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Marchand Luxury Oak: Sustainable flooring

  • Apr 4
  • 3 min read

Updated: Apr 28

Why does knowing our supply chain matter? Sustainable flooring is no longer a niche conversation. It is now a core requirement for architects, designers, and homeowners who want materials that perform long term while reducing environmental impact.

French oak tree grove
French Grove

Marchand Luxury Oak: Our NZ Sustainable Flooring

At Marchand Luxury Oak, sustainable flooring is not defined by a single feature. It is the result of how a product is sourced, how efficiently it is manufactured, how it performs in a building, and how long it lasts. Our engineered European oak flooring has been developed with this full lifecycle approach in mind.

What makes flooring truly sustainable?

Sustainable flooring is often reduced to surface-level claims such as “natural” or “eco-friendly”. In reality, true sustainability comes down to a combination of responsible sourcing, resource efficiency, low emissions, and long-term durability. Our flooring is designed to meet all of these criteria.

FSC certified timber for responsible sourcing

All Marchand Luxury Oak flooring is FSC® certified (FSC®-N004872) under the Forest Stewardship Council Chain of Custody standard.

FSC certification ensures that timber is sourced in a way that protects biodiversity, respects Indigenous rights, and supports sustainable forestry practices. For architects and specifiers, this provides confidence that the flooring meets one of the most rigorous environmental and social standards globally.

In a market where many sustainability claims are difficult to verify, FSC certification provides a clear and trusted benchmark for responsible timber sourcing.

Engineered construction for resource efficiency

Our sustainable flooring is built using a multi-layer engineered construction. Each board features a 6 mm solid European oak wear layer over a stable plywood core.

This design optimises the use of natural resources by reducing the volume of solid oak required per square metre, while still delivering the performance and appearance of a solid timber floor.

With a declared unit of 1 m², this construction approach ensures efficient use of raw materials without compromising strength, stability, or design.

Low VOC flooring for healthier indoor environments

Indoor air quality is a key part of sustainable building design. Our flooring meets strict European standards for emissions, achieving:

  • E1 formaldehyde rating (less than 5 ppm)

  • Reaction to Fire classification of Dfl-s1

These low VOC characteristics make our flooring suitable for both residential and commercial environments, supporting healthier indoor spaces across New Zealand projects.

sustainable flooring
Oak Bark

Sustainable manufacturing with minimal waste

Sustainable flooring also depends on how it is made. Our manufacturing process is designed to minimise environmental impact at every stage.

No wastewater is generated during production, and all sawdust byproducts are repurposed rather than discarded. This ensures that raw materials are used as efficiently as possible and supports a more circular production model.

Environmental Information and lifecycle transparency

We can supply you manufacturing information which evaluates environmental impact across all stages of the product lifecycle, including:

  • Raw material extraction

  • Manufacturing and transport

  • Installation and use

  • End-of-life and recycling potential

This cradle-to-grave transparency allows architects and designers to specify sustainable flooring with confidence, backed by measurable environmental data.

Sustainability performance indicators

Our manufacturing information includes detailed environmental metrics such as:

  • Global Warming Potential (GWPtotal)

  • Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)

  • Acidification Potential (AP)

  • Eutrophication Potential (EP marine)

  • Resource and energy use

These indicators provide a clear picture of environmental impact while supporting sustainable design decisions.

Sustainable materials and packaging

Sustainability extends beyond the board itself. Our data outlines the composition of each material used, including the oak surface, adhesives, and finishes, along with their biogenic carbon content.

Packaging is also carefully considered, with materials selected to be recyclable on New Zealand building sites, reducing waste during delivery and installation.

Long-life flooring reduces environmental impact

One of the most important factors in sustainable flooring is lifespan.

Our 20 mm engineered boards, with a 6 mm wear layer, are designed to last more than 60 years and can be refinished multiple times. This significantly reduces the need for replacement, lowering the overall environmental impact over the life of the building.

The most sustainable flooring solution is one that remains in place for decades.

Sustainable flooring for New Zealand homes and projects

At Marchand Luxury Oak, our goal is to set a benchmark for sustainable interiors in New Zealand. By combining FSC certified timber, efficient engineered construction, low emission finishes, and long-term durability, we offer a flooring solution that aligns with modern environmental expectations.

For architects, designers, and homeowners, this means you can achieve both high-end design and environmental responsibility in the same material.

Marchand Luxury Oak - Luxury is in the details.

 
 

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