InterfaceFLOR, a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of modular flooring has launched a new flooring concept: The VersaflexTM System from InterfaceFLOR. The patent-pending system enables hard and soft surfaces to be combined in a single installation for the first time and reflects InterfaceFLOR’s strength in innovation and sustainability on every level – from its design and manufacturing right through to its installation and end of life.

The Versaflex™ System has been developed with complete versatility and portability in mind, making it ideal for fast-changing retail and office environments. It is six times quicker to install than a conventional ceramic or porcelain floor and can be walked on immediately after it is laid, resulting in minimum downtime and disruption to business.

Also, it is installed in such a way, using a unique grid system with flexible grout and without damaging the sub floor, that it can be easily replaced or re-used. Customers can create a whole new look, change layouts or repair any damage simply by removing and replacing individual tiles. It is even possible to take up the entire system, so that if you move offices or premises your floor can move with you. This not only makes The Versaflex™ System a cost-efficient option, it also makes it a sustainable choice by eliminating the waste associated with creating and installing a whole new floor, as well as removing and disposing of the old one. This is in line with Mission Zero – Interface’s pledge to achieve a zero carbon footprint by 2020.

Adding to the system’s sustainable properties, The Versaflex™ System is made using the latest techniques in precision engineering to ensure maximum efficiency and minimum waste in the manufacturing process. For example, advanced robotic technology is being used to assemble the component parts of the system. Also, it can be disassembled at end of life while both the grid and grout are fully recyclable.

“The Versaflex™ System is another great example of an industry first,” explains InterfaceFLOR’s Richard Nicolson, Business Director for the new development. “Every aspect of the system – the way it looks, the way it is manufactured, the way it is installed – is revolutionary.

He continues, “What’s more, every aspect of the system is sustainable. Effectively what we are doing is taking all the advantages of modular flooring – the flexibility of being able to move around and replace individual tiles and the sustainability benefits that come with that – and applying them to hard flooring for the first time. Under Mission Zero we call this redesigning commerce. As a result our customers will be able to enjoy a beautiful, innovative and extremely flexible floor that is also kind to the environment.”

Installation of The Versaflex™ System from InterfaceFLOR

The Versaflex™ System consists of a hard surface tile already mounted on a support grid with a flexible L-shaped grout attached. Tiles are then joined together to build up a floored area and carpet tiles can be inserted to create rugs and other bespoke patterns within the floor area.

Installation is easier and cleaner than with traditional ceramic floors - no messy wet grouting or adhesive is used - and can be carried out by InterfaceFLOR’s known and recommended contractors. Overall installation costs are comparable to a conventionally laid ceramic floor.

Further information on The Versaflex™ System is available on the InterfaceFLOR website at: www.interfaceflor.co.uk/versaflex. Follow us on Twitter at @versaflexSystem

The Versaflex™ System from InterfaceFLOR – Key benefits at a glance

• Versatile – store or office layouts can be moved around with minimum disruption

• Flexible – suitable for most installations

• Portable – can be relocated to another building

• Sustainable – in line with InterfaceFLOR’s Mission Zero, InterfaceFLOR’s promise of leaving zero impact on the environment by 2020

• Quick and easy to install

• System available in a choice of ceramic surfaces or carpet tiles

• Compatible with any carpet tile in the InterfaceFLOR range

• Allows a mix of finishes and a choice of surfaces in one installation

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Note to editors

Mission Zero: Interface is committed to becoming a fully sustainable company, leaving zero carbon footprint by 2020.

Mission Zero is Interface’s promise to eliminate any negative impact the company may have on the environment by considering the impact of every creative, manufacturing and building decision it makes.

Interface addresses sustainability on seven fronts. These involve eliminating waste and harmful emissions; maximising use of renewable energy; recycling waste materials and reusing products; developing resource efficient transportation methods; creating a culture that integrates the principles of sustainability into working lives; and creating new models for businesses. Encouraging other companies to follow its lead in resource friendly manufacturing policies and processes is also a central part of Interface’s environmental mission.

Interface is now more than half way to reaching its Mission Zero goal and has been widely recognised for its achievements to date. It is currently ranked number 1 in Globescan’s survey of sustainability experts worldwide and has also won numerous awards, ranging from The Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development to a Major Commendation at the 2009 Business Commitment to the Environment (BCE) Environmental Leadership Awards.

For further information, visit www.interfaceflor.euand www.interfaceglobal.com