Alternatives to PVC Flooring: A Specification-Led View for Architects

There is an increasing need for alternatives to PVC Flooring. This is being driven by: embodied carbon scrutiny, plasticiser concerns, VOC issues, end-of-life uncertainty, and client needs to reduce petrochemical dependency. As regulatory and professional expectations tighten, PVC flooring is increasingly questioned at specification stage rather than accepted by default.

From a RIBA Plan of Work perspective, this shift matters early. At RIBA Stages 2–3, flooring choices now influence embodied carbon calculations (A1–A3), material transparency reviews, and future reporting obligations. Substituting away from PVC late in the process often introduces programme risk, re-specification work, and compromised performance assumptions.

Non-PVC resilient flooring options—particularly rubber—are now being explored because they reduce complexity. Rubber does not rely on added plasticisers and demonstrates stable long-term performance without applied finishes. This simplifies lifecycle modelling and reduces uncertainty around emissions, maintenance regimes, and degradation over time.

From a specification standpoint, clarity is critical. Using the National Building Specification (M50), non-PVC resilient flooring should be defined with:

• published Environmental Product Declarations,
• verified VOC performance data,
• clear installation methodology,
• known supply and manufacturing provenance.

This level of definition limits substitution risk and protects the original environmental intent of the design.

Artigo by Chroma products offer a technically robust alternative to PVC, supporting architects with NBS-ready information and independently verified environmental data rather than marketing claims.

As scrutiny increases, moving away from PVC is key. The most effective alternatives are those that reduce unknowns, withstand technical review, and remain credible long after practical completion.

Please Contact Us directly to discuss your project's needs and requirements.

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