Page 8 - CFJ_LVT_Apr26

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Seven Dials, London

textures, glass-fibre reinforcement layers vinyl. Improvements in installation speed
and complex multi-layer constructions and cost have made the two products
which improve stability and scratch more competitive. ‘In the past sheet vinyl
resistance. would go into social housing,’ Paul says. ‘It
‘There’s a lot of introductions and even means that you can get a nicer finish and a
more world firsts to come in 2027,’ Laura more homely-looking product for roughly
says. We’ll definitely be able to speak to around about the same price.’
those developments at some point, but for Consistency is key
now it’s a little bit of a secret.’ Across all these applications, the crucial
Taking every opportunity component to Unilin’s LVT offering is
Despite Paul’s frank prognosis of the reliability - whether that reflects the
market, Unilin’s focus on technological quality of the product, the sustainability
and functional improvements has allowed of its manufacture, or the potential
it to continue growing successfully, for disruptions to supply. Particularly
particularly in the UK and Ireland given the proliferation of much cheaper
markets, which remain Unilin’s strongest products imported from outside of Europe, Cotton Oak Cozy Grey, Bloom Collection
commercial regions. Ireland in particular Unilin’s focus on consistency is both a way
has seen strong growth, partly driven by to differentiate the product itself, but also more short term than long term.’
international investment and construction to help clients avoid unexpected further Paul echoes the point, explaining that
activity. ‘There’s been a lot of investment costs down the line. the ultimate aim for Unilin is not only
in the Republic of Ireland,’ Paul says. ‘One of the biggest things we’re up high sales, but a reputation on par with
‘That’s creating a lot of opportunities.’ against is the rise of SPC products coming other household names. ‘There aren’t that
This reflects a broader shift in in from the Far East,’ Laura admits. ‘You’re many European flooring manufacturers
workplace design, where flooring is used always going to be up against that, but anymore, we’re one of the few,’ he says.
to create visual boundaries between ultimately our messaging is, when you ‘We want to retain our place in the market
functional areas. ‘There tends to be lay a floor, it’s in that space for years. and the way to do that is differentiation,
more of a mixture of products’ he says. The initial pricing might be a little bit of showing what we can offer, because
‘Designers are trying to create different an issue for us, but it’s the replacement otherwise what makes you different?
zones and spaces.’ and repairs of floor along with installation What’s your identity? We want to be an
Another growing area is social housing, issues that can be incredibly costly. So it’s aspirational brand within the LVT industry.’ 
where LVT is increasingly replacing sheet definitely an issue for us, but I think it’ll be www.unilin.com

8 LVT April 2026 www.contractflooringjournal.co.uk
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