It’s no secret that sustainability is important for both people and the planet, and the naturally eco-friendly properties of ceramic and porcelain help bring these initiatives into our homes and businesses. The below resources, courtesy of TCNA (Tile Council of North America, Inc.), Tile of Spain, and Confindustria Ceramica (The Association of Italian Ceramics), provide a deeper look at tile and its related materials to better inform the material selection process, identify unique advantages with tile, share educational content and offer transparent and unbiased reports about installation.

• EPD Transparency Summary: Ceramic Tile

• 2024 TCNA-Material-Ingredient-Guide

• EPD: Ceramic Tile – TCNA

• EPD: Ceramic Tile – Italian Ceramics – Confindustria Ceramica Members

• EPD: Ceramic Tile – Spanish Ceramics – Tile of Spain

• Life-Cycle Costs for Various Floor Finishes – TCNA Study

EPDs, HPDs, Recycled Content Information, and Green Square Certifications for individual Garden State Tile collections can be sent upon request. Please contact your Garden State Tile representative for more information.

From unparalleled durability to zero-waste manufacturing, tile is the healthiest and most eco-friendly surface option available.

TILE IS ENERGY EFFICIENT

Tile has the lowest carbon footprint of any flooring choice. The materials used to make tile are generally found within 500 miles of manufacturing facilities, dramatically reducing the energy and emissions that come from long-distance shipping. Tile’s inherent thermal mass also reduces peak heating and cooling, which helps moderate temperature swings in your home. This means less work for an HVAC system and more energy savings.

ZERO VOCs

Since tile is manufactured at temperatures that reach up to 2500 degrees F, it’s inherently inorganic, emitting zero VOCs. VOCs – emitted by virtually all other types of flooring – are harmful gases that can cause headaches, nausea, and nose, eye and throat irritation. VOC emissions are also a leading cause of “sick building syndrome.”

RECYCLING & REUSE

There are many tile options available which are made from recycled materials. Plus, once installed, tile can be reused generation after generation. There’s no question: combining incredible durability and responsible manufacturer usage of recycled content, tile is one of the most eco-friendly flooring options available.

FLAME RESISTANCE

Tile is nonflammable, meaning it doesn’t produce smoke in a fire, reduces flame spread, and doesn’t burn and give off toxic fumes. All of this can be especially meaningful in the event of a fire emergency, especially when considering the importance of maintaining clear exit pathways.

HEALTH, HYGIENE, AND SUSTAINABILITY BENEFITS

Ceramic tile is one of the healthiest flooring choices available—easy to clean, free of harmful irritants, and sustainable—all without compromising on artistic versatility. Every type of ceramic tile, including porcelain tile, quarry tile, wall tile, and pressed pavers, share all the health and sustainability benefits of ceramic tile.