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Product Overview

Marmoleum is a natural product made from linseed oil, wood flour, rosin, jute and limestone.

What is a subject editor?

Approved by Subject Editors on August 04, 2004

Reviewed by Marian Keeler
Agricultural resources that are cultivated are jute, flax and pine. All agricultural processes contribute to soil depletion and pesticide/fertilizer run-off. Water quality is affected by metals and pigments (titanium dioxide) and polyester production byproducts. Linoleum cannot be recycled or reused. Factory waste is recirculated into the production process, water system is closed loop. At end of useful life, linoleum is landfilled, contributing to depletion of landfill. Energy: required to run agricultural machinery as well as mining and production processes and transportation. Forbo linoleum is produced in Europe, like all natural linoleums. Product is stocked in Reno. Although considered 'natural," linoleum poses a significant environmental burden.

Linoleum carries an odor long after installation, blamed mainly on aging linseed oil. Other secondary emissions are also present due to the oxidation of certain chemicals, and only after the linoleum is aged do these emissions show up. For chemically sensitive people, emissions of irritants such as those found in linoleum are a problem.

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GreenHomeGuide Community Reviews

naturlich on May 11, 2005
History plays a big part in flooring surfaces. Linoleum, a man made material, began its life in the 1800's. Using raw materials such as linseed oil, pine rosins, wood flour, clays and chalks, and then pressed onto a jute backing, linoleum has proven its performance for over 100 years. The manufacturing plants in Holland and Scotland have been in the same locations since the early 1900's.

Even though vinyl flooring has attempted to simulate real linoleum, it can never perform or feel like the real thing. When Linoleum does reach its end of life, it will also break down in a landfill and not harm the soil. Underfoot it feels very comfortable and there are over 100 colors to choose from.

Experience is critical when installing real linoleum. Unlike many sheet vinyls's that can be scissor cut, Linoleum requires sharp knives and skilled hands. Once installation is complete a wax protection is required, that is simply mopped on the floor. Routine cleaning is done with purely soap and water. If cared for properly, real linoleum can last a lifetime.

Lydia Corser on April 05, 2005
I have used this product in several projects for clients, and most recently, in my own kitchen. I love natural linoleum, and it can add an exciting color or design detail punch to a project. It is priced comparable to the evil vinyl flooring, which unfortunately is often called linoleum. I take great pains to correct and educate clients and contractors when use this misnomer for vinyl. I consider natural linoleum to be a 40 year floor, if properly installed and maintained. The important point to make is that only an experienced installer who has worked with this product specifically, should be employed.

Peter Kellner on March 23, 2005
I used this product in an institutional setting and liked its performance very much (it has been in service for about a year now.) It was attractive and durable and was a great alternative to the standard VCT flooring typical for the client. It offered an excellent product to accent an architectural feature and only represented a small upcharge to the overall project cost.

The only pitfall to note (which would only apply to commercial or institutional installations) is that it was difficult to get the janitorial staff to maintain the product approipriately. They wanted to strip and wax it just like the VCT thoughout the rest of the campus, which was inappropriate to this project. Also, the installers used standard mastic glues, which somewhat defeat the green aspects of this product.

Overall I would recommend this product highly, particularly in the residnetial realm.

Debra Lynn Dadd on October 03, 2004
I have not installed this natural linoleum in my house, but have seen many samples and have reviewed the materials from which it is made. This is one of the floorings at the top of my list of recommendations. It has no odor or harmful emissions, is made from all natural, renewable materials, is beautiful to look at and easy to clean. The sheet linoleum comes in many colors. Because it is easy to cut, it could be used to make some fabulous custom designs. The only reason I haven't installed it myself has been because I have been living in houses that already had great hardwood floors.

 

What is a certification?

Green Product Certifications

State of California Section 01350

Manufacturer Information

www.themarmoleumstore.com

Forbo Flooring, Inc
PO Box 667, Humboldt Industrial Park
Hazleton, PA 18201
Phone:

570-459-0771

Forbo Flooring is the world leader in linoleum with a market share of some 60%. Production and marketing of linoleum-made floor coverings and related products, such as Furniture Linoleum.