Environmental sustainability is one of the key decision making factors when consumers are looking to purchase or upgrade their homes. As the awareness of environmental impacts has grown, green architecture has become increasingly popular and more builders are looking to incorporate environmentally friendly materials in their designs. At Del Conca USA, we are proud to be a provider of sustainable, eco-friendly porcelain tile. Porcelain is an ideal material for the people and planet as its eco-friendly attributes provide both aesthetic and environmental benefits to residential and commercial spaces. From unparalleled durability to zero-waste manufacturing, porcelain tile is the healthiest and most ecologically beneficial product on the market. Porcelain tile is made from natural material and is known for being a dense and durable solution. Because it is fired at extremely high temperatures, porcelain is able to withstand freezing temperatures, heavy loads and is water, stain and slip resistant.
Recycled Content
Del Conca USA manufacturers porcelain tile in a “closed loop” process that recycles raw material and water wastes back into the production cycle. Any unfired or fired scrap product in the manufacturing process is returned to the clay mixing and slip production step to minimize waste production.
Improves Indoor Air Quality
According to the Tile Council of North America, the high firing temperature of porcelain tile burns off all organic compounds. Because porcelain tile is made of naturally-occurring minerals, it is free of formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and PVC resin.
Additionally, porcelain tile is ideal for those with allergies or asthma because it contains no allergens and is inhospitable to bacteria, fungi, mold and other irritants. Due to porcelain’s lack of porosity and hard, solid surface, the material cannot be penetrated by pollen, dust or dirt. These health benefits allow porcelain tile to meet low-emitting material requirements, contribute to pre-occupancy air quality plans, and provide better indoor air quality.
For more information, read TCNA’s bulletin on the health and safety benefits of ceramic and porcelain tile
Energy Efficient
Porcelain tile is a natural insulator due to its thermal mass that reduces peak heating and cooling, aiding in the insulation of the home and avoiding sharp temperature changes. This reduces work for an HVAC system, and helps to conserve energy and save money.
Unlike other flooring materials, porcelain tile is non-flammable, so it can be heated to extremely high temperatures and will not burn, produce smoke, or give off toxic fumes. Porcelain tile also helps to reduce the spread of flames.
All Del Conca USA products are covered by the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). The EPD recognizes that North American-made tile has the lowest environmental impact across all impact categories. This includes the lowest Global Warming Potential and the lowest Fossil Fuel Resource Depletion
Because EPDs and environmental transparency are often required in green construction standards and rating systems, specifying porcelain tile covered by EPDs can help achieve green building points. For more information about the Environmental Product Declaration, read TCNA’s “Tile: The Natural Choice” and Environmental Product Declaration Report.
Further information on recycled content, technical details and EPD can be made available upon request. Please contact a Del Conca USA sales agent for details.
