PRESS RELEASE The new DLW Linoleum Collection from Armstrong A color system for environmentally sustainable flooring “No compromises” was the motto that guided the development of Armstrong’s new DLW Linoleum Collection: none on environmental sustainability, design, color range, quality or performance characteristics. Environmental considerations are playing an increasingly important role in how manufacturing materials are selected. As the significance of these factors rises, building planners must constantly become more socially responsible. This is why DLW Linoleum is the recognized classic among Armstrong product lines. Composed of plant- and mineral-based raw materials (about 80% of which are renewable), DLW Linoleum is the perfect example of a product manufactured in an environmentfriendly way and with the conservation of natural resources in mind. Over its entire lifespan, DLW Linoleum has an almost neutral carbon footprint and is made according to traditional specifications, without the use of chemical softening agents, chlorine, or heavy metals. DLW Linoleum has received several eco-labels, the “Blue Angel” among others, in recognition of its environment-friendly properties. Armstrong, located in the northern German city of Delmenhorst, remains the sole manufacturer of high-quality linoleum under the tried and true DLW brand. In the commitment to tradition and quality, Armstrong will continue to use the “Made in Germany” label with pride. A color-coordination system for flooring We went to nature’s vast array of perfectly harmonized nuances in color for our inspiration in designing the latest palettes for the With any questions, please contact: Armstrong · Marketing and Communication · 74321 Bietigheim Bissingen · Germany Telefon +49 7142 71-384 · Fax +49 7142 71-408 Renate Seifert public relations (GPRA) · Postfach 100360 · 70747 LE-Leinfelden · Germany Telefon +49 711 77918-0 · Fax +49 711 77918-77 · info@seifert-pr.de – 2 – DLW Linoleum Collection. We were also guided in this project by the requests of numerous European architects. With the collaboration of color design expert Peter Zoernack, a comprehensive color system was developed for the established Marmorette, Colorette, Uni Walton, Granette, and Linodur DLW lines. The system is organized around and closely based on the “color sphere” conceived by Johannes Itten, whose theory opens up an entire panoply of possible color combinations and variations. Zoernack derives from each tone in Itten’s color sphere three separate shadings: for example, from the dusky Blackberry Purple to Purple Sun to the bright Purple Rain. Each of these shadings can be used in combination with the others from the same color tone, or with other harmonious or complementary tones. At the particular request of our architectural consultants, the range of gray-black tones was intensively expanded, with finely nuanced gradations in shading, from cool to warm. Structural variety: Marmorette and Granette The beauty of Marmorette is timeless. Due to its fine, even and non-directional marbling, it has become the most popular of the DLW Linoleum floor coverings. Armstrong offers a unique diversity of colors in this collection: 56 shades distributed among 18 color zones. Each tone is subdivided into three levels of shading, so that each of the three levels has a consistent brightness and intensity throughout the 18 colors. This makes for better tonal integration, even among quite disparate tones. Our two gray tones comprise no less than four levels from bright to dark, with warm or cool nuances. Armstrong offers Marmorette in every color of the rainbow, while striving to ensure the natural appearance of each one. Colors such as Cranberry Red, Amber Yellow, and Moss Green are therefore now available. – 3 – Thanks to the improved color organization of our catalog, designers and architects are now able to take in the spectrum of our colors in one visual sweep, quickly finding just the right nuance. Sheets come in thicknesses of 2 mm, 2.5 mm, and 3.2 mm. Marmorette 2.0 is treated with the PUR Eco System; Marmorette 2.5 is available with PUR or LPX treatment; and Marmorette 3.2 is LPX-treated. Virtually invisible camouflaging weld rods that give the effect of a seamless surface are available for each color. The Granette Collection with its attractive granular appearance has undergone considerable expansion, thus affording a broad array of natural looks. Armstrong has instilled an entirely new tonality in this collection, while at the same time diversifying into 24 colors from the original six. The gentle colors of nature inspire themes like sand, earth, leaf, grass and water. As with Marmorette, each of the eight Granette color ranges consist of three levels of brightness, making possible numerous new creative combinations. All colors come in 2.5 mm thickness with PUR treatment. Camouflaging weld rods are also available for Granette flooring, achieving a seamless, one-piece appearance. Monochrome classics: Uni Walton and Colorette The DLW Linoleum Collection’s Uni Walton is the favorite of purists. Esthetic and elegant, Uni Walton unites the spirit of today with the monochrome color classics of the Bauhaus school. The new collection consists of 20 patterns, with gray tones