NALFA, the North American Laminate Flooring Association, returned to Raleigh, North Carolina, last week for its annual spring meeting. Hosted by and at North Carolina State University, the Association’s first and only laboratory testing and educational member since 1997.

Representatives from Classen Group; Kaindl Flooring GmbH; Kronospan USA; Mannington Mills Inc.; Mohawk Industries; Shaw Industries Group, Inc.; Swisss Krono USA; Framerica Corporation; MP Global Products; Pak-Lite, Inc.; Schattdecor; SELIT North America Inc.; Versatrim, Inc.; Zamma Corporation; Arauco NA; Arclin USA Inc.; Floor & Decor; and North Carolina State University attended the committee and board meetings.

The group met over the course of three days and discussed a range of topics to further the laminate category. Arranged by NALFA’s Underlayment Committee, Jordan Strybos from Intertek gave an in-person presentation on acoustical testing for laminate flooring and underlayment. In addition to this technical presentation, Dr. Stephen Kelley, NCSU’s Department of Forest Biomaterials department head, virtually presented on environmental factors as they relate to the flooring industry. Dr. Kelley spoke to the Marketing Committee on individual opinion on climate change vs. investment trends, carbon capture, EPDs of flooring products, biochar, and much more. Both presenters gave very valuable insight, and we were very thankful to hear what they had to say!

The Underlayment Committee as well as the newer Moulding Committee welcomed new co-chairs. Tilo Hildebrand from SELIT North America Inc. has joined Mickey Davis of Pak-Lite, Inc. as his co-chair. Additionally, Jay Van Vechten of Framerica Corp. joined as co-chair to Jeff Juzaitis from Zamma Corporation. NALFA is very excited to have these individuals appointed to further our efforts.

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