What are VOC's? If you have not heard already, its a big buzz word - especially in the flooring industry. Years ago, Lumber Liquidators had a $33 Million lawsuit for selling products knowlingly with high formaldehyde levels. This lawsuit brought to light harmful products that were being cheaply made and sold from store fronts.

VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compound. It refers to a group of organic chemicals that evaporate easily at room temperature and can be found in many common household productsand building materials. These compounds can have negative impacts on human health and indoor air quality.

Since then, Green Flooring and Low to No VOC products are often discussed as one of a buyers top considerations when purchasing flooring. Below - is what I consider to be the greenest products in the industry!

Naturally Green Carpet: Wool from New Zealand & Britain

Wools from New Zealand and British sheep breeds, especially those like Wools of New Zealand(WONZ) and British hill breeds, are highly prized in carpet manufacturing for a combination ofnatural properties, quality standards, and sustainability. Here’s why they’re consideredexcellent:

1. Superior Fiber Quality

New Zealand Wool:

• Comes from breeds like Romney and Perendale.

• Known for long fibers, uniform crimp, and low vegetable matter.

•  Produces soft, white, and clean wool, making it easy to dye vibrant colors.

 British Wool:

•  Often comes from hardy hill breeds like the Herdwick, Swaledale, and Cheviot.

•  Typically, coarser and more durable, ideal for resilient, hard-wearing carpets.

2. Natural Durability & Resilience

Both wools have a natural crimp and bulk that give carpets:

• Excellent bounce-back resilience.

• Long-lasting shape retention.

• Resistance to crushing and matting, even in high-traffic areas. 

3.  Sustainability & Eco-Friendly

Wool is:

• 100% renewable – sheep grow a new fleece every year.

• Biodegradable – breaks down naturally without harming the environment.

• Produced with low chemical input compared to synthetic fibers.

• Wools of New Zealand promotes sustainably managed farms, traceability, and eco-certifications (e.g., Environmental Choice New Zealand).

4. Naturally Flame Retardant

•  Wool doesn’t ignite easily; it self-extinguishes when the flame is removed.

•  Ideal for safety-conscious environments (e.g., homes, hotels, public spaces).

5. Moisture & Air Regulation

Wool absorbs and releases moisture, helping to:

• Regulate indoor humidity.

• Filter indoor air by trapping pollutants and allergens.

6. Excellent Dyeing Properties

New Zealand wool, in particular, has high whiteness and purity, allowing:

Rich, vibrant, and fade-resistant colors.

7. Premium Certifications & Traceability

Wools of New Zealand and British Wool often carry:

• Origin certification.

• Ethical farming and animal welfare guarantees.

• Assurance of fair labor practices and transparent sourcing.

Features of: New Zealand Wool

Softness: High

Durability: High

Whiteness: Excellent

Dyeability: Excellent

Features of: Wool British Wool

Softness: Medium

Durability: Very High

Whiteness: Moderate

Dyeability : Good

Mohawk’s SmartStrand 

SmartStrand by Mohawk is the perfect blend of innovation and eco-conscious design:

1. Renewable, Plant-Based Fiber

SmartStrand uses DuPont Sorona (a triexta polymer) made with 37% plant-based ingredients—typically sugars from corn—rather than fossil fuels. Producing these fibers saves significant resources: roughly one gallon of gasoline per seven square yards of carpet.

2. Lower Energy and Emissions

Manufacturing Sorona consumes 30% less energy and emits 63% fewer greenhouse gases compared to nylon production.

3. Free from Harmful Chemicals

SmartStrand fibers are OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified—ensuring they’re free from harmful substances and low in VOCs.

4. Durable with Permanent Stain Protection

Thanks to built-in Nanoloc™technology, stain resistance is inherent and permanent—no post-treatment needed—so you won’t need harsh chemical cleaners. Thisdurability means longer carpet life, less frequent replacement, and reduced landfill waste.

5. Field-to-Floor Traceability

Mohawk promotes a North American supply chain, with corn grown, Sorona fiber produced, and carpets manufactured in the U.S., reducing transport emissions and supporting local economies.

6. Proven Performance

“It is recognized by the FTC as a separate fiber…mostly derived from corn sugars which makes it much more eco-friendly and sustainable without the use of heavy chemicals.”  “Smartstrand/triexta is great for stain resistance. It is made (in part) from bioengineered corn and has a soil resistant coating” 

In Summary

• SmartStrand stands out as a green carpet because it is:

• Made with renewable plant sources

• Manufactured with lower energy and carbon footprint

• Free of harmful chemicals and low in VOCs

• Engineered to last, avoiding waste

• Part of a traceable, regional supply chain

Mercier Generations Finish: One of the Greenest Finishes in the Industry

Mercier’s Generations® finish is widely considered one of the best hardwood floor finishes due to its exceptional durability, eco-friendly chemistry, and clarity that preserves wood beauty.

