i4F to highlight process technologies of the future at NAFCD 2022, booth #629

• New i4F Be-Lite sustainable savings technology on show
• i4F also sharing details on unique AquaProtect water swell-resistance technology for laminate

HAMONT, BELGIUM – i4F®, a group of companies providing patents and technologies to the flooring industry, today announced its participation as an exhibitor at NAFCD 2022 taking place November 1-3 in Chicago, USA.  This year the company will zoom in on process technologies of the future, showcasing new innovations only available via an i4F license, including i4F Be-Lite and AquaProtect. i4F’s latest range of drop-lock technologies, including its bespoke herringbone installation system as well as True Grout® from its surface finishing technologies cluster, will also be demonstrated on i4F’s booth – number 629.

i4F Be-Lite is a patented, breakthrough technology delivering a more sustainable SPC panel production process to the global flooring industry. Thermoforming technology uses up to 20% less raw materials during the panel core manufacturing process, without compromising on performance. This differs to other existing material savings techniques that remove and recycle materials after the panel production process, creating more waste, costs and CO₂ emissions linked to transport and the recycling of scrap. A return on investment can be earned within just two weeks! The new technology is exclusively available via i4F as part of its portfolio of sustainability-focused process technologies and, is the result of a patent partnership with CFL Flooring. 

AquaProtect is a high precision, resource saving impregnation technology that protects laminate-core HDF boards from water surface swell by up to 75%, thus increasing dramatically their overall water-resistance. Unlike other impregnation systems, resource saving AquaProtect technology uses a high-precision spray system that applies the hydrophobic impregnation agent exactly where its needed, avoiding unnecessary overspray. AquaProtect seals the joint edges of both V-grooved and non-V-Grooved laminate panels. Laminate treated with AquaProtect meets all recognized international laminate water-resistance standards and tests, including NALFA and ISO 4760.  AquaProtect also saves on core materials as it allows use of standard HDF boards to obtain the same moisture-resistance performance as HDF with a 20% higher resin content.  

John Rietveldt, i4F CEO, says, “Our latest process technologies are designed to help with two top priority issues facing the flooring industry: sustainable manufacturing and water-resistant products. i4F Be-Lite and AquaProtect tackle these head on and have the advantage of being affordable, easy to integrate into existing manufacturing lines and deliver a rapid return on investment. The time is now to implement manufacturing processes that don’t cost the earth –  in all senses of the word  – to make a meaningful difference to our industry and the planet.”