Page 52 - CFJ_Dec25

SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS
Taken from the CFA Sustainability Guide 2025
Sustainability and flooring installation training - What Does the Future Hold?

CFA and FITA training manager, Shaun Wadsworth, says that sustainability needs to be embedded in training programs
at all levels, to ensure it becomes part of the culture of our industry. CFA and FITA are committed to making this happen.
he UK flooring industry is undergoing our planet more effectively grows, so must and create beautiful products with USPs.
Ta significant transformation as the systems and training delivered to But to ensure productivity, and control
sustainability continues to be seen as a support our products, be that for current installation costs, we probably need to
defining force within the sector. or future installers. The focus needs to maintain some of that common ground in
As environmental concerns and be on a range of areas but in particular the reimagination of installation with the
regulatory pressures, such as the UK’s understanding material innovation and CFA and its training arm FITA being the
Net Zero Strategy, Extended Producer how that affects installation, waste perfect vehicle to support.
Responsibility (EPR) schemes and new reduction techniques, environmentally Training providers also need to ensure
building regulations targeting carbon, friendly application methods and finishes, that courses, apprenticeships and
reshape construction practices, the demand and probably most importantly – lifecycle qualifications reflect the latest industry
for sustainable flooring solutions will considerations. Training installers need to developments and align with current and
continue to increase. So, it makes sense include the installation of products picked future environmental regulations. A unified
that the industry must also rethink how for their long-term sustainability, their approach will accelerate progress and
it plans to train the next generation of maintenance and end-of-life disposal. create a workforce capable of delivering on
flooring installers, embedding sustainability Circularity is yet to be fully embedded in sustainability goals, something CFA aims to
at every level. our sector and that must be a driver for facilitate through knowledge sharing and
Sustainability is no longer a niche installation and training going forward. continued signposting of UK industry-wide
consideration within flooring and wider By incorporating these elements into standards for sustainable practices.
construction and whilst this guide has training of any type whether that be CFA, through its training arm FITA and
been published as far back as 2011 the apprenticeships, private training courses various working groups, has committed
importance of sustainability has increased or manufacturer led courses, we can to taking the necessary steps and lead
dramatically in that time within the day- ensure that the installation of products by example, championing and supporting
to-day activity of the Contract Flooring picked for their sustainability features are these green installation methods by
Association (CFA) and its members. also installed to help with that circular ensuring they are represented in all aspects
Government, developers, and clients commitment. of the training and competency sectors.
are demanding eco-friendly flooring Despite the clear benefits, the transition This will see development of future and
options, driving the need for installation to sustainable training is not without current FITA courses and a proposal to
methods to follow suit that reduce waste, challenges. The industry faces a large skills all training providers and manufacturers
lower carbon footprints, and prioritise and labour gap, with an ageing workforce providing training to do the same to
recyclable materials. A closer look at areas and limited new entrants, something the evolve content and delivery in step with
like subfloor preparation and installation CFA have been addressing directly through sustainability requirements. CFA has also
methods used in Europe may be beneficial, its Future Fitter campaign since 2022. Many engaged in projects relating to circular
less reliance on fully adhered systems, experienced installers are accustomed to production methods through the CISUFLO
more loose-lay or floating floors, more traditional methods and may be resistant to project over the past five years, working
clean release systems and more knowledge change. To bridge this gap, those delivering alongside partners in Europe to establish
at installer level on underfloor heating or developing must: not only circular products but also the
(UFH). Innovations such as adhesive-free • Develop engaging and accessible courses correct installation methods too. Although
flooring, advanced adhesives technologies that appeal to both flooring professionals that project has now been completed, the
and circular economy principles within and newcomers. lessons learnt, and products developed will
manufacturing are setting new expectations. • Provide first-hand experience with the inevitably impact installation methods for
Flooring installers must be equipped with latest sustainable materials. floorcoverings in the future and CFA actively
the knowledge and skills to meet these • Align programs with sustainability played its part in supporting members and
demands. standards, competency standards and the wider sector.
Price will always matter, but will this shift formal qualifications ensuring that eco- The future of flooring installation is
mean that soon wholesale rewrites of the conscious training becomes the industry undeniably green. By embracing circularity,
installation standards are required and thus norm. material innovation, digital tools, and
training standards, apprenticeship materials To drive meaningful change, the entire forward-thinking education, the sector
etc.? And what about commercial settings flooring sector – including manufacturers, can future-proof itself while playing a vital
and high traffic areas and the part wider suppliers, training bodies, and associations, role in reducing environmental impact.
construction and main contractors play? All must collaborate. Manufacturers can lead Those who adapt early will not only meet
something to consider. the way by supporting their developed, regulatory demands but will also lead
Traditional flooring installation techniques innovative and sustainable materials with the industry into a more sustainable and
rightly focused on the long-term integrity of training providers and programs that profitable future, something CFA is keen to
the system, product durability and safety, provide correct product knowledge and drive with the support of
but perhaps less so on environmental practical demonstrations. Beginning the its members and the wider
impact. However as that focus shifts and work from some common ground that still
our understanding of the need to manage allows manufacturers to innovate, design flooring industry. 
To view the guide go to: www.cfjnews.uk/issues/cfasustainability2025

52 CFJ December 2025 www.contractflooringjournal.co.uk
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