What Makes Mercier’s Generations® Finish One of the Best:

1. Unmatched Durability

• Aluminum Oxide Nano Particles: These provide exceptional abrasion resistance, making the finish extremely tough against scratches and wear—ideal for high-traffic areas or homes with pets and kids.

• Mercier claims up to 5x more durability than conventional polyurethane finishes.

• Offers superior impact resistance, minimizing dents and surface damage from heavy furniture or dropped items.

2. UV-Cured for Maximum Performance

The finish is cured using ultraviolet (UV) light at the factory. This results in:

• A fully hardened, ready-to-use surface—no curing time at your home.

• Virtually no off-gassing—great for indoor air quality.

• Greater chemical resistance (spills, cleaners, etc.)

3. Exceptional Clarity and Aesthetics

Generations® is known for its ultra-clear, non-yellowing appearance.

It enhances the natural beauty and depth of the wood grain without creating a plastic-like shine. Available in multiple gloss levels (matte, satin, semi-gloss, etc.) to suit different aesthetics.

4. Eco-Friendly & Health-Conscious

Zero VOCs after curing and GREENGUARD Gold certified, making it safe for sensitive environments.

Free from formaldehyde, heavy metals, and toxic solvents. Water-based formulas reduce environmental impact compared to traditional oil-based urethanes.

5. Long-Term Cost Effectiveness

Thanks to its extreme durability, you’ll likely avoid refinishing for decades, making it cost-effective in the long run.Requires less maintenance and holds up well against moisture and day-to-day abuse.

• Generations®

• Feature Generations® Finish

• VOCs Zero

• Scratch Resistance Excellent (Nano Tech)

• Aesthetics Ultra-clear, no yellowing Overtime

• Indoor Air Quality GREENGUARD Gold

Bottom Line:

Mercier’s Generations® finish combines top-tier durability, green chemistry, and wood- preserving clarity. It’s especially well-suited for anyone who wants a premium, low- maintenance, health-conscious hardwood floor that lasts for decades with minimal upkeep.

Considering Laminate? Checkout RevWood!

Mohawk’s RevWood line is considered low-to-no VOC thanks to materials, coatings, and manufacturing practices that significantly reduce or eliminate emissions:

 Why RevWood Is LowVOC

1. No Added Formaldehyde

Mohawk explicitly uses no added formaldehyde in the resin adhesives for RevWood’s core.

2. FloorScore & GREENGUARD Certifications 

RevWood is FloorScore® certified, meaning it meets California Section 01350— one of the strictest indoor-air-quality standards. Flooring from Mohawk is also listed under Indoor Air Quality Certifications (like GREENGUARD Gold).

3. Natural & Recycled Core Materials

Cores are made from HDF (high-density fiberboard) derived from sustainable wood, with no urea-formaldehyde glues. Mohawk’s use of pre-consumer recycled content and fast-growing pine reduces reliance on petrochemicals.

4. Low to No VOC Finishes & Binders

The wear layer and coatings (e.g., ScratchGuard™, aluminum oxide) are formulated follow emissions and durability. Manufacturing includes carbon-negative practices and third-party verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).

Feature Benefit

• No added formaldehyde Reduces offgassing of VOCs

• FloorScore/GREENGUARD 

• Proven low emissions indoor air quality

• HDF wood-based core Free from petrochemical adhesives

• Recycled && sustainable Fewer synthetic, VOC-emitting components Low-VOC wear coatings Durable finish with minimal emissions

Bottom Line

RevWood’s combination of no added formaldehyde, certified lowVOC credentials, and wood-based construction makes it a healthier, low-emission flooring choice—especially compared to standard laminates or engineered woods that rely on synthetic resins.

Resilient Floors

Mohawk’s PureTech

Mohawk’s PureTech flooring stands out as a green product due to its environmentally mindful materials, manufacturing, and mission:

1. PVC-Free Composition

PureTech uses zero PVC plastics, avoiding the environmental and health risks associated with PVC manufacture and disposal.

2. High Recycled & Renewable Content

• 70% recycled content overall

• 80% organic, plant-based core sourced from materials like southern yellow pine or bamboo.This significantly reduces reliance on virgin plastics and fossil fuels.

 3. Manufactured in the USA

Produced domestically in Calhoun, Georgia, which reduces carbon emissions from global shipping and supports local economies.

4. Cradle-to-Cradle Lifecycle

The product is recyclable at its end of life, aligning with circular economy principles.

5. Social Impact via Plastic Bank

Through a partnership with Plastic Bank, Mohawk uses PureTech sales to help prevent ocean-bound plastic, supporting waste collection in coastal communities.

6. Durability = Sustainability

With excellent waterproofing, scratch resistance, and a long warranty (including pet damage coverage), PureTech reduces replacement frequency—thus lowering resource consumption over time.

