Page 11 - CFJ_LVT_Apr26

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

containing bio-based products, reducing
Allura Decibel - Serene Oak and Sun-Bleached Amber
its impact not only at the end of its
lifespan but from its very beginning. Allura
Decibel is designed and manufactured in
Forbo’s own factory in France, enabling
the company to closely control and
monitor production while also reducing
the carbon footprint associated with
transportation.
Beyond its unwavering focus on
sustainability, the company is deeply
committed to social accountability across
all its activities. ‘We’re the only floor
covering manufacturer to have SA8000
accreditation,’ says Liz, ‘which is something
that we’re all very proud of. We constantly
audit our supply chain: everybody who
works with Forbo, everybody who works
with the people that supply Forbo, they’re
all vetted constantly.’
As one can tell by simply looking at
there’s a lot more wood-effects, smaller the product though, Forbo has in no way
woods because herringbone is still very sacrificed its design sensibilities in pursuit
popular and you need a smaller plank of social responsibility. The company’s
in smaller rooms to create that effect. array of products and designs is truly
Having said that, large scale are also vast, spanning nearly any application and
de rigueur at the moment. If there’s a look a customer could imagine. For Liz,
particularly big space, having large planks this dual dedication to both responsibility
looks lovely.’ All of these trends inform and product excellence is Forbo’s most
the new Allura Decibel redesigns, which impressive feat – and why she has
range from pale authentic oaks to smoked stayed with the company for over 20
ebony, as well as a warm terrazzo-effect. years! ‘I’m truly a believer in the quality
What really distinguishes the range of the products and the people that work
though, Liz explains, is its innovative at Forbo,’ she says. ‘Everyone behind
installation method. Allura Decibel is the scenes, from design to production
laid over just a light tackifier, making and development to everybody else –
installation far faster and easier everyone is always trying their hardest to
without compromising on the product’s excel at their job.’ 
performance, making installation far faster Allura Decibel - Pale Authentic Oak www.forbo-flooring.co.uk
and easier without compromising on the
product’s performance. Naturally, this The sustainability benefits of this
offers the secondary benefit of making the installation method are both obvious and
product far easier to take up at the end of one of the product’s biggest advantages
its lifespan for either recycling or reuse. in the market. Compared to floorcoverings
As Liz points out, this quality is which need to be pulled up in their entirety
particularly synergistic with the product’s at their end of life, or even to other LVT
typical application in buildings of multiple products fixed using permanent adhesives,
occupancies. ‘For example, in rental Allura Decibel’s tiles can be replaced as and
properties, where people are coming when with minimal disruption, contributing
and going, you can lift individual planks to a longer overall lifespan. Combined
up and replace them,’ she says. ‘It’s a with its 100% phthalate-free construction
very convenient way to maintain those and 20% recycled content, Allura Decibel
rooms without too much disruption or supplements its already-impressive
cost.’ And while often products marketed overall profile with top notch sustainability
on convenience are ultimately judged credentials.
too good to be true, Allura Decibel’s But Forbo isn’t stopping there.
installation method quickly proved itself Recognising the need for constant
the real deal. Flooring contractors were improvement against environmental
‘very sceptical to begin with,’ Liz admits, targets, the company is introducing a new
but on seeing how dimensionally stable variation of the product, Allura Decibel
and durable the product was once B+, later this year. This range will feature
installed, they quickly began to adopt it. an even more sustainable formulation Allura Decibel - Serene Oak and Sun-bleached Amber

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@CFJMagazine LVT April 2026