

Explore the DESSO and Patricia Urquiola carpet tile collection

Step into a world of high-tech graphic softness with the first DESSO and Patricia Urquiola collaboration. A carpet that redefines comfort, sophistication, and sustainability. Richly textured and imaginative, the designs combine the tactile quality of textiles with the visual appeal of graphic patterns. 100% recyclable, with an impressively low circular carbon footprint, this new collection is available in twelve distinctive colours.

In contemporary design and architecture, Milan-based Patricia Urquiola needs no introduction. Light-hearted and poetic yet detail-focused and pragmatic, her approach to materiality and design processes is innovative and playfully adventurous.

Urquiola knows designers can contribute to a better future for both the people and the planet. She believes that sustainability lies in innovation. The results of this dedicated ethos are imaginative, high-end designs with staying power.

Tactile Textile: A grand gesture

Taking inspiration from woven textiles, Patricia Urquiola infused this new collection with the expressive details and invitingly soft qualities of knitwear and woollens. Wanting to depart from the organic lines so abundant in interior

design nowadays, Urquiola took further cues from textiles like tweed and bouclé and opted for a decidedly graphic pattern.

Rising to three dimensions

Through masterful handling of colours in a grid like formation, Urquiola has successfully provided the floor tiles with a sense of depth. This striking visual effect gives the floor a soft and textured look— a three-dimensional appearance sure to elevate any space. The collection comprises twelve different colours, forming a spectrum of neutrals, toned-down shades and accents to choose from. The colours in the collection allow for various mixing and matching and can be installed to create different effects, suiting the diverse spatial needs.

Collaboration in creation

A successful collaboration between a designer and manufacturer needs only one thing: the two parties genuinely sharing knowledge, experience, curiosity, and the determination to create a beautiful and unexpected collection. For Urquiola, dialogue and an open exchange of ideas were fundamental in her collaboration with Tarkett. Exploring, researching, and experimenting side by side: Patricia Urquiola and the designers from Tarkett worked together closely to make this technologically advanced collection a reality.

Made to be remade

The DESSO and Patricia Urquiola collection was made to be remade. A truly circular product that was designed to be disassembled so that its components can be easily recycled into raw materials for new carpet tiles. The result: a collection that combines technical expertise with tactility and textural beauty.

Tarkett’s circular approach to carpet tiles enables them to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, a major contributor to global warming. The only carpet tile manufacturer with a closed-loop recycling system, Tarkett limit the use of virgin raw materials for new products, and avoid common, carbon-emitting options such as incineration and the landfill at product endof-life. This closed-loop system ensures that Tarkett’s carpet tiles record an impressively low circular carbon footprint – one they are continually working to shrink even further.

Explore the range at www.tarkett.com.au s

Product Update

Resilient flooring adhesives and the key sticking points

Adhesive selection is often overlooked during the planning of a new flooring installation. It's time to shift our focus to that small bucket that typically accompanies the sizable rolls or pallets to the project.

Why? The performance, longevity, and visual appeal of your floor covering hinge on that seemingly modest yet mighty layer of adhesive binding the flooring to the subfloor. In a playful twist, consider the adhesive as the ‘glue’ that orchestrates flooring installation success.

From Forbo Flooring Systems' perspective, they advocate for the use of Forbo adhesives in projects. Why? The convenience of a unified warranty covering both the floor and adhesive simplifies claim processes, involving only one party. Their in-house manufactured adhesives have undergone stringent testing with their products, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility. Detailed purchase records not only protect contractors and clients but also pave the way for smoother issue resolutions compared to projects lacking comprehensive adhesive data.

System warranties typically cover components produced or endorsed by a specific manufacturer. Beyond that, any claims would be directed to the individual adhesive manufacturer.

When considering adhesives for a project it is good practice to consider:

• Is the proposed adhesive suitable for the type of resilient floor covering, any underlay, subfloor, and environmental conditions.

• Are the trowels being used with the chosen adhesive appropriate in terms of spread rate and maintenance.

• Have the floors been adequately rolled with a heavy roller to disperse the adhesive and create an effective transfer onto the material.

• Consideration of open times and weather conditions, as deviations can result in visible trowel lines or floor coverings that bubble or imprint and take too long to dry due to trapped moisture.

• Is there a requirement for low VOC Green building-compliant adhesives with proof of purchase.

• Will the floor and adhesive system be warranted by one or two parties.

In Australia, where adhesives face challenges of high temperatures and humidity, in the NT right through to a Tasmanian winter, their resilience is put to the test. So, let's not underestimate the importance of that small bucket. It's not just about sticking things together; it's about ensuring your floor lasts the test of time in varying conditions.

Once these considerations are addressed, trust in the company behind the product becomes paramount. Picture it like buying a used car; you want a reliable dealer, not a shady character eyeing your wallet. The same applies to adhesive—ensure the company is as dependable as your favourite old car that just keeps going and when needed there is after-sales support.

For any questions or support, feel free to reach out via email at technical.au@forbo. com, visit www.forbo-flooring.com.au or call 1800 224 471. s

Product Update

The Polyflor feeling

Flooring is a quintessential aspect of a room’s décor; it is a part of the skeleton of a room. It provides form and function dictating the intentions of the rooms use. It can create beautiful synergy with bespoke furniture, accentuate a rooms space or create a calming and safe feeling. Not only this but your choice in flooring is a big determining factor in the feeling you get when you walk into a room. It’s up to you to create that ambience, that warm feeling, that eyebrow raise or that elongated scan of admiration. It is all about creating an environment you want to be in whatever the capacity.

If you are looking for calm and harmonious tones, then Classic Mystique is the perfect option for you. It retains an uncomplicated, clean architectural feel with both neutral and warm tones. Create inviting environments with its non-directional appearance, giving you the freedom customise without limitations. This range aptly suits sectors with Healthcare and Education as has no polish requirements in its maintenance.

The Expona Commercial range was created to bring forth the widest range of 80 shades across a plethora of natural and man-made materials combined with innovative modern finishes, each featuring a complementary surface texture for an authentic appearance.

Producing exclusively beautiful flooring designs was at the heart of the Expona creative development process, and with this came an appreciation for individuality and creating a corporate or brand identity through the use of a floorcovering. This understanding has led to a suite of outof-the-box design floors being included in the Expona Commercial range that are straightforward to install yet deliver on style and excellence.

