The first carbon neutral ceramic floor system by Mapei and Panariagroup

Following the ecological transition towards a sustainable world, Mapei and Panariagroup joined forces to present at Cersaie the first ceramic flooring system certified 100% Carbon Neutral including laying materials and tiles.

It consists of Panariagroup ultra-thin ceramic tiles, to be laid with Mapei solutions, Keraflex Maxi S1 zerø adhesive and Ultracolor Plus. The entire production of CO2 emitted during the life cycle of the products is 100% offset with the purchase of certified environmental credits to encourage the implementation of renewable energy projects.

This result stemmed from a common awareness: around the world, buildings, homes and the general construction industry are responsible for 36% of the entire global energy consumption as well as 37% of all energy-related CO2 emissions.

This partnership finally offers a highly innovative system, opening up to increasingly sustainable construction, hence to new solutions for Real Estate.

“In our products, we have always paid close attention to the environment and sustainability”, Marco Squinzi, Mapei's CEO, stated.

In 2012, the giant of chemical products for construction industry decided to invest in a team of R&D, starting to develop eco-design projects with environmental criteria as well. In this direction, Mapei understood that durability was as important as composition.

“We therefore created Keraflex maxi S1 zero, the first glue for thin slabs laying, optimized for durability too”, Squinzi continued. “The production of Co2 emitted during the life cycle of the products is 100% compensated with the purchase of certified environmental credits to encourage the implementation of renewable energy projects. Making 100 square meters of flooring with this system is therefore equivalent to supporting the absorption of 20 trees. This was a very important year for us - Squinzi concludes - as in 2021 we carried out a sustainability report on all the European branches. In the coming year we want to extend it to all worldwide branches. We are strongly aware to intervene in all areas of action, ranging from the self-production of electricity to paper saving and solar panels".

Sustainability is at the centre for Panariagroup too, providing solutions that are environment-friendly.

“Today is the right time to convey this message - Emilio Mussini, the president of the Gruoup, explains - because the awarness on this issue is growing globally. Our journey began in 2004 with super thin 3.5 mm slabs and it has never stopped. Mapei is always one step ahead when it comes to sustainability, hence we have been confident it is the perfect partner to continue on this path. We want to prove that, even in a construction system, it is possible to supply a 100% Carbon Neutral certified product”.

THINK ZERO is an ambitious project that is part of a Sustainability Plan adopted by Panariagroup, which has goals up to 2030. Investing in the planet and in a more responsible business model is a necessary step to go in the direction of the Paris Agreement and avoid the worst consequences of climate crisis.