having been particularly expanded. A warm gray range and a cool gray range have been created, each featuring four degrees of lightness. From a uniquely near-white gray to a dramatic black, these neutrals offer great freedom of design. DLW Uni Walton is available in thicknesses of 2.5 mm and 3.2 mm, and both are treated with Armstrong’s protective PUR Eco System. – 4 – Colorette takes its name from the collection’s intense, brilliant colors. In addition to five dynamic colors, the recently introduced collection now features seven natural tones, each in light and dark, as well as a range of grays perfectly graduated in five degrees of lightness. Little princesses will be delighted by the dazzling pink, while creative spirits will find inspiration in the many potential combinations of colors. From Azure Blue to Banana Yellow, the Collection conjures dramatic worlds of color in floor design and visual highlights. On the other hand, the more reserved palette of colors in the Colorette Collection presents an interesting alternative to the monochromes of the Uni Walton Collection. Sheets come in both 2.5 mm and 3.2 mm thicknesses, and are treated with high-quality PUR Eco System protective coating. Indestructible Linodur At 4 mm thick, and with a high cork content, Linodur can handle the most punishment of the entire DLW Linoleum line. Available in nine dynamic colors, from Spring Blue to Lava Red, it is ideal for industrial or other high-traffic buildings. Linodur is so tough, it is even recommended for areas where forklifts are operated. For spaces requiring static dissipative flooring, there is Linodur LCH. Linodur is protected with LPX, and weld rods embedded in the linoleum ensure a perfectly concealed seam. Marmorette for specialized needs Acoustic, a special version of Marmorette flooring, is also available. Its two-ply combination of 2 mm linoleum with 2 mm cork provides a natural impact noise-dampening effect and walking comfort. It also retains its elasticity, favorably resists rolling, and provides a high degree of thermal insulation. – 5 – Like Linodur LCH, Marmorette LCH is a static dissipative version suitable for areas that require a discharge resistance of up to 1x108 ohms. Marmorette LCH is protected with LPX surface finish and is available in thicknesses of 2.5 mm and 3.2 mm. Practical features While DLW is renowned for its esthetic quality, it is also a favorite on account of its practical features. Easy to care for and requiring only minimal cleaning, DLW Linoleum is highly elastic and provides a comfortable, non-skid walking surface. With its high wood-content, it is warm to the foot and ideal for floorheated environments. In addition, it is anti-static, meaning that it does not accumulate dust. Being extremely resistant to abrasion and wear-and-tear, linoleum enjoys a long life. It is also a hygienic floor covering, since it can be laid seamlessly and is by its very composition naturally anti-bacterial. DLW Linoleum passed Germany’s stringent Toy DIN EN 71-3 standard with first-class results. It is thus the perfect choice for kindergartens, day-care centers, children’s clinics, schools, and of course for children’s bedrooms. Protective surface coverings Armstrong provides two types of surface treatment for DLW Linoleum. These protect the product from dampness and dirt and facilitate cleaning: the time-tested basic surface guard LPX Finish and the excellent PUR Eco System protection. Thanks to these two treatments, DLW requires only basic cleaning. And with the PUR Eco System, maintenance costs are reduced and the product’s sustainability is further enhanced through improved wear resistance. Cleaning is meanwhile less timeconsuming and requires less water and detergent. DLW Linoleum treated with PUR Eco System is stain- and chemicalresistant, even against hand- and surface-disinfectants, making – 6 – it ideal for health facilities, such as hospitals, seniors’ residences, and nursing homes. Photo captions: Armstrong Lino Uni Walton Uni Walton is the purist’s favorite within the DLW Linoleum Collection. The monochromes unite Bauhaus color classics with the spirit of today. The newcomer in the collection is a bright, almost-white, pale gray. Photo: Armstrong Armstrong Lino Colorette In addition to five bold colors, Colorette now features seven nature-oriented tones in light and dark, as well as five degrees of gray. Photo: Armstrong/Werner Huthmacher Armstrong Lino Marmorette Farbkreis The new DLW Linoleum palette is derived from Johannes Ittens’ color sphere, opening up a whole new perspective on color variations and combinations. Photo: Armstrong Armstrong_Lino_Marmorette_Purple Color designer Peter Zoernack conceived each color as a trinity of varying shades - from, for example, Blackberry Purple to Purple Sun to Purple Rain. Photo: Armstrong Armstrong_Lino_Marmorette_Colors The new organization of colors contained in the Floor catalog from Armstrong allows designers and architects to take in the various colors in one visual sweep, finding the desired nuance more quickly. Photo: Armstrong – 7 – Armstrong_Lino_Granette The completely new, nature-oriented colors of the finely granular Granette Collection interpret themes such as sand, earth, leaf, grass and water. Photo: Armstrong