Page 140 - CFJ_Dec25

SECTOR FOCUS FLOORING IN OFFICES

Sustainability: The new standard
‘The offices that achieve the highest rental premiums are the
ones with good design and strong sustainability credentials,’
says Andrew. ‘Even investors are now prioritising sustainable
buildings because they know those assets perform better.’
Shaw has long led the way in sustainable flooring. Its closed-
loop recycling model and adhesive-free installation systems
make products easier to remove, reuse, and recycle. They are
also the first brand to offer a second location warranty – a
requirement that is growing in importance.
The company also recognises the rise of certifications like
WELL and BREEAM, which measure how buildings impact
occupant health and wellbeing. ‘We’re seeing huge interest in
healthy materials, low-carbon products, and VOC-free options,’
Andrew notes. ‘Designers and clients want to know exactly how
much carbon is embodied in what they specify and they want to
reduce it.’
Trends and global perspective
Cost and design remain key drivers in the office flooring market.
‘Customers want products that look more expensive than they
are,’ Andrew explains. ‘Our cost-efficient ranges are designed to

Poetic Form collection: An echo of
organic irregularity, where metallic
threads trace nature’s imperfect rhythm.

deliver that visual quality while still performing exceptionally well.’
He also sees a growing move away from adhesives and toward
adhesive-free flooring systems, as well as a demand for low-
carbon, high-performance products that contribute to green building
standards.
Regionally, Andrew says the UK and Europe share similar market
dynamics, while the Middle East operates differently. ‘In places like
Saudi Arabia, commercial development is growing,’ he says. ‘Projects
are often larger and more client-driven, but the fundamentals are
the same – sustainability, performance, and delivery on time and at
the right price.’
Made in the UK – and proud of it
Perhaps Shaw Contract’s biggest strength is its UK manufacturing
base, supporting office projects large and small. ‘That local capability
gives us flexibility on pricing, faster lead times, and consistent
quality,’ Andrew emphasises. ‘When designers and contractors are
under pressure, knowing they can get a product that meets their
aesthetic, budget, and performance needs, made right here in the
UK, takes away a layer of stress.’
In an industry where office design, delivery, and sustainability
must work hand-in-hand, Shaw Contract continues to prove it can
do all three – beautifully. 
Creative Connections: Understated style in colour Classic-Dusty Apricot

140 CFJ December 2025 www.contractflooringjournal.co.uk
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