INTERVIEW THOMAS KJÆR
Extending product life with sage advice
Thomas Kjær is the Technical Manager for Forbo Flooring Denmark. He supports clients to ensure the service life of their flooring products is as long as possible.
Advice for longevity
We spoke to Thomas about how his role promotes sustainability. He shares: “A long product service life contributes to a lower environmental impact, and the correct use of cleaning chemistry and tools also minimises negative impacts on employees and the indoor climate.”
He explains: “I advise architects/designers, contractors, building owners and end users during the use phase. In order to keep the floor for longer, it is important to always address floor protection using entrance flooring. Choosing the right colour and pattern also avoids intensive cleaning and maintenance.”
It takes specialists knowledge to ensure we provide the best advice and solutions for our products. For example, Thomas advises customers on how to avoid thick layers of maintenance chemicals. As well as having a better environmental impact daily, it also means there’s less residue on the product at the end of use.
Thomas also provides information about Environmental Certificates, EPDs and take-back options, to make people aware of all the latest possibilities.
“A long product service life contributes to a lower environmental impact.”
Thomas Kjær, Technical Manager for Forbo Flooring Denmark.
Emerging trends
“Moving towards full circularity of our products is clearly a big attention point, and solutions to solve this are in big demand,” says Thomas. “Increased demands from stakeholders and increased legislative regulation will have consequences on how we work, and it is important that we adapt to this.”
Future plans
“Sustainable solutions are the future,” says Thomas, “right from sorting installation waste to demolition of building structures. Developing and implementing industry-wide end-of-life solutions will be challenging but, in the end, the most sustainable solution in all senses.”
Reflecting on Linoleum, he says: “In the light of the truly unique product that Linoleum is, the full reuse of end-of-life Linoleum will be a reality one day. As well as being bio-based this, product has all it takes to be true circular product in the spirit of the inventive Frederick Walton.”