From a project’s early conception to the final fruition, the experts at Polyflor can provide visuals, advise on colour combinations and product selection to reflect the attitude and lifestyle of an overall scheme. There's virtually no limit to the shapes, patterns, or imagery you can create with the help of Polyflor's design service.

Recently, Polyflor worked in conjunction with AEQ architecture and Briz Floor on a new five storey Tafe in Robina Queensland that exemplifies the pathos of Polyflor design and showcases the use of Expona Commercial, Classic Mystique Polysafe Apex. These design choices were implemented to create a more unique and inviting environment.

Product Update

Polysafe Apex is the choice when safety is at the top of your priority list. It combines the assurance of sustainable wet slip resistance with high durability for years of performance in extreme, heavy foot traffic commercial areas. Available with enhanced slip resistance, the range features a concentrated level of safety aggregates in the vinyl to ensure underfoot safety. Provides low slip potential in busy commercial kitchens and food processing areas where oil and grease are regular contaminants.

When visualising a new flooring layout for any large-scale installation, the wealth of design floors available can take on varying levels of intricacy. In some interiors the simplest solution can be the most effective. By simply combining different flooring tiles together, either with complementing or contrasting patterns and colours, a stunning result can be achieved with little effort.

Pureflor makes long term maintenance of these two ranges effortless. It’s multi-enzyme cleaning formula works up to 72 hours after application breaking down stains and odours in their basic elements of water and carbon dioxide readily integrating with the environment instead of polluting it. Pureflor Hard Surface Cleaner is now available in 5, 10 and 20L for commercial use. Even mineral build-ups fall apart when our enzymes break down the organic ‘glue’ that holds it in place.

Polyflor continues to offer flooring solutions that elevate spaces within the Health and Education sectors, with premium functional specifications that to do not compromise on design.

web www.polyflor.com.au s

Article by Philip Ashley

Serfloor Australia is all about surfaces, the essential backdrop to any successful interior design. Whether it’s a stylish floor or a stunning feature wall, Serfloor Australia has the range to meet any design criteria, and all at the best price point possible.

Serfloor specialize in distributing commercial and residential vinyl floor covering products and indoor and outdoor cladding. Serfloor is a national company and their depth of knowledge, and their impressive range of proven, industryleading products, reflect their presence in countless commercial and residential projects! Locally, Serfloor Australia distributes Australia-wide from their three warehouses in Melbourne, Victoria through a small, but highly focused team of professionals.

The Company

Serfloor Australia is a family-owned and operated flooring wholesale company servicing all states across Australia. Founded in 2009 by Sam Kaan, literally with a pallet

Inspiration with Serfloor

of flooring product, Serfloor Australia has grown to become one of the most trusted and customer-focused flooring suppliers in the country. Fifteen years ago, with many years of experience in the flooring industry, Sam saw a need in Australia for a supplier offering an innovative, quality product, supported by readily available stock and prompt service.

Today, Serfloor is expanding their team to grow their national presence, and if possible, improve their great customer service and support Australia-wide. Serfloor is not a company top heavy with office staff, in fact, currently five people handle all enquiries and dispatch, leading to lower costs and better prices. They are a closely knit team, ensuring high standards are at the core of every level of operation, meaning orders don’t get lost on someone’s desk, and everyone is aware of what needs to be done to satisfy any order.

Sezen is Serfloor’s Business Manager. She says, “We are currently building our sales team, but we are always focused on our existing, long-term customers. Some of these have been with us from the beginning and we believe in supporting their growth as well as Serfloor’s. If any issues arise, we are a business that gets it sorted out quickly. We pride ourselves with always having

Company Profile

readily available stock or having a suitable alternative if a particular product is not available.”

The Product

In the beginning, Serfloor offered a variety of traditional and industry-leading vinyl flooring solutions. This was followed with their ready to use internal wall cladding range to cater for a significant gap in the Australian market. Serfloor supplies floor and wall covering products to retail stores and flooring contractors. They are dedicated to supplying the highest quality realistic wood design products at competitive prices. Serfloor premium flooring and cladding supplies are sourced only from worldleading manufacturers, and this eliminates manufacturing defects.

Serfloor products meet the challenge of modern urban and contemporary lifestyles. Marie is warehouse manager. She said, “We

have hundreds of unique designs in both our flooring and wall cladding range. From our revolutionary engineered Hybrid Click Lock Longboard range with a 30-year residential and 15-year commercial wear warranty to our 100% water-resistant Hybrid Herringbone with Uniclic® technology, through to our Smart Lay and Glue Down products, we can supply a flooring solution for every situation. Our wall cladding range caters for both indoor and outdoor applications.”

“We pride ourselves with always having readily available stock or having a suitable alternative if a particular product is not available.”

The Commitment

Last year, Serfloor won the Australasian Timber Flooring Association (ATFA) award for ‘Hybrid and Composite Floor of the Year 2023’ flooring manufactured from long wearing limestone and PVC that brings all the benefits of vinyl flooring product specified for high-wear commercial spaces. Design tendencies most often originate in Europe and this is where Serfloor product is a step ahead of the design trend. However, Serfloor always listens to their customers and will source product that meets their design and performance requirements.

Quality is important to both retailers and customers alike, but cost is also a vital consideration for designers and specifiers. Product made to a high-quality standard, what is often referred to as ‘fit for purpose’ is a prime consideration but costs are critical in the building industry where budgets have to be met. Serfloor’s commitment is to provide a product that meets or exceeds customer requirements, at a price point that is extremely competitive, not an easy goal to achieve but one that Serfloor is committed to pursue. s

A Dream Lifestyle and Opportunity

A business of your own is a dream of many Aussies. It can be very rewarding but also, very challenging. A franchise offers a greater opportunity for success than a sole proprietorship, factoring in training, support and assistance, brand recognition and lower costs. An Andersens franchise also offers a better lifestyle.

Aaron Ball and his wife Bianca operate the Andersens franchise in Tweed Heads. Aaron has been in the flooring industry for 16 years in another group, but has recently joined the Andersens group, seeking a friendlier, more supportive environment, a better lifestyle with more flexible hours, and greater opportunities. Aaron and Bianca are supported in Tweed Heads by Tracy in admin, Josiah in sales and Khyl, their lead installer.

