On May 30, Italian flooring manufacturer Artigo recently announced a major decision. The company plans to use UPM BioMotion™ Renewable Functional Filler (RFF) in the production process of its next-generation flooring series starting in 2025. This innovative move is expected to have a positive impact on the environment and significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the product.
Artigo's move aims to respond to global calls for environmental protection and promote the environmental performance of its products to new heights by using renewable fillers provided by UPM Biochemical. It is reported that after using this renewable filler, the carbon footprint of Artigo flooring will be reduced by up to 0.5 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent per square meter. At the same time, the weight of the floor will also be reduced by 5%, which will not only help reduce transportation costs, but also reduce energy consumption and further reduce the environmental burden.
According to the Carbon Black Industry Network, UPM's RFF material is a DIN CERTCO-certified carbon reduction solution. It contains 100% renewable carbon and is derived from sustainably managed forests. This material can be widely used in rubber and plastic manufacturing, and can effectively replace traditional, carbon dioxide-intensive fillers such as precipitated silica. This shift not only helps reduce the overall carbon footprint of the product, but also improves the durability and elasticity of the floor, while achieving product lightweighting.
Michele Andolfo, chief operating officer of Artigo, said: "UPM's innovative BioMotion™ renewable functional fillers provide us with a huge opportunity to improve the sustainability and technical performance of our floors through its outstanding environmental characteristics and technical advantages." He emphasized that this innovative material not only reduces the weight of products, but also ensures the durability and elasticity of the floor, which fully meets the needs of contemporary buildings for high-performance and environmentally friendly materials.
In addition, by introducing UPM's RFF, Artigo expects to have as much as 30% renewable ingredients in its new products. The company's flooring line already includes post-industrial recycled and consumer recycled materials, coupled with other renewable components and UPM's RFF, puts Artigo at the forefront of the industry on the road to sustainable development.
It is worth mentioning that UPM Biorefinery is an important part of UPM Biorefining's growth strategy. The plant plans to use sustainably purchased and certified hardwoods to produce the next generation of biochemical products, which will effectively promote the transformation of stone based materials to renewable materials in various industries has had a profound impact on global environmental protection.
