In South Africa and globally,architects and designers are incorporating recycled rubber flooring into their eco-friendly projects, contributing to green building certifications like LEED.
From waste to sustainable rubber flooring
Rubber flooring is not just flexible, resilient and aesthetically pleasing, it is made exclusively from old tyres that would otherwise be dumped or end up in landfill.
In South Africa, tyre waste is a problem. Estimates are that 300,000 tonnes of used tyres are disposed of each year – and not always safely.
Any attempt to repurpose the tyres and reduce the waste is critical, especially when the recycling process has minimal impact on the environment.
The process is simple. Tyres are collected, shredded and reduced to rubber granules. Waste steel is magnetically extracted, and the pure rubber is milled to a specific size and texture, ready to be moulded as rubber flooring.
South Africa’s largest tyre-processing company recycles 200,000 radial truck tyres per year, each weighing about 65 kilos. To date, it’s produced a total of 38,500 tonnes of rubber crumb – enough to surface 8,000 km of road, 385 football pitches or plenty of flooring space.
Uses of rubber flooring in architectural design
The qualities of rubber flooring that make is so appealing are its impact, slip and water-resistance, shock and noise absorption qualities and comfort underfoot.
It’s natural elasticity creates a cushioning effect on the body and joints, reducing fatigue on the back and legs.
Rubber flooring is functional, requires minimal maintenance, and has an average lifespan of 20 or more years.
Rubber flooring is an increasingly common choice in:
- fitness and recreation areas, and sports facilities
- industrial zones with high-traffic areas, rolling loads or noisy machinery
- healthcare settings and facilities for the elderly, where hygiene and safety are concerns
- retail outlets and offices, for noise dampening and durability
- garages, for resistance to oil, grease and chemicals
- crèches and play areas, for added safety
- around pools
- pet-care facilities, stables and veterinary clinics
- hotel lobbies and more.
Advantages over traditional materials
Rubber flooring is more sustainable than traditional materials like wood, laminate, carpet and vinyl.
As manufacturing techniques improve, recycled rubber products are almost 100% recyclable. At the end of life, they can be recycled again, contributing to a truly circular economy.
Rubber is naturally resilient and flexible. It doesn’t require special finishing or the routine application of extra coatings.
It’s tougher, more durable and more resistant to wear and tear than other flooring materials, ensuring it lasts longer and requires less frequent replacement.
Certification of all Van Dyck rubber flooring
All Van Dyck products, including our range of rubber flooring, carry a certified Global GreenTag®.
The certification indicates that our flooring is independently “fitness tested” and verified for sustainability and environmental performance throughout its life cycle.
Van Dyck rubber flooring options
At Van Dyck, we offer three rubber flooring products: gym mats, rubber paving and wet pour.
Rubber paving – a line of pavers, tiles and interlocking mats for exterior applications, including decks, walkways, patios and recreational areas.
Pavers are available in black, rust, green and grey. They require limited maintenance and insulate against heat, noise and vibrations.
Wet pour rubber surfacing – a flexible noise- and impact-resistant surfacing for playgrounds, sport and recreation areas, crèches and communal areas in retirement homes.
Wet pour rubber is weather resistant, installable in varying patterns, colours and thicknesses, and ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Rubber flooring gym mats – a range of heavy-duty indoor and outdoor rubber tiles in varying thicknesses, colours and patterns.
Tiles are easy to install and sufficiently durable to withstand high traffic and impact. The cushioning effect, slip-resistance and noise-absorption qualities of rubber are ideal for professional gym studios and home setups.
For the best recycled rubber flooring for eco-friendly architecture and design, visit Van Dyck’s online store. For custom orders, get in touch to discuss your flooring needs and we’ll be happy to assist.