Tweed Heads is a coastal town at the mouth of the Tweed River in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. Tweed Heads is the northernmost town in New South Wales and is adjacent to its twin town of Coolangatta, just over the border in Queensland. Because New South Wales observes daylight saving whereas Queensland does not, in Tweed Heads it’s possible to celebrate New Year twice within an hour simply by crossing the street.

While many people in the Andersens group have many years’ experience in the flooring industry, Aaron believes this is not essential for success due to the depth of support available, not only from the group, but from other franchisees. Aaron believes a good work ethic is more important than prior knowledge. At Tweed Heads, Aaron and his

small team benefit from the solid brand recognition that is Andersens, and also the work done by the previous owners Brian and Brenda Cooper. Brian is well-known in the Andersens group, serving as group CEO for many years.

Tweed Heads is a tourist town and most of Aaron’s work is residential, with some commercial projects such as supermarkets. They supply and install as far south as Byron Bay, once the hippie capital of Australia but now home to upscale wellness retreats, north to the Gold Coast and as far west as Crystal Creek. An interesting activity is fitting out mostly vinyl flooring in small motorhomes for people traveling around Australia. In the past it was the VW Combi-van, nowadays it’s likely to be a Mercedes Sprinter, Aaron and his team will tackle any job.

While Aaron admits the Tweed Heads store is much like all the other Andersens outlets, something Andersens customers can rely on, he says, “We try our best to do a great job and do the right thing for our customers. Quality starts at our first contact and goes right through to the finished job. We go out of our way to understand our customers lifestyle and budget and provide the best solution possible whether it’s a five-year plan or their forever home.”

Spotlight on a Franchisee

“We go out of our way to understand our customers lifestyle and budget and provide the best solution possible whether it’s a five-year plan or their forever home.”

The Andersens franchise gives Aaron and Bianca time to spend with their five children, often at the beach but mostly focused on family. The business sponsors the Burleigh Bears, the local rugby league club their eldest plays for. In fact, Tweed Heads is notable as home to dozens of well-known rugby league footballers and world champion surfers. Not well known about Tweed Heads is the fact that the person considered most likely to have shot down Manfred von Richthofen (The Red Baron) during World War I, Cedric Popkin, an anti-aircraft gunner, also lived there. The town was the location of the fictional Porpoise Spit in the 1994 movie Muriel's Wedding.

Tweed Heads and surroundings are popular with tourists and people seeking an alternate lifestyle. The area abounds with National Parks; the weather and scenery are stunning and while population growth slowed in the years leading up until COVID, the area has again become extremely popular, especially as a retirement destination, with 14 separate retirement villages. Andersens group franchisees enjoy unique lifestyles and opportunities; living and working in such a fantastic location as Tweed Heads can only be described as a dream come true. s

Feature ADHESIVES GUIDE 2024

Adhesives Guide

ADHESIVES GUIDE 2024

The 2024 Flooring Adhesives Guide is designed to simplify the task of finding the right product for the job. Selecting the correct flooring adhesive is crucial for ensuring the longevity, durability, appearance, and safety of the flooring installation, as well as adhering to warranty requirements and building regulations.

Choosing the right flooring adhesive is fundamental in achieving a quality flooring installation for several reasons:

1. Compatibility: Different types of flooring materials require specific types of adhesives to ensure proper bonding. For example, the adhesive that works well with vinyl tiles may not be suitable for wood flooring. Using the wrong adhesive can lead to poor adhesion, causing the flooring to lift, shift, or even disintegrate over time.2. Durability: The right adhesive will enhance the durability of the flooring by ensuring that it remains firmly attached to the substrate under various conditions. This includes withstanding foot traffic, moisture, temperature changes, and other environmental factors that could otherwise cause the flooring to deteriorate prematurely.

3. Moisture Resistance: Certain areas, like bathrooms and kitchens, are prone to high moisture levels. Specific adhesives are designed to be moisture-resistant and are necessary in these environments to prevent water damage to both the flooring and the adhesive bond, which can lead to mould growth and flooring failure.

4. Ease of Installation: Using the appropriate adhesive can make the installation process smoother and more efficient. Some adhesives offer a longer working time, allowing for adjustments during installation, while others set quickly for rapid installations. Choosing the right one can significantly impact the ease and speed of the installation process.

5. Health and Safety: Some adhesives contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can have health implications for the installer and occupants of the building. Low-VOC or VOC-free adhesives can improve indoor air quality and are essential in environments where health concerns are a priority.

6. Aesthetics: The right adhesive ensures a smooth and uniform finish by preventing issues like unevenness, bubbling, or peeling, which can detract from the appearance of the flooring. This is particularly important for flooring options that are chosen for their aesthetic appeal.

7. Warranty and Compliance: Many flooring manufacturers specify the type of adhesive to be used with their products for the warranty to be valid. Using an incorrect adhesive can void the warranty and leave the installer or homeowner without recourse if problems arise. Compliance with building codes and regulations may also require the use of specific types of adhesives.

Adhesives Guide

CARPETS

CARPET TILES

Roberts

Roberts

Ltd

Roberts Pressure Sensitive Adhesive 656-15 Australian Flooring Supplies

Roberts 2000 Universal Flooring Adhesive R2000-15 QEP/Roberts

Roberts 2000 Universal Flooring Adhesive R2000-15 RLA Polymers Pty Ltd

Roberts 280 HT Vinyl Plank Adhesive R280-15 QEP/Roberts

Roberts 280 HT Vinyl Plank Adhesive R280-15 RLA Polymers Pty Ltd

Roberts 285 FR Universal Flooring Adhesive R285-15 QEP/Roberts

Roberts 285FR Universal Flooring Adhesive R285-15 RLA Polymers Pty Ltd

Roberts 656 Pressure Sensitive Adhesive R656-15 QEP/Roberts

Roberts 656 Pressure Sensitive Adhesive R656-15 RLA Polymers Pty Ltd

SikaBond Pressure Sensitive Adhesive S201-15 Australian Flooring Supplies

WOOD/HARDWOOD

RLA 1018 Polyurethane Adhesive - 310ml

VINYL

310ml RLA Polymers Pty Ltd

RLA SMP Timber Flooring Adhesive R1001-10 Australian Flooring Supplies

RLA SMP Timber Flooring Adhesive RL1001-15 RLA Polymers Pty Ltd

RLA Tru- Grip R60-500ml RLA Polymers Pty Ltd

SikaBond 58 Wood Floor S58-16 Australian Flooring Supplies

SikaBond T-55J Timber Flooring Adhsive ST55J-16 Australian Flooring Supplies

Adhesives Guide

Australian Flooring Supplies

CAPITOL CARPET ADHESIVE 15LT CA150-15

A low VOC water-based carpet adhesive developed for bonding a wide range of carpets and underlays. CA-150 is suitable for bonding both jute and polypropylene backed carpets in direct stick and double bond type installations. The adhesive has prolonged re-bond time and has low VOC emission levels that conforms to the Green Star building requirements.

