When it comes to tile flooring, there are many types to choose from. In this section we've focused on the lifecycle of
ceramic tile flooring (which includes
porcelain), as well as glass tile, two of the most commonly used tiles today.
Throughout the lifecycle of tile flooring, it can have several different environmental impacts. Eco–friendly, green tile flooring made from recycled post–consumer or pre–consumer
content is one of the greener
alternatives on the market. Recycled glass tile is pieced out of previously used glass from household waste (such as pickle
and mayo jars) and windows as well as
post–industrial content such as defective windows that never make it to consumers. Recycled ceramic tiles are most
commonly made with post–industrial
content from mine or factory waste. This is often generated from the manufacturing of ceramic tiles made with new materials.
Post–consumer ceramic tiles can
also be broken into pieces and recycled to be used in tile mosaics. As an added benefit, recycled tiles are often made
locally so they don't have to be transported
great distances. At the end of their life, recycled content floors tiles can often be recycled and used to make new flooring
once again.
Use this section to learn more about the lifecycle of ceramic and glass tiles from manufacturing to disposal, and why they
can be an eco–friendly and
practical choice for your home.
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Manufacturing of Ceramic Tile and Glass Tile Flooring
The process of obtaining new raw materials and manufacturing ceramic or glass tile flooring can be energy intensive. One
must consider equipment and energy
needed to mine the resources, transport the raw materials, and manufacture the ceramic or glass tile flooring. In addition,
these processes can result in
environmental pollution and negatively impact land and water quality.
To reduce the negative impacts that manufacturing tile flooring can create, manufacturers can use recycled content in
their tiles. Both post–industrial content and
post–consumer recycled content can be used to make eco–friendly ceramic or glass tiles, reducing the need for new
resources and the energy required to
obtain them.
Transportation of Ceramic and Glass Tile Floors
Ceramic and glass tiles can be manufactured just about anywhere in the world and shipped to just about anywhere. First
resources are shipped to the manufacturer
for production of the tiles, and then the tiles are shipped either to local floor retailers and green building supply stores
or directly to consumers. Because
these floor tiles are relatively heavy when compared to most other types of flooring, they require more energy for
transportation. Longer transportation distances
obviously mean more fuel usage which overall can contribute to global warming and increase the product's carbon footprint.
While those imported ceramic tiles may be the look you have been searching for, locally sourced tiles are usually more
environmentally friendly simply due to the
fact that they won't travel a great distance to reach you. You can often find locally sourced recycled glass, ceramic, and
porcelain tiles, though product
availability can vary by area depending on what materials are available. The less distance recycled glass tiles have to
travel, the smaller their carbon footprint will be.
Installation of Ceramic and Glass Tile Flooring
Proper installation is very critical to the "greenness" of your glass or ceramic tile floor as properly
installed tile floors last longer and require
fewer replacements.
Glass tile and ceramic tile are installed using very similar products and methods. Common products used to install glass
and ceramic tile include mortar, grout,
anti–fracture membranes, self–leveling underlayments and more. To make your tile flooring installation as green
as it can be, choose eco–friendly
supporting materials to work with such as green tile grout, and so on. These materials will commonly have green
certifications for low VOC's and meet E1
standards.
Care and Maintenance of Ceramic Tile and Glass Tile Flooring
When considering the lifecycle of glass tile flooring and ceramic tiles and the effects they have on the environment, one
must also take into consideration tile
floor cleaners and cleaning equipment used to clean tile floors. When possible, choose green tile cleaners that have low
levels of VOCs and are deemed
biodegradable. If using a tile floor cleaning machine, be sure to choose energy and water efficient, eco–friendly
machines. By taking these steps, your tile
floor cleaning can be just as green as your eco–friendly tiles themselves. For a more in–depth tile floor how to
guide on care and maintenance, visit
FindAnyFloor's section on Tile
Flooring Care and Cleaning.
Disposal, Reuse or Recycling of Tile Flooring
Ceramic and glass tile flooring will often last for generations, but eventually will need replacing. When taking up old
tiles, they can be disposed of, reused,
or recycled. By choosing to reuse or recycled your ceramic tiles or glass tiles, you can further contribute to the green
movement. The difficult part can be finding
a way to reuse or recycle your tile floors. Some local recycling facilities may recycle your old tiles for you, but many will
charge a fee to do so. If the tiles
are unbroken and in good condition once removed, you can reuse them by cleaning off any adhesives and reinstalling in another
area. Ceramic and glass tiles that
are broken can often be used to make tile murals. Architectural salvage warehouses will sometimes purchase salvaged tiles
and thrift or second chance stores,
community centers, and other local organizations will often take tile donations.
For more information on eco–friendly, recycled content floor tiles, visit FindAnyFloor's section on Green Tile Flooring Buying Questions.
