FEP Parquet Refinishable Program
FEP Parquet Refinishable Program is a voluntary certification program designed to identify parquet products with wear/top layers thick enough to be refinished, and produce a list of certified refinishable parquet products to aid manufacturers, distributors, specifiers, and end users in their decision making processes.
The aim is to promote parquet which is resandable thanks to its minimum 2.5 mm real wood top layer (EN 13756). By this initiative, FEP wants to put forward this inherent advantage of parquet compared to other floorings. Parquet is a long-life wood product whose durability can be extended through refinishing. Refinishing also allows renovation to update color & style. We would like to bring the consumers' attention on this possibility.
The IVL/Bona study is highlighting these advantages:
- Massive Environmental Savings: Renovating floors instead of replacing them can reduce carbon emissions by up to 90% and energy use by up to 95%, significantly lowering the environmental footprint.
- Cost & Time Efficiency: Renovation is at least 40% cheaper and 60% faster than installing new floors, with increased profitability for contractors.
- Extended Floor Lifespan: Proper maintenance and refinishing can extend a wooden floor’s life up to 60 years, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
- Design Flexibility & Hygiene: Renovation allows for complete design transformation (color, texture, sheen) and results in more hygienic surfaces, especially for resilient floors.
The IVL study includes a roadmap to promote refinishing as a standard practice, suggesting updates to decision-making tools and incentives for property owners.
Regular recoating and maintenance with EMICODE®-certified products prolong the life of wood floors, allowing multiple refurbishments without compromising recyclability. Surface treatment products (e.g., lacquers, oils) certified under EMICODE® EC1 or EC1 PLUS meet strict ecological standards, including low VOC emissions and exclusion of hazardous substances, contributing to healthier indoor environments.
The FEP Refinishable Program has been developed in cooperation with our North American colleagues from NWFA - National Wood Floors Association - who have launched their NWFA Engineered Wood Flooring Refinishable Program. In order to encourage an international norm, both Programs are aligned. FEP Members who are part of our program are also eligible to join NWFA’s program.
The Program is also now open to support from FEP Associate Members - Suppliers with relevant products/services.
More details are available here.
Should you be interest by this initiative, do not hesitate to contact us.
