Desso (now part of Tarkett) is a heritage Dutch flooring brand established in 1939, renowned globally as a leader in sustainable commercial carpet tiles. Acquired by Tarkett, Desso leverages over 85 years of expertise to produce Cradle to Cradle Certified® modular flooring that merges circular economy principles with patented performance technologies. From multinational corporate headquarters to WELL-certified green offices across Singapore, Hong Kong, and Europe, Desso is the specification choice for architects seeking low-carbon footprint, air-purifying, and acoustically superior flooring solutions.
1. The Circular Economy Leader: Cradle to Cradle® & EcoBase™
Desso is widely recognized for achieving one of the highest percentages of Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Certified® products in the industry. Their commitment to “Closing the Loop” sets them apart in the commercial carpet tile market.
- C2C Certified® Silver & Gold: 93% of Desso carpet tiles achieve Silver status or higher. The flagship AirMaster Gold holds C2C Gold certification and Platinum-level Material Health certification, ensuring 100% traceable, non-toxic materials.
- ECONYL® Regenerated Nylon: Desso utilizes 100% regenerated nylon yarn sourced from discarded fishing nets and post-consumer carpet waste. This process saves resources without compromising the abrasion resistance and colorfastness expected of premium Type 6,6 nylon.
- EcoBase™ Backing: This patented backing technology replaces traditional PVC with up to 91% recycled calcium carbonate and bio-based content. Crucially, EcoBase™ is 100% recyclable without separation, allowing old tiles to be reborn as new ones via Tarkett’s Restart® recycling program.
- Carbon Footprint: With a carbon footprint as low as 1.12–2.51 kg CO₂ eq/m², Desso supports corporate ESG goals and contributes significantly to LEED v4 MRc3/MRc4 and BREEAM Mat 04 credits.
2. Exclusive Performance Technologies