History
Rich in 130 years’ experience, the story of Tarkett merges with the history of the flooring industry through many of the finest brands that have helped to shape flooring from the past century until today.
Like all enduring brands, Tarkett is grounded in its people - their values and believes, their expertise and ambition. From the Group’s early entrepreneurs who began parquet in Sweden, linoleum in Canada to felt making in France and textiles in Eastern Europe, the Group has grown to incorporate such industry leaders as Allibert, Sommer, Azrock, Domco, Johnsonite, FieldTurf, Beynon and Sintelon. The diversity of backgrounds of Tarkett’s people have allowed the Group to constantly innovate since it’s early days: across materials, technologies, design, and services. Making people’s lives safer, more comfortable, more productive, and inspiring them through colours, patterns and textures in the places where they work, live or play.
Today, many of the world's flooring milestones still offer testimony to Tarkett's determination to innovation and sustainability:
1942 – introduction of 3 layer hardwood flooring, minimizing hardwood use to protect forests
1952 – invention of first vinyl flooring offering durability and a wider choice in decoration for interiors
1957 – recycling of vinyl tile to reduce waste in landfills 1966 – development of vinyl wall coverings for better interior hygiene
1975 – launch of PUR surface treatment minimizing water and detergent usage to reduce maintenance costs
1978 – first loose lay flooring eliminating adhesives to improve indoor air quality
1980 – product life-cycle cost assessments for better understanding of overall economic impact
1994 – launch of artificial turf reducing injuries for athletes and water and pesticides use in upkeep
1996 – rubber products made from post-consumer tires
2003 – post installation recycling in North America to reduce landfill waste
2006 – new surface treatment for linoleum to minimize water and detergent consumption
2010 – launch of Floor in a Box, a unique solution on the market, easy to transport and to install and IQ Natural, the first homogeneous vinyl made 75% natural and renewable raw materials. Tarkett is the first French Company to implement the Cradle to Cradle® model to guide product developement and production.
2011 - introduction of low VOC emissions across the entire European product range (10 times lower than current European standards, TVOC after 28 days less than 100 μg/m3 versus 1000 μg/m3 for EU standards). Tarkett is the first French Company to sign a partnership agreement with the German EPEA (Environmental Protection and Encouragement Agency) and starts to implement the Cradle to Cradle® model to guide its product developement and production. The Tarkett Linoleum range is awarded the Cradle to Cradle® Silver Certificate. Tarkett is recognized for its sustainability strategy with the Strategic Developement Trophy the Green Business Award.
2012 - Tarkett is obtains the Cradle to Cradle® Silver Certificate for its wood product ranges manufactured in Sweden and Poland.
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Headquartered in Nanterre, France, Tarkett is owned by two shareholders – the Deconinck family (heirs of the Allibert family) and active in the Group for many generations and private equity funds affiliated with KKR (50%) since January 2007.
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