CAPITOL PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE 15LT

PS150-15

A solvent free pressure sensitive adhesive formulated for installing PVC backed, fibre backed, cushion back carpet tiles and reinforced vinyl composition tiles. It is also highly recommended for installing laminated slab underlays used in Double-Bond carpet installation. Capitol Pressure Sensitive Adhesive can be applied to concrete substrates with moisture contents up to 85% relative humidity tested with the InSitu probe method.

CAPITOL VINYL ADHESIVE 15LT

VI150-15

A water-based multipurpose adhesive suitable for installation of dimensional stable PVC flooring – including LVT, LVP, Linoleum and sanded back sheet rubber flooring up to 4mm thick, it is also suitable for bonding textile floor coverings with all common backings. This high-performance adhesive is suitable in wet mode for LVP or semi-wet mode for sheet vinyl floor coverings.

CAPITOL HS VINYL ADHESIVE 15LT

CHSV-15

A water-based hard-set adhesive suitable for installation of dimensional stable PVC flooring – including LVT, LVP, Linoleum and sanded back sheet rubber flooring up to 4mm thick, it is also suitable for bonding textile floor coverings with all common backings. This high-performance adhesive has a good all-round balance between open time and work time.

SIKA 200 CARPET ADHESIVE 15LT

SikaBond®-200 Carpet Adhesive is a low VOC, waterbased, premium carpet adhesive developed for bonding a wide range of carpets and underlays

• High Bond Strength

• Strong Tack Build

• Low Odour

• Low VOC

• Engineered for Australian conditions

SIKA 201 PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE 15LT

SikaBond® 201 Pressure Sensitive Adhesive provides low VOC emissions and is anti-microbial, it has been developed for the installation of vinyl composition tiles. It is also suitable for the installation of Carpet Tiles and slab underlays used in the double bond carpet installation.

• Anti-microbial

• Low VOC

• Easy to spread

• Plasticiser resistance to PVC

• Spreads white, dries clear

SIKA 202 HS VINYL ADHESIVE 15LT

SikaBond® 202 Hard Set Vinyl Adhesive is a full cure hard set adhesive with Low VOC emission. It is perfect for PVC plank Luxury vinyl tiles / plank PVC Tile Sheet vinyl floor coverings

• Low VOC

• No residual tack once dried

• High bond strength

• Very high cohesive strength

• Wet phase bonding LVP

SIKA 203 UNIVERSAL VINYL ADHESIVE 15LT

SikaBond® 203 Universal Vinyl Adhesive is a water based, low VOC, high performance, multi purpose adhesive designed for various PVC and common backed textile floor coverings.

• Multi flooring types

• Low odour

• Low VOC

• Strong tack build

• Easy to trowel

• Final hard set cure

Adhesives Guide Forbo Flooring Systems Australia

611 ULTIMATE LINO PLUS

Linoleum Adhesive - A Very low VOC emission linoleum adhesive. Recognised for having the best initial grab in the market with great working time for the installation of linoleum in sheet and tiles, as well as linoleum aquajet designs, borders and cork underlay. It is resilient against roller and caster chairs ensuring long-lasting performance. This was previously the 614 Eurostar Lino Plus.

F41 LINOLEUM ADHESIVE

High-performing polymer blend and low VOC adhesive suitable for linoleum sheet, tile and plank, polyolefin acoustic foam-backed linoleum and corkment underlay, provides a strong and permanent bond for both domestic and commercial applications - Proudly Australian made.

615 EUROSTAR LINO PLUS EL

Conductive Linoleum Adhesive - A special superior acrylic dispersion adhesive for conductive linoleum with very low emissions and high initial grab, featuring an electrical resistance of <3.105 Ohm in accordance with EN 13415. Recommended for use as part of a full conductive system with copper tape.

FORBO FPS1

Pressure Sensitive Adhesive - A water-based, pressure-sensitive adhesive with low VOC emissions, anti-microbial properties and plasticizer resistance. Designed for Forbo Tessera carpet tiles and planks, Coral entrance flooring along with Flotex tiles and planks for domestic and commercial applications - Australian made.

FORBO F34

Permanent Bond Modular Vinyl Tile & Plans Adhesive - Australian made high-performing polymer blend adhesive for modular vinyl tiles and planks, offering a permanent bond. This adhesive is not only low in VOC emissions but also offers excellent resistance to plasticizers and is suitable for use on absorbent subfloor.

FORBO F54

Vinyl Sheet & Flocked Flooring Adhesive - This superior dispersion polymer blend adhesive has low VOC and is designed for the installation of commercial and domestic vinyl and Flotex sheet flooring. It is suitable for both compact and cushioned backed sheet flooring, providing a strong and permanent bond - Australian made.

641 EUROSTAR SPECIAL EL

Conductive Vinyl Adhesive - A special and superior acrylic dispersion adhesive for conductive vinyl sheets and tiles with very low emissions and high initial adhesion strength, featuring an electrical resistance of < 3.105 Ohms in accordance with EN 13415. Recommended for use as part of a full conductive system with copper tape.

creating better environments

YOUR STEPS SURE AND SAFE

Step safety flooring delivers excellence in Safety, Design and Confidence, meeting slip standards in Australia and New Zealand across diverse applications.

Coordinated designs linking R10, R11, R12 and barefoot categories. The collection ensures sustainable slip resistance and easy floor care.

Step contributes to Green Star projects as “Best Practice” with recognised initiatives from the Vinyl Council of Australia, GreenTag GreenRate Level A and a third-party verified EPD. Explore the new collection at www.forbo- ooring.com.au/step

R100

Commercial carpet adhesive

R200

Multi purpose vinyl adhesive

R656

Pressure sensitive carpet tile adhesive

High temp vinyl plank adhesive

Design & Trends

Explore the latest trend report from Godfrey Hirst to help guide your customers in selecting complementary flooring.

