| July 2, 2001
News Release Allied Floors, a commercial flooring contractor in Seattle, recently developed a process that mixes recycled glass in a custom-colored cement base, producing attractive, one-of-a-kind floor designs. The process is less expensive than terrazzo flooring and produces a floor that is available for use within 24 hours after application. This innovative 60-year-old company is the newest partner in the King County LinkUp program, which encourages businesses and manufacturers to incorporate more recycled materials into their products. Sponsored by the King County Commission for Marketing Recyclable Materials, the program uses a team of specialists to offer free information resources, technical expertise and promotional assistance to eligible businesses throughout Puget Sound. To create a custom Spectocular FloorTM , Allied uses a concrete-based floor leveling material produced by Ardex, Inc., which can be installed quickly and easily, and dries within a few hours to a smooth, flat surface. The base material can be tinted to any color of the rainbow, and recycled glass pieces can be added to the base to create a customized design. After it dries, the floor is ground with a diamond grinder to reveal the distinctive glass and cement pattern. The floor can be further customized by adding cement stain and then finished with an acrylic or epoxy sealer. Spectocular FloorsTM are suitable for commercial applications, such as in a retail store, restaurant, casino or mall, or for home use, as well. Currently, Allied is buying recycled glass pieces for its new floor product from TriVitro Corporation, a Kent, Wash., manufacturer of recycled glass products and building materials. TriVitro is also participating in King County's LinkUp program. "Creating a market for recycled glass, which is a priority material for the county, is one of the main goals of the LinkUp program," says Erv Sandlin, program manager. "When we can successfully link up users and suppliers of recycled materials, then this program is doing exactly what it was designed to do. " The LinkUp team will provide marketing support to Allied FloorsTM , including designing a logo and product brochure, to help the company launch this new environmentally friendly product. The LinkUp program works with six to 12 Washington state businesses annually, offering technical, promotional or marketing assistance customized to meet individual business needs. Other participating businesses include: Brandrud Furniture, Auburn; MetaMorf, Seattle; Recovery One, Tacoma; Recycled Plastics Manufacturing Inc., Redmond; TriVitro Corporation, Kent, and Y.K. Products, Everett. Currently, LinkUp is seeking additional manufacturers and entrepreneurs using recycled materials in their products to apply for participation in the program. Businesses interested in learning more about the LinkUp program should contact Erv Sandlin, LinkUp program manager at (206) 296-0233, or visit http://www.metrokc.gov/dnrp/swd/linkup/. Related Information |
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