Interface, a company specialising in sustainable flooring solutions, has introduced what it claims to be the world’s first CO2-negative rubber flooring prototype. Developed with circular design principles, this innovation aims to address the environmental impact of construction and design materials.

The CO2-negative prototype, made for Interface’s brand nora, incorporates bio-based materials and recycled content to achieve a net-negative carbon footprint. Showcased at BAU Munich in January 2025, the product demonstrates the potential for rubber flooring to contribute to carbon reduction in various design and construction applications.

Circular Design and Material Characteristics
The flooring’s carbon-negative performance is attributed to the use of renewable raw materials and an innovative production process. By reducing reliance on fossil-based inputs and integrating recycled content, the product minimises CO2 emissions during manufacturing while storing carbon within the material. Additionally, the prototype is designed to align with circular economy principles, allowing for recycling and reuse at the end of its lifecycle.

According to Interface, the flooring is engineered to meet durability and performance standards, making it suitable for a range of applications, including commercial interiors, healthcare facilities, and educational spaces. The company states that the product also offers ease of maintenance and versatility in design.

Potential Implications for Design Professionals
The CO2-negative rubber flooring provides architects, interior designers, and product developers with a sustainable material option that supports environmental goals. It is positioned as a viable choice for projects aiming to meet green building standards such as BREEAM or LEED. By integrating bio-based materials and adopting a circular approach, the product serves as an example of how sustainability can be incorporated into material development.

For product designers, the prototype highlights opportunities for innovation using renewable resources. The approach taken by Interface demonstrates how traditional material formulations can be reimagined to reduce environmental impacts.

Future Developments
Interface has indicated plans to further develop and refine the prototype with the aim of scaling production. The company envisions wider adoption of carbon-negative materials in the flooring industry and beyond, contributing to broader sustainability objectives. This prototype is part of Interface’s strategy to encourage the use of climate-conscious materials in the design and construction sectors.

Source: Vloeren Business Magazine
Photo: Interface