Haven Hues is a captivating interior design trend with a quietly familiar colour story. This trend focuses on embracing nourishing greens, warm browns, and tinted neutrals, creating a palette that speaks to the essence of wellness and draws inspiration from the great outdoors.

The paramount aspect of this trend is the use of cosy hues that evoke a sense of comfort and belonging. The chosen colours, including earthy greens and warm browns, play a crucial role in establishing an inviting atmosphere within interior spaces. These hues are carefully selected to resonate with the feeling of home.

Large fields of colour

To embody the essence of this trend, designers are encouraged to incorporate large fields of colour. These expanses of haven hues create a harmonious backdrop, setting the stage for a comforting and calming environment. This approach helps

Introducing, Haven Hues

establish a visual continuity that enhances the overall ambience of the space.

In line with the tranquil theme, the trend emphasises the incorporation of tactile natural textures. The uneven contours and hand-crafted quality of these textures contribute to an overall sense of care and craftsmanship, enhancing the homely feel.

Haven hues are key to this trend because they establish an emotional connection with the inhabitants of a space. The chosen colours and textures work together to create an environment that feels personal, comforting, and grounded. This connection to nature and the outdoors promotes a sense of well-being.

While retro references continue to be important in design, the haven hues trend introduces a subdued quality to these references. The colour palette takes inspiration from the past but shifts towards more muted and calming tones. This creates a timeless aesthetic that balances nostalgia with a contemporary sensibility.

Rust highlights

Rust serves as a key element in this trend, referencing the soft sheen of materials like matte velvet, brushed metals, and glazed surfaces. This warm and earthy tone adds depth and richness to the overall colour story, creating a harmonious blend with the other haven hues of blue and green. → 34

Captivating interior design trend with a quietly familiar colour story.

Royal Charm 480 Dusty Pink

Chateau

Design & Trends

How can you promote Haven Hues at home?

Triexta carpet effortlessly weaves into the Haven Hues colour palette, boasting a spectrum that spans the serene blues, lush greens, and delicate pinks of the trend. The high-performance fibre contributes to durability and elevates aesthetic harmony,

offering a diverse range that aligns seamlessly with Haven Hues' captivating colour story. For an elevated choice, consider the neutral shades of wool carpet, a natural fibre that provides depth, dimension and insulation to a space.

The warm, natural hues of engineered timber flooring seamlessly blend with Haven Hues, with the rich, earthy tones of the wood providing a grounding element and a canvas for vibrant and daring colour choices. For durability and peace of mind, Hybrid flooring provides an alternative option for a timber look.

By carefully incorporating large fields of colour, uneven contours, and tactile natural textures, you can create spaces that resonate with the essence of home and well-being. The subtle retro references, the use of rust as a highlight, and flooring consideration contribute to the trend's timeless and inviting appeal.

To view the full trend report, head to www.godfreyhirst.com or @godfreyhirst on Instagram. s

Design & Trends

Custom wool rugs with @thefrenchfolk

Feltex Carpets is excited to collaborate with renowned social media influencer Margaux Follis, widely known as @thefrenchfolk. The result? A breathtaking designer wool rug crafted from luxurious Opulent Weave, seamlessly fusing Feltex's rich heritage in carpet manufacturing with Margaux's discerning sense of style.

Margaux Follis expressed her excitement about the collaboration, stating:

"I had no idea you could make custom rugs out of lush carpets until Feltex Carpets reached out to collaborate with me to create one. It looks so perfect in this space and the quality is absolutely insane" Margaux Follis@thefrenchfolk

When asked to select one of the eight colours in Opulent Weave, Margaux found herself torn between choices. The decision became clear as soon as the complimentary samples of her three favourites arrived. She made the stylish choice to embrace the understated beauty of a neutral colour for her rug.

Above & Below: Margaux’s Living Room, featuring Opulent Weave in 10 Silk.

Feltex are promoting this service to provide customers with the option to purchase their luxurious wool carpet by customising it into perfectly sized rugs. This is also a great option for those looking to layer their hard flooring or carpets, and to elevate their interior design. s

Polivac Dual speed Suction Polisher/Scrubber(PV25TS)

Polivac High Speed Sander (SV30)

Polivac 40CM Rotary Shampooer (C27RS)

Polivac Mitchell Oscillating Sander/Scrubber (JH-G5)

Polivac Electric Shark (SKMK2)

The rising cost of insurance and what to do

Article by Nathan Ray, Director, Flooring Protect Insurance Brokers

Greetings flooring business owners. As the year hots up, so has the cost of your next Business Insurance renewal. With widespread increases on business insurances in Australia and across the world, it’s important to consider ways you can reduce the price of your next insurance renewal.

Allow me to share the following tips to help:

1. Improve your risk profile: Insurance providers use a number of factors to determine the cost of a policy, including the level of risk associated with your business. Taking steps to improve your risk profile, such as implementing safety measures, extra security features, water damage mitigation plans etc can help you negotiate better pricing on your insurance.

2. Review your coverage regularly: Businesses are constantly evolving, so it is important to review your coverage regularly to ensure it is still appropriate for your needs. Make sure you have the right coverage for your property, including any new assets or equipment, and that the value of your assets is accurately reflected in your policy.

3. Bundle your insurance: Bundling your property insurance with other types of coverage, such as liability or workers' compensation insurance, can often lead to better pricing.

4. Have a good insurance broker: A good insurance broker can help you navigate the complex world of insurance and find the best policy for your business at the best price. They have access to a variety of insurance providers

and can help you find the right coverage at the right price.

5. Raise your excess: Raising your excess can lower your insurance premium. This means you will have to pay more out of pocket if you need to file a claim, but it can save you money in the long run.

6. Review your claims history: Look at your claims history and see if there are any patterns. If you have a history of frequent claims, it may be best to address the underlying issues to reduce your risk and lower your premium.

7. Have a disaster recovery plan in place: Having a disaster recovery plan in place will show the insurance company you are proactive in protecting your business. This can help you negotiate better rates.

8. Get Flooring Industry specialised coverage: Specialised insurance coverage is tailored to the unique risks of the flooring industry, such as product liability, installation issues, product defects, legal fees. Specialised coverage can be more comprehensive and may cost less than standard policies.

