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It’s flooring—and then some. Made for More.
We Put Our Best Face Forward
The fibers we choose have a big job to do—work hard, lower our environmental impact and look beautiful for a very long time. So, we purchase premium, solution dyed fibers with a low modification ratio to ensure long-lasting performance. And, of course, we choose fibers with the highest recycled content possible (post-consumer and post-industrial) to lower the environmental impact of our products.
More Than Skin Deep
Solution dying injects fiber with color throughout, like a carrot. Non solution dyed fiber only has color on the surface, like a radish. Solution dyed color lasts longer, resisting most bleaches and other harmful liquids as well as sun exposure. And with our Protekt2™ stain resistant technology built into the fibers, you’ve got added protection against staining with no need for an additional topical treatment.
Shape Matters
Modification ratio estimates a fiber’s performance by how “round” it is. A larger, rounded core decreases the potential for crushing and wear, keeping fibers easy to clean. The concave aspects around the core provide strength while helping to hide soiling. In short, the fiber with the larger diameter performs better. The fibers we use have a modification ratio of 2.2 or less, whereas mill extruded Type 6 Nylon has a ratio of 2.5 or more.
Low vs. Higher Modification Ratio Fiber
To illustrate the superior performance of the fibers we use, we ran a 10-year wet and dry ART test on an Interface product made with fiber that had a modification ratio of less than 2.0, along with a competitor’s product made with fiber that had a modification ratio of greater than 2.5. See the before and after images of the length of the fibers. Notice the abrasion and breakdown of the fiber in the competitive product as compared to the Interface product.
Length of low modification ratio fiber before testing.
Length of low modification ratio fiber after testing: some minor distortion of the fibers can be seen but overall the rounded shape is intact.
Length of high modification ratio fiber viewed before testing.
Length of high modification fiber viewed after testing: The fibers have been destroyed. The tall peaks have flattened out and created deep valleys within the surface that trap and hold soil.
Passing the Tests
Appearance Retention Test (ART)
We go beyond standard wear testing with our proprietary ART – Appearance Retention Test – to predict long-term performance in even the toughest commercial environments. Our proprietary ART is the only test of its kind, simulating real-world usage over 5, 10 or 15 years. Every Interface product must pass our ART standards, or we don’t launch it.
TARR
The Hexapod test subjects a carpet sample to a set number of impressions within a rotating drum using an eight-pound hexapod ball. Then the sample is graded for appearance on the Carpet & Rug Institute’s performance scale. This results in a TARR classification of Moderate, Heavy or Severe.