Are rubber balcony floors environmentally friendly?

The environmental friendliness of rubber granulate balcony flooring depends on various factors, including the materials used, production process, lifespan, and disposal at the end of its lifecycle. Modern rubber granulate flooring can be considered eco-friendly, especially when made from recycled materials and sustainably produced. Below, the environmental aspects of these floorings are detailed.

1. Materials Used

Recycled Rubber Granulate

  • Source: A significant portion of rubber granulate flooring is made from recycled tires.
  • Environmental benefits:
    • Waste reduction: Reusing old tires prevents them from ending up in landfills or being incinerated, which can release harmful emissions.
    • Resource conservation: Utilizing recycled rubber reduces the demand for new raw materials, particularly fossil-based resources like petroleum.
  • Environmental drawback:
    • Minimal amounts of pollutants may be released during tire recycling, though modern processes minimize these risks.

EPDM Rubber

  • Description: Synthetic rubber known for its durability and UV resistance.
  • Environmental benefits:
    • Longevity: EPDM flooring requires less frequent replacement, saving resources.
    • Combination with recycled materials: Often combined with recycled granulate to enhance sustainability.
  • Environmental drawback:
    • EPDM production relies on fossil fuels, increasing environmental impact.

Alternative Materials

  • Some manufacturers incorporate biodegradable or natural materials like cork or plant-based binders to enhance eco-friendliness.

2. Production Process

The environmental impact of rubber granulate flooring also depends on the manufacturing process:

Energy Efficiency:

  • Many manufacturers optimize production to reduce energy consumption and minimize the carbon footprint.
  • Modern technologies significantly lower emissions during production.

Recycling Orientation:

  • Using recycled materials like tires or industrial rubber supports the circular economy and reduces environmental impact.

Waste Reduction:

  • Production waste is typically reused, minimizing material loss.

3. Lifespan and Maintenance

Lifespan:

  • Durability: Rubber granulate flooring can last 10–15 years or longer, depending on use and maintenance. This long lifespan reduces the need for frequent replacements, conserving resources.
  • Robustness: High resistance to weather, UV exposure, and mechanical wear ensures fewer replacements.

Maintenance:

  • Low water consumption: Cleaning typically requires simple sweeping or rinsing with water, minimizing the use of cleaning agents.
  • No chemicals required: Unlike some other flooring types, rubber granulate does not need aggressive cleaners or protective coatings.

4. Environmental Impact During Use

Water Permeability:

  • Rubber granulate flooring is often water-permeable, allowing rainwater to drain through. This prevents waterlogging and enables natural infiltration into the soil, especially beneficial in urban areas.
  • Environmental benefit: Compared to sealed surfaces like concrete or asphalt, it reduces strain on drainage systems and helps prevent flooding.

Emission-Free:

  • High-quality rubber granulate flooring, tested to European standards such as DIN EN 1177, does not release harmful substances. It is safe for humans, animals, and plants.

5. Recycling and Disposal

Recyclability:

  • Rubber granulate flooring can be recycled at the end of its life:
    • The material can be reprocessed into granulate for new flooring or other products.
    • Some manufacturers offer take-back systems to recycle old flooring sustainably.

Biodegradability:

  • Conventional rubber granulate flooring is not biodegradable, complicating disposal. However, advances in material development are introducing biodegradable alternatives.

Landfill:

  • Flooring that is not recycled typically ends up in landfills. Modern materials help reduce environmental impact through long-lasting and low-emission compositions.

6. Sustainability Certifications

Many manufacturers use sustainability certifications to highlight the eco-friendliness of their products:

  • Blue Angel: Certifies products that are particularly resource-efficient and low-emission.
  • ISO 14001: Certification for environmentally friendly production management.
  • REACH Compliance: Ensures products do not contain harmful chemicals.

7. Comparison with Alternatives

Rubber granulate flooring is more eco-friendly than many traditional alternatives like concrete, asphalt, or PVC:

  • Concrete and asphalt:
    • These materials are non-recyclable, contribute to soil sealing, and have a high carbon footprint during production.
  • PVC flooring:
    • PVC can contain harmful plasticizers, which pose risks to the environment and health.

Conclusion

Rubber granulate flooring can be considered environmentally friendly, especially when made from recycled materials and sustainably produced. Its long lifespan, low maintenance needs, and recyclability further enhance its eco-friendliness. However, there is room for improvement, such as using biodegradable materials or carbon-neutral production methods. Consumers can support eco-friendliness by choosing certified products and ensuring proper disposal or recycling at the end of the flooring’s lifecycle.