To make sure you’re getting the most out of your insurance policy speak with one of Flooring Protect’s highly experienced flooring insurance brokers. Simply use the QR code below to get started. s

Window Furnishings

Maintaining window furnishings and outdoor shades

Outdoor shades and window furnishings are a stylish and practical way to enhance any home. As a leading flooring retailer in Australia, you understand the importance of not only selling high-quality products but also educating your customers on how to maintain their durability and beauty. This guide offers an essential overview of how to care for shutters, roller blinds, curtains, and outdoor shades, ensuring that they remain a long-lasting feature of your customers' homes.

A clear view to care

To keep shutters looking great, it's important to dust them regularly to prevent buildup. If you need to do a deeper cleaning, a damp cloth will do the job. It's best to avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can damage the finish. If the blades require tensioning, be careful not to over-tension, as it may void any warranties.

Roller blinds and curtains benefit from similar attention. Dusting and spot cleaning with warm soapy water keep them in top condition. Specific fabric types may have

unique care instructions, highlighting the need for professional cleaning services in some cases. Furthermore, motorised options call for periodic battery charges or continuous power connections, ensuring operational efficiency.

Above: Colourvue Roller Blinds and Curtains

Outdoor shades require more frequent maintenance as they are exposed to the natural elements. It is recommended to wash both the hardware and fabric twice a year to prevent damage. If the shades are installed in coastal areas, they may require weekly cleaning. To avoid harm to the finishes or mechanisms, it is important to use gentle cleaning methods.

Above: Weatherwell Standard Exterior Shutters

Protection is key

Avoid directly applying cleaning products to all types of materials as it can cause damage to their finish. This is particularly important for items that are exposed to high levels of moisture or outdoor conditions. Regular cleaning and maintenance should be carried out to prevent the accumulation of harmful residues.

Above: Shadesol Outdoor Shades

Knowledge is power

It is important to educate your customers about the benefits of regular maintenance for window furnishings and outdoor shades. By following these guidelines, your customers can enjoy the long-lasting beauty and functionality of their window furnishings or outdoor shades, ensuring satisfaction for years to come. Incorporating product care into your after-sales program adds to the overall customer experience.

For more information on TWO's product range, please visit two-australia.com. s

Above: Highprofile Classic Interior Shutters

Talking Point with Brett Sturgess

Article by Brett Sturgess, Managing Director, MJS

There is something very humbling and grounding when you finish a 200km charity bike ride through the back roads of Cambodia. For seven days our team of twelve peddled from the temples of Angkor Wat into the busy street of its capital Phnom Penh, delighted with our cycling achievements and the fact that together we had raised $85,000 for the life changing charity that Scott Neesen founded back in 2004-The Cambodian Children’s Fund.

Throughout the ride, on these dusty dirt roads, through its rural villages with no connectivity to the outside world you see the daily life and the very heart of the Cambodian people. A country where there are still 6 million live land mines, that continue to kill and mane it’s people each year, a byproduct of the Vietnam War and of Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge forces of the 1970’s that inflicted a genocide on its own people, killing more than 1.5 million Cambodians.

The surprising thing that struck me on the ride, was that for a country that has endured

so much, was the beautiful demeanour of its people. Still relatively poor in the material assets that we take for granted in the west, these people are so appreciative for the wealth they do have, which is the love and support they give each other within their community and their family members at home. They serve each other and for that, their happiness is apparent and overwhelming.

Flying back to Australia, it made me think about what is truly important in life. And yes, sometimes it is the things we take for granted. Our family, our friends, our community that we live in and the flooring industry that we work in. As the Chair of the FCIA I often think about the challenges our industry faces. Such as growing our professional installation and apprentice base. But then when I compare it to plight of the Cambodian people and what I have just witnessed, our industry challenges seem very achievable, as all we need to do is to come together, collaborate and have one road map for our industry moving forward.

The Australian flooring industry is made up of many families and many family companies, just like MJS, all working hard to achieve a certain outcome or more importantly a meaning full life. Whilst this is important let’s not forget the broader picture, the one of service, giving back at the right time, for the right reason, in the right way. Whilst my father had many quotes, I often recall; “A river starts with a trickle” and “Many hands make light work!” So, let’s as an industry continue to collaborate and work together as a ‘flooring community’, serving each other ultimately leaving behind a stronger, more resilient industry for all of our families next generation to enjoy.

Regarding this, for its second year in a row the FCIA is holding its annual Gala Dinner in Melbourne on the 2nd of March at the Plaza Ballroom. A night where the entire flooring industry, whether you are a member or not, from manufacturer to apprentice, is encouraged to attend, celebrate our achievements, and together identify the challenges ahead.

I look forward to welcoming you all on our night of nights! s

Seeking Trainers to teach Our future floOrING CRAFTS PeOPLe

We are hiring trainers to help train the future workforce of Australia. These roles will allow you to extend your career, give back to the industry, help lift the standards in flooring and pass on your skills and knowledge.

What you need to be aN AsSesSor

Meet the trainer – Mike Williamson

Article by Fiona Wischnewski, CEO, FCIA

Flooring veteran Mike Williamson brings expertise and mentorship to the FCIA Training Academy.

Recently the FCIA Training Academy welcomed Mike Williamson, a seasoned professional with over 43 years of experience. Originating from the United Kingdom, Mike's migration to Australia was fuelled by a desire to be closer to family, enjoy warmer weather, and savour the country's stunning landscapes.

Mike's extensive career included handson work as a flooring installer but also entrepreneurial endeavours, managing his own business. Proficient in sales, estimating, surveying, planning, and project management, Mike specialises in various flooring products, focusing on floor preparation, commercial and contract carpets, and both commercial and domestic vinyl flooring.

Reflecting on his early years, Mike revealed his attraction to the flooring trade was

drawn by the opportunity to work with his hands and the prospect of working across varied locations compared to the confines of a fixed office.

Identifying a critical issue in the flooring industry, Mike highlighted the lack of emphasis on recognised qualifications for floor layers. He raised concerns about litigation and potential health and safety risks resulting from unqualified installations amongst other issues. Mike recognises the immediate need of formal qualifications in flooring as a trade and the establishment of standardised training to ensure only qualified professionals lay floors.

Mike's transition from seasoned floor layer to trainer at FCIA was fuelled by a desire to give back to the industry. Having observed struggling learners during his own education, he felt a calling to help aspiring floor layers overcome challenges. His natural problem-solving skills positioned him as an ideal mentor, dedicated to guiding apprentices to proficiency.

