Solon, Ohio—Tarkett North America has refreshed and expanded its iQ Granit collection and introduced coordinating iQ Eminent collection within its high-performance homogeneous vinyl sheet and tile products. Designed with healthcare spaces in mind, Tarkett’s iQ products are low-maintenance, durable enough to maintain their performance under high-traffic wear and contribute to healthy, rejuvenating indoor environments, according to the company.
“Created in Ronneby, Sweden, iQ Granit and iQ Eminent embody the very best of Scandinavian design,” said Janette Murray, senior design manager, Tarkett North America. “Every detail has a purpose, from superior infection control and softened acoustics options, to state-of-the-art technology that promises zero refinishing for the life of the floor. With organic patterns and a warm color palette, the collection is continually restored with a simple dry buffing—so your floor, your space and your people can maintain top performance.”
The 43 available colorways from iQ Granit and iQ Granit Sense flow together for a palette that helps retreat, reflect and recharge, according to the company. iQ Granit Acoustic also adds impact sound reduction. “According to research, quieter healthcare settings have been shown to improve clinical efficiency, diminish stress and support the healing process,” said Margaret Bartholomew, healthcare segment manager, Tarkett North America. “In addition to contributing to better indoor air quality, iQ Granit Acoustic reduces impact sound by 16 dB. These aren’t just floors—they’re the essential foundation to creating spaces for holistic wellness.”
According to Dr. John McKeon, CEO of Allergy Standards Ltd., prioritizing a healthy indoor environment should be top of mind when indoor air quality is of the utmost importance. “Healthcare facilities are investing more and more in going ‘beyond code,’ to optimize healthier indoor air and healthy buildings,” McKeon said. “Tarkett’s dedication to prioritizing a holistic approach to health and well-being, not only of the indoor space but also the people occupying that space, is very much aligned with our values of ESG and Scientific Excellence. We value Tarkett’s dedication to improving indoor air quality and ultimately helping to improve lives.”
To optimize the indoor environment and support better indoor air quality, iQ Granit is ortho-phthalate-free and certified asthma and allergy friendly by Allergy Standards Ltd., a certification program endorsed by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. “Indoor air quality is so important for patients who have asthma and especially important in healthcare facilities,” said Kenneth Mendez, CEO and president of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. “We congratulate Tarkett for their innovation and commitment to promoting healthy indoor air quality in healthcare facilities with the first certified asthma-and-allergy-friendly flooring that is designed specifically with the needs of healthcare facilities in mind.”
New to the North American market in the expanded collection are iQ Eminent and iQ Eminent Unisense—two visuals with differing scales that offer greater color contrast and the handcrafted look of terrazzo. These collections offer a smaller, more refined palette of 25 colorways that coordinate with iQ Granit to enhance wayfinding and creative layouts.
Beyond their soothing aesthetics, Tarkett’s iQ homogeneous vinyl sheet products are scientifically engineered to prevent the spread of infection, simplify care and maintenance and support better indoor air quality, according to the company. The company said its proprietary iQ construction gives all Tarkett iQ products superior wear, stain and abrasion resistance, as well as the ability to retain their original beauty over time with nothing more than an occasional dry buff—no wax or finish needed for the life of the floor.
This advanced composition also meets all the requirements for reducing the spread of pathogens while maximizing return on investment, according to the company. Installed with heat-welded seams, iQ homogeneous vinyl sheet floors have a continuous scratch-resistant surface that reduces spaces that could potentially harbor mold or pathogens. Additionally, iQ’s flexible material can be formed to create an integral cove base between the floor and wall with a gentle radius to prevent accumulation of dust and dirt.