When sustainability is the priority, it's important to consider every aspect of the exhibit design, including flooring. Eco-friendly flooring solutions contribute to a greener event, help shape your brand identity, and resonate with environmentally conscious attendees. Join us as we walk through the benefits of sustainable flooring and introduce you to various materials.
What is sustainable flooring?
Sustainable flooring is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional options designed to minimize environmental impact while providing durability, style, and functionality. These flooring solutions are made from materials that are renewable, recycled, or biodegradable, such as bamboo, cork, linoleum, reclaimed wood, and recycled glass, rubber, or plastic. Sustainable flooring options often carry certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), FloorScore, and Greenguard, which attest to their environmentally friendly qualities and low chemical emissions, contributing to better indoor air quality and a healthier living environment.
8 Benefits of Sustainable Flooring for Brand Experiences
- Shaping an eco-friendly brand identity: Incorporating sustainable flooring into brand experiences is a powerful way to shape and reinforce an eco-friendly brand identity.
- Improved indoor air quality: Sustainable flooring options with low VOC emissions and minimal off-gassing improve indoor air quality and create a healthier environment for event attendees and staff.
- Durability and longevity: Many sustainable flooring materials are highly durable and withstand the heavy foot traffic of successful brand experiences, saving resources in the long run.
- Versatile design options: Sustainable flooring comes in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures, so brands can create unique and visually appealing spaces that align with their message and theme.
- Acoustics: Some sustainable flooring options, such as cork, have natural sound-absorbing properties that help reduce noise levels and improve acoustics within the event space, creating a more pleasant experience for attendees.
- Thermal insulation: Certain sustainable flooring materials, like cork or bamboo, have natural insulating properties that help regulate temperature within the event space, potentially reducing energy costs and improving overall comfort.
- Conversation starter: Unique and eco-friendly flooring options serve as a conversation starter among event attendees, encouraging them to engage with the brand and learn more.
- Portability and reusability: Some sustainable flooring options, such as modular carpet tiles or interlocking bamboo planks, can be easily installed and removed, making them ideal for temporary brand experiences and allowing for reuse at future events.
5 Examples of Sustainable Flooring for Exhibit Design
- Recycle the Flooring: Using materials with the intent to recycle them after the event reduces waste and minimizes the environmental impact. Hamilton prioritized sustainability in the exhibit at EXHIBITORLIVE 2025 by ensuring all flooring and padding were recycled at the end of the show.
- Bamboo Flooring: When processed, bamboo reaches a hardness comparable to maple or black walnut, making it a durable choice for event flooring. While bamboo is among the more expensive green flooring options, it offers a unique, eco-friendly aesthetic that helps brands stand out.
- Recycled Carpet Tiles: Green carpet tiles, made from materials like corn-based fibers or recycled plastic bottles (PET), are an excellent choice for sustainable event flooring. They come in a wide range of colors and designs, allowing brands to maintain their aesthetic preferences while prioritizing sustainability. One of the key advantages of carpet tiles is that if one tile becomes damaged or stained, it can be easily replaced without having to change the entire floor.
- Cork Flooring: Cork is a renewable, sustainable material harvested from the bark of cork oak trees without causing harm. Cork tiles are manufactured using a green process and are installed without the need for adhesives. They offer a unique, natural look and provide a comfortable surface for event attendees to walk on. Although cork is a relatively heavy option, it is an eco-friendly choice that enables brands to create a memorable and sustainable event experience.
- Marmoleum: Marmoleum, a natural linoleum product, is composed of linseed oil, pine rosin, wood flour, and pigment, with a jute backing. It contains no harmful chemicals, is available in click-tile form (requiring no adhesive), and comes in a wide range of colors. Marmoleum is highly durable, biodegradable, and has natural bactericidal and anti-static properties. While it is an expensive green flooring option, its unique properties and eco-friendly composition make it an attractive choice for sustainable event design.
Partner with Hamilton
Incorporating sustainable flooring into your brand experiences is just the beginning. To truly create a memorable and eco-friendly exhibit, you need a partner with the knowledge, experience, and dedication to bring your vision to life.
Hamilton is a full-service experiential and event marketing agency with a 75-year legacy creating immersive brand experiences for companies worldwide. We design, produce, and execute integrated experiences – exhibits, events, environments, and digital solutions – that drive meaningful connections between brands and their audiences.
To learn more, contact Hamilton today.
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References:
- https://fsc.org/en
- https://www.scsglobalservices.com/services/floorscore
- https://www.ul.com/services/ul-greenguard-certification