Solon, Ohio.— Tarkett introduced the latest generation of its Guardian flooring products. Guardian NXT is a carbon-neutral flooring solution designed to create more productive classrooms and workspaces. The soft-surface designs are available in Powerbond and modular tile options in 10 colorways. Tarkett also unveiled Factor, a digitally-printed LVT with eight coordinating hues, complementary to the Guardian NXT color palette.
Featuring a number of Tarkett’s technologies, Guardian NXT is designed to contribute to the comfort and sustainability of any space. “Some floor patterns are more obvious than others, wearing their hearts on their sleeves without asking us to lean in and take a closer look,” said Tommy Keener, senior design director, Tarkett North America. “But that’s not Guardian NXT’s style. With careful planting and shifting of yarns, we’ve created a unique layering of both organic and geometric elements. The result is a celebration of color and form, with surprising treasures hidden just beneath the surface.”
The Powerbond construction of Guardian NXT modular options is designed to create calmer environments with a 0.22 noise reduction coefficient and a 68 impact insulation class, and is rugged enough to handle heavy traffic. Powerbond RS was developed to address potential problems associated with indoor air quality, sick building syndrome and building related illness. With low VOCs and no need for troweling adhesives, the material is said to install quickly (even on stairs) and to contribute to healthy indoor air quality.
Guardian NXT modular options also feature Tarkett’s ethos Modular with omnicoat technology, a non-PVC backing made with post-consumer recycled PVB from car windshields and architectural glass from buildings. The filler used in the backing is post-industrial waste from the paper industry. When combined with TarkettTAPE, ethos is designed to be installed without moisture testing. Ethos Modular carpet tile backing is Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver.
Guardian NXT also features Tarkett’s Eco-Ensure technology—a fluorine-free, PFAS-free soil protection that is Cradle to Cradle Certified Platinum.
For spaces that require a coordinating resilient solution, Tarkett created Factor, a digitally-printed LVT in the Collections Infinies library. The visual carries the warmth and texture of an open weave textile, combined with the scratch, scuff and stain resistance of Tarkett’s Techtonic protection. Users can choose from eight colors that coordinate with the Guardian NXT palette or create a custom color.
Both the Guardian NXT soft-surface styles and the Factor LVT designs are certified Carbonfree by Carbonfund, demonstrating the company’s ongoing commitment to developing a circular economy and reverse the impacts of climate change.