Summary

PureTech’s green credentials stem from:

• No PVC

• Predominantly recycled & renewable materials

• Domestic manufacturing

• Recyclability

• Ocean-plastic cleanup efforts

• Built-to-last performance

All of these elements combine sustainability, reduced environmental impact, and social responsibility, making it a truly “planet-friendly” flooring product.

Tile Flooring: A Natural Go To for Green

Tile is a top choice for sustainability, especially for allergy-sensitive homes.

1. Natural & Abundant Materials

 Most tile is made from clay, sand, and other natural minerals, which are plentiful and non-toxic.

2. Long Lifespan & Durability

Tile is extremely long-lasting, often lasting decades without needing replacement. This reduces resource consumption and waste overtime. Less frequent replacement means lower overall environmental impact compared to flooring with shorter lifespans. 

3. Recycled Content

Some tile brands incorporate pre- or post-consumer recycled content, such as recycled glass or porcelain. Look for manufacturers that clearly label recycled content percentages. 

4. Low to No VOCs

Tile itself is inert and non-emitting, making it ideal for indoor air quality. When paired with low-VOC adhesives and grouts, it contributes to healthier indoor environments.

6. Recyclability

Many tile products can be recycled or reused at the end of their life, especially porcelain and ceramic.

7. Cool Surfaces & Thermal Mass

Tile has a high thermal mass, meaning it helps regulate indoor temperatures (great for passive solar design). If you’re looking for the greenest tile options, seek out:

Green Squared Certified tiles (an ANSI A138.1 standard for sustainable tile).Tiles with recycled content.

Carpet or Hard Surface for Allergies?

If someone in your home is allergy-prone, you might wonder: carpet or hard surface? Here’s what each offers.

Pro’s for Hard Surface Flooring for Allergy Sufferers:

Hard surface flooring is a great choice for allergy sufferers for several key reasons:

1. Doesn’t Trap Allergens

Unlike carpet, hard surfaces like hardwood, tile, laminate, and luxury vinyl do not trap dust, pet dander, pollen, or mold spores. These allergens stay on the surface, making them easy to remove through regular cleaning.

2. Easier to Clean

Hard surface floors are simple to vacuum, sweep, and mop, which helps maintain a cleaner indoor environment. This consistent cleaning can dramatically reduce exposure to airborne allergens.

3. Low to No VOC Options

Many hard flooring products today—especially those certified by FloorScore® or GREENGUARD®—are made with low or zero VOC (volatile organic compound) materials, meaning they won’t off-gas harmful chemicals that can irritate respiratory systems or trigger allergies.

4. Moisture Resistance

Some hard surfaces, like tile or luxury vinyl, are water-resistant or waterproof, reducing the chances of mold or mildew growth—common triggers for allergy sufferers.

5. No Fibers or Pile

Hard floors have a smooth surface, unlike carpet fibers that can hold allergens deeply within their structure, even after vacuuming.

Top Picks for Allergy Sufferers:

• Hardwood flooring (especially FSC-certified or low-VOC finished)

• Ceramic or porcelain tile

• Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) with FloorScore® certification

• Laminate flooring with low-VOC adhesives and finishes

Pros for Carpet For Allergy Sufferers:

1. Traps Allergens (Rather Than Circulating Them)

Carpet acts like a passive air filter, trapping allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander in its fibers, keeping them from becoming airborne and circulating in the air you breathe.

This is especially useful in low-traffic areas where allergens aren’t constantly kicked up.

2. Reduces Airborne Particulates

Studies (including by the German Allergy and Asthma Association) have shown that well-maintained carpet can reduce airborne dust and allergens more effectively than hard floors, which allow particles to be stirred up more easily.

3. Improves Acoustic and Thermal Comfort

Less noise and more warmth can lead to improved sleep and lower stress, which indirectly benefits your immune system and can reduce allergic reactions.

4. Low-VOC Options Are Now Available

Hypoallergenic carpets made from natural or low-emission synthetic materials (e.g., wool, solution-dyed nylon, or SmartStrand) are available, with certifications like CRI Green Label Plus to ensure low VOCs and chemical emissions.

Carpet Requires Careful Maintenance

For carpet to help rather than harm allergy sufferers:

• Vacuum Often — Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, ideally 2–3 times per week.

• Deep Clean Regularly — Use hot water extraction every 6–12 months to remove deep-set allergens.

• Choose Low-Pile or Loop Carpet — Easier to clean and less likely to trap allergens than plush or shag carpets.

• Use Carpet Tiles — Easy to replace small sections if needed.

• Avoid in High-Humidity Areas — Prevents mold and dust mite growth.

Best Carpet Types for Allergy Sufferers:

• Wool Natural, hypoallergenic, resistant to dust mites.

• Nylon (solution-dyed) Easy to clean, resistant to mold and mildew.

• SmartStrand Eco-friendly, low VOC, stain resistant.