How to Identify Whether PVC Flooring Is Made from New or Recycled Materials

When purchasing PVC plastic flooring, it’s crucial to know whether the product is made from new (virgin) materials or recycled materials. The material type directly affects the floor's quality, safety, lifespan, and even indoor air quality. Using a floor made from recycled materials may come with hidden risks, such as chemical emissions, poor durability, or unexpected wear and tear.

Below are six practical methods to help you distinguish between new and recycled PVC plastic flooring during selection.

1. Observe the Surface Appearance

The easiest way to start is with your eyes.

• New Material:

• Smooth and uniform surface

• Bright, vivid, and consistent color

• Sharp and realistic printed patterns

• No visible defects like bubbles, black spots, or cracks

• Recycled Material:

• Surface may look dull or uneven

• Visible color differences or blotches

• Patterns may appear blurred or faded

• May contain impurities, particles, or small cracks

Tip: Check under good lighting. If you see inconsistent texture or discoloration, it may be made of recycled materials.

2. Smell the Material

Odor is a strong indicator of whether the floor contains harmful or recycled content.

• New PVC Flooring:

• Mild or neutral smell

• No irritation when inhaling

• Manufactured without harmful additives

• Recycled PVC Flooring:

• Emits a strong or pungent smell

• May cause discomfort or irritation to nose or eyes

• Possible presence of toxic chemicals or volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Tip: If the flooring smells offensive or chemical-heavy when unwrapped, avoid it—it’s likely made with recycled material.

3. Check the Product’s Quality Inspection Report

Reputable manufacturers always back their products with official quality inspection reports.

• New Material Flooring:

• Has a detailed report verifying raw material composition, heavy metal content, and fire resistance

• Complies with industry safety standards

• Usually includes certification marks (e.g., ISO, SGS)

• Recycled Material Flooring:

• May lack documentation

• Or contain failed test indicators (e.g., high levels of lead, cadmium, or formaldehyde)

Tip: Ask the seller for a copy of the inspection report. If they refuse or the report shows non-compliance, walk away.

4. Inquire About the Production Process and Material Sources

The manufacturer’s transparency is another good indicator.

• New Material Production:

• Uses strictly screened virgin PVC

• Manufactured under modern, automated processes

• Ensures consistent quality and safety

• Recycled Material Production:

• Involves manual or outdated processes

• May blend in waste PVC, offcuts, or old plastics

• Little control over consistency or purity

Tip: Ask detailed questions about how the product is made and where the raw materials come from. Honest suppliers will provide clear answers.

5. Flexibility and Toughness Test

A quick physical test can give you helpful clues.

• New PVC Flooring:

• Flexible and elastic

• Can bend without cracking

• Withstands pressure and heavy traffic

• Recycled PVC Flooring:

• Feels stiffer or more brittle

• Breaks or cracks when folded

• Ages faster and may develop surface fractures over time

Tip: Gently bend a corner of the sample. If it snaps, stiffens, or cracks, it’s not made from high-quality virgin material.

6. Compare the Price

As with most materials, price reflects quality.

• New Material Flooring:

• Slightly higher price due to better raw materials and stricter production standards

• Greater value over time due to longer lifespan and fewer problems

• Recycled Material Flooring:

• Cheaper upfront

• But may require early replacement, higher maintenance, and pose health risks

Tip: Be cautious if the price is significantly lower than the market average—cheap often comes at the cost of quality and safety.

Summary Table: New vs. Recycled PVC Plastic Flooring

Conclusion

To ensure you’re buying a safe, durable, and high-quality PVC plastic floor, always take the time to check whether it's made from new or recycled materials. While recycled flooring may appear cheaper at first, it comes with potential downsides—including health hazards, unpleasant odors, and poor performance.

By observing the appearance, smelling the material, asking for quality reports, understanding the production process, and testing the flexibility, you can confidently choose the right product. Always buy from reliable brands or certified dealers, and remember—a good floor is an investment in safety, comfort, and longevity.