Highlights of Mike's training career included positive feedback from supervisors and employers, emphasising the impact of his mentorship on apprentices' personal and professional growth. This affirmation reinforced Mike's commitment to his role as a Trainer and Assessor at FCIA.

In a piece of advice to aspiring trainers in the flooring industry, Mike encouraged those who enjoy their work and collaborating with others to give training and assessing a try. His words carried the weight of a seasoned professional who understands the value of sharing knowledge to foster the growth and excellence of future floor layers, contributing to the industry's overall development.

As Mike Williamson continues to make a positive mark within the FCIA Training Academy, his story serves as inspiration for flooring professionals in Australia looking for their next step. s

Improve your business: Get visibility on your sales process

Article by Chris Ogden

If we have established or purchased a flooring business, we have demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit. This entrepreneurial spirit likely makes us very effective salespeople. In fact, the owner will likely be the most effective salesperson in a flooring business, often by a significant margin. The value of our business is fundamentally weakened when this is the case; our business is more robust and valuable when we have a sales team that doesn’t rely on an owner.

Even when the flooring business owner has managed to extricate themselves from the responsibility of selling on a day-today basis, sales often result from good luck rather than good management. In most flooring businesses, the sales process is not transparent; we see the final sales numbers but not how we achieved them.

Salespeople believe their conversion rate is 80% or higher. As a result, some business owners will consider this to be the case. Almost invariably, it is not.

Some years ago, I talked with a client lamenting a drop in sales. When I asked about conversion rates, he told me they were converting 80-90% of their leads. When we ran the numbers, the conversion rate of his best salesperson was 35%. We can hit our sales numbers with low conversion rates when enquiry is high. When enquiry falls, our business is in peril.

We should have the same visibility and accountability in sales as in managing our stock, installations, and invoicing.

Most of us are not good at establishing and managing a sales process, so flooring salespeople very often have conversion rates of less than 50%. Often much less. Interestingly, most salespeople believe their conversion rate is 80% or higher. As a result, some business owners will consider this to be the case. Almost invariably, it is not.

Is there an easy fix to getting visibility into our sales activity? No. But the effort is worth it.

Possibly, the hardest part is establishing the sales process we want our salespeople to follow. Salespeople are not easy to manage. They have a high opinion of themselves and their value, tend to be ill-disciplined, and resist anything that would give insight into what they do daily. I should know; I’m a salesperson.

Requiring salespeople to follow a process and be accountable is a subject in itself. Regardless of your process, you can get the visibility you need on your sales activity. Insight into what is happening will help give you the impetus to make changes in your sales process;

understanding how much business you are missing out on is a galvanising experience.

A business management system such as RFMS and the RFMS CRM app will give you visibility on every sales opportunity that

comes into your business: the salesperson responsible for the lead, lead value, what stage it’s at, sample management, tasks and appointments, follow-up and outcome, and a sales dashboard.

Sales is the engine room of our business; when it stalls, our business stalls. In my experience, the most significant change for good that can be made in a flooring business is controlling, understanding and fine-tuning the sales engine. s

Chris Ogden is a consultant and Managing Director of RFMS Australasia (RFMSanz.com), a supplier of IT solutions for the flooring industry. Chris has an extensive background in all aspects of the flooring industry, and he can be contacted at cogden@rfmsanz.com.

Safety

Meet Peach Fuzz: Pantone Colour of the Year for 2024

Kindling feelings of warmth and belonging, Peach Fuzz effortlessly marries the old with the new.

Inspiring a conversation around colour and its cultural ties, the Pantone Colour Institute first introduced the Pantone Colour of the Year educational program in 1999. Now an iconic touchstone worldwide, each year’s Pantone colour selection influences industries ranging from fashion and home furnishings to automotive and industrial design.

Now in its 25th year, the first Pantone Colour of the Year in 1999 was PANTONE 15-4020 Cerulean Blue and last year’s was Viva Magenta 18-1750. Decided by a team of global colour anthropologists who comb the world for upcoming colour trends, influences can stem from anything and everything that shapes our ever-evolving lifestyle and culture. The naming conventions undergo a similarly thorough process, intuitively selected to conjure up a specific image and feeling.

A globally recognised visual language that requires no words, colour is one of our most powerful communication tools. Connecting us on both an inner self and community level, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz has been announced as 2024’s Pantone Colour of the Year.

Behind the scenes with PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz

PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz is a tender peach hue that celebrates a message of - caring and sharing, community and collaboration. Drawing inspiration from our desire to belong, in both moments of stillness and togetherness, this shade sits between pink and orange with subtle sophistication.

“In seeking a hue that echoes our innate yearning for closeness and connection, we chose a colour radiant with warmth and modern elegance. A shade that resonates with compassion, offers a tactile embrace, and effortlessly bridges the youthful with

the timeless.” Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Colour Institute

Beautifully understated yet impactful, Peach Fuzz pays a respectful ode to the past with a refreshing contemporary touch. Reframing how we want to live and setting mindful intentions for the new year, this Pantone Colour of the Year 2024 is a gentle reminder to nurture our inner selves amongst the hustle and bustle of modern life.

How to incorporate Peach Fuzz into architecture and design

Elevating your architecture and design projects, here are a few ways you can integrate PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz:

• Use Peach Fuzz as an accent colour or incorporate it into patterns for focal architectural elements, such as feature walls and trims.

• Integrate the colour into lighting fixtures, furniture pieces, upholstery and interior decor to communicate warmth and belonging.

• Consider using Peach Fuzz to accentuate safety and access features like doors, window frames, stair nosings, tactile indicators and commercial entrance mats.

• Add a pop of colour to neutral walls by commissioning artwork that incorporates Peach Fuzz.

• Play with different textures and textiles, such as coloured glass partitions or false ceilings.

Evoking an uplifting and youthful warmth, you can balance the boldness of Peach Fuzz

Above: Peach Fuzz coordinates with Classic’s product range

with softer, neutral tones for a harmonious, well-balanced design. Create a mood board centred around PANTONE 13-1023 Peach

Fuzz along with other colours, materials and textures to visualise the overall concept before committing to a large-scale application.

