Oxidized linseed oil (or a combination of oxidized linseed oil and tall oil) and rosin are mixed with the other raw materials to form linoleum granules, which are pressed onto a jute backing, making linoleum sheets. These are then hung in drying rooms to allow them to cure and to acquire the required flexibility and resilience. To achieve maximum waste reduction all linoleum remnants are recycled back into the production process. All linoleum manufacturing at Tarkett takes place in accordance with ISO 14001 standards.
Linseed oil
Linseed oil, the most important raw material used to make linoleum, is obtained by pressing the seeds of the flax plant. In the past linseed oil was used as cooking oil, as well as for lighting. Tall oil, a recycled post-industrial by-product of the Kraft paper industry, is a resin-based fatty acid. In combination with linseed oil, it optimizes the oxidation process in the production of linoleum.
Rosin
Rosin, the binding agent in linoleum, is tapped from pine trees, without affecting growth. Together with linseed oil, rosin gives linoleum its strength and flexibility.
Wood flour
Wood flour is used to bind the pigments and to ensure colour fastness. Linoleum will keep its beautiful, vibrant colours throughout its lifespan. Another reason for using wood flour is that it helps to optimize a smooth surface. Wood flour is made from timber grown in controlled European forests, where every tree felled is replaced.
Limestone
Limestone is found all over the world in enormous quantities. Very finely ground, it is a valuable ingredient of linoleum.
Pigments
The most beautiful colours are created by using ecologically responsible pigments that do not contain heavy metals such as lead and cadmium.
Jute
From the wide variety of materials available for making the floor covering's backing, we prefer natural jute. The yarn for the webbing is spun from jute grown in India and Bangladesh. This also makes vital economic contributions to these developing countries.