A Significant milestone has been achieved for T&R Interior Systems, in collaboration with the DeCarbonization Design Lab at Victoria University of Wellington, with the submission of its Environmental Product Declaration for its 100% New Zealand strong wool FLOC Roll for independent verification.
This marks a key step in the company’s ongoing commitment to accountability, sustainability, and environmentally responsible innovation, FLOC business development manager Tom O’Sullivan said.
An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), based on scientific data, provides credible information on a product’s environmental performance, covering key aspects of its life cycle, including raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, usage and end-of-life disposal.
“EPDs are internationally standardised and independently verified, ensuring transparency and reliability.”
Reaching the point of verification has been a six-month process for T&R Interior Systems, which first launched the highly customisable FLOC Roll to the market in 2022.
Made with 100% NZ strong-wool, FLOC Roll absorbs sound and also enhances interior environments, O’Sullivan said.
It is non-allergenic, breathable, biodegradable, compostable and naturally fire retardant.
“We look forward to providing architects, designers, and specifiers with certified information on the environmental attributes of FLOC Roll, enabling them to make informed, sustainable choices in their designs and tenders,” he said.
Recently the team from FLOC started its export strategy with a stand in the NZ Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) pavilion at the Design Show in Sydney.
“The show was an awesome opportunity for us to present our FLOC wool acoustic panels to literally hundreds of Australian interior designers and architects.
“The response we had to our 100% natural and sustainable wool acoustic product was extremely positive and we are now looking forward to taking the next steps in our plans for the Australian market.”
The next export goal for FLOC product will be the Find Design show in Singapore in September.
O’Sullivan said a question repeatedly asked in Australia was, “Do we have an EPD for the product?”
This is consistent with what NZ architects are also asking for.
“It highlights the need for us to strive for this certified documentation to support the physical product and de-risk the decision of specifiers to choose FLOC.
“It’s pleasing to confirm we are making steady progress on our journey now with the submission in for independent certification to secure an EPD.
“By no means is this an easy path, but we are making excellent progress on this critical element.”
FLOC is continuing to have a regular presence in Wellington, lobbying MPs from all parties on the merits and availability of its product for government build projects.
“We are receiving positive feedback from these meetings, however we are keen to see FLOC, and other wool products actually used by government agencies to support NZ strong wool growers at this difficult time, as well as doing the right thing for the planet,” O’Sullivan said.