Classic Architectural Group can custom colour match their floor and stair safety products to any Pantone colour of your choice

Staying ahead of the latest design trends, Classic can colour-match products to Peach Fuzz as well as recommend existing ranges that will seamlessly complement your overall aesthetic vision. Based on your goals, they can incorporate Peach Fuzz across your stair nosing inserts, and tactile indicator inserts or custom manufacture your polyurethane tactiles in any Pantone colour of your choice.

Many of Classic’s existing products perfectly complement PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz. To assist with product selection, you can visit www.classic-arch.com and use their ‘Visualise It’ 3D tool to picture how your products will look, with accurate scale, depth and spatial understanding.

→ 50

Above: Classic can colour match to any Pantone colour

Safety

Clockwise from top: 555 Collins Street – Classic Tredfx Stair Nosings and Tactile Indicators in Solid Brass image credit to Pixel Collective.

Discover the latest trends in safety stair nosings, tactile indicators and commercial entrance matting with Classic

With an ever-growing range of tailored stair and floor safety solutions, Classic Architectural Group specialise in end-to-end fulfilment - from design to installation - to support building professionals Australia-wide.

web www.classic-arch.com s

Above: Make a statement with Classic Tredfx Solid Brass Safety Stair Nosings

Register now to visit DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR

The largest flooring tradeshow in APAC will take place in Shanghai from the 28th to the 30th of May 2024, welcoming participants from everywhere in the world and showcasing innovations and new business opportunities from all of Asia’s flooring markets.

Buyers of all types of flooring can now get free access to the 26th edition of the show

After a successful show held in July 2023, which saw a record attendance of 83,594 flooring professionals coming from 112 different countries, the show is set to expand.

More than 1600 exhibitors are expected in an area of 230,000 sqm, spread throughout eight halls at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC – Hongqiao). The show’s largest component, Hard Flooring, will

occupy four halls with exhibits of all types of resilient, wood, laminate, cork and bamboo as well as outdoor decking. Several halls will be occupied by manufacturers of carpets, rugs and carpet technology. The rest of the space will be dedicated to flooring technology, sports flooring and complementary products, such as wooden doors, wallboards and more.

“DOMOTEX

asia/CHINAFLOOR

represents not only China, but the whole Asian region,” said Thomas Baert, co-founder/organiser of the event and President of CFL Flooring. “Despite the current economic challenges that the whole world is experiencing, China continuous to present many opportunities as a manufacturing powerhouse and a huge consumption market. Other nearby Southeast Asian markets are also growing at fast speed.

Our show is the only dedicated international event in the region which assists the flooring community to tap into new opportunities all over Asia,” highlighted Baert.

Leading companies in the industry such as Classen, Daejin, Eletile, Hawk, HMTX, KDF, Lamett / CFL Flooring, LX Hausys, Sanyi, Unilin, Azumi, Bona, Homag (Hard flooring and floor tech), Bulckaert, Haima, Oriental Weavers, Paulig, Standard Carpet, Voxfloor (Carpet), Freudenberg, Universal Fibers, Groz-Beckert, Staubli, Trutzschler, Vandewiele, Zimmer (Carpet Tech), have already confirmed their participation in the event.

“We will participate at DOMOTEX asia/ CHINAFLOOR 2024 as we believe that

the East Asian markets have a vibrant and exciting future,” said Adam Kuzelewski, Vice President of Sales at Classen Group. “We, as German manufacturers, have a vast product portfolio of floors developed and produced in our German production facilities, that we would like to offer to the Asian market. We treat Chinese and other Asian markets seriously and plan our expansion there.” concluded Kuzelewski.

As China continuous to facilitate trade relations with the world, the show expects to welcome a growing number of international

visitors in 2024. Delegates from countries such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore can now visit China visa-free.

The event organisers are focusing on buyer programs, to ensure the platform is helping regain trade relations in the flooring industry between China, Asia and the world. More than 150 international buyers and several buyer delegations from different countries will be hosted in 2024. The selected buyers will enjoy free accommodation, activities, access to a

Investing in the future through trainIng

FCIA is working hard to help set standards for the industry through skills development, attract new people into the industry and to work with industry in finding solutions to our skills.

This is being done through the following initiatives:

• On the job apprenticeship training program

• Apprentice charity workshops

• Career Days

• Insurance Program specifically for the flooring industry

• VISA’s for Skilled Migrants

• FCIA Gala Ball

For more information on the FCIA or FCIA membership please contact Fiona Wischnewski or email info@fcia.org.au

dedicated lounge, free access to all onsite events and seminars as well as various entertainment events such as a city tour, VIP party, and more.

“Our show is the only dedicated international event in the region which assists the flooring community to tap into new opportunities all over Asia.”

DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR 2024, as in the past, will take place in co-location with R+T Asia, the leading APAC trade fair for the sun shading and door/gate industry, cadex, the international event for connecting, learning and doing business in the design and architecture industry, and many others, under the roof of Build Asia Mega Show, a comprehensive platform which promotes cross-sector communication and integration.

For more information about the show visit www.domotexasiachinafloor.com s

ELITE

ABN: 27 006 876 419

PO BOX 800, Templestowe

Victoria, Australia 3106

Ph: + 61 3 9890 0815

Fax: + 61 3 9890 0087

Email: info@elitepublishing.com.au

Website: www.elitepublishing.com.au

PUBLISHERS

Georgia Gilmour

georgia@elitepublishing.com.au

Michelle Cammiade

michelle@elitepublishing.com.au

EDITOR

Michelle Cammiade

michelle@elitepublishing.com.au

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Philip Ashley

philipneilashley6@bigpond.com

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER

Sandie Velkovska

sandie@elitepublishing.com.au

CIRCULATION

For circulation enquiries please email: info@elitepublishing.com.au

PRODUCTION

For artwork and production enquiries please email: production@elitepublishing.com.au

PRE-PRESS

Prominent Digital

PRINTED BY

Prominent Group Pty Ltd

ELITE PUBLISHING CO PTY LTD (established 1985)

All rights reserved – No part of this publication maybe reproduced, transmitted or copied in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without the express prior written consent of Elite Publishing Co Pty Ltd. Viewpoints, opinions, claims, etc expressed in articles appearing in this publication are those of the authors. The Publishers accept no responsibility for the information supplied or for claims made by companies or their representatives regarding product performance, etc or for any errors, omissions, misplacement, alterations, or any subsequent changes, or for any consequences of reliance on this information or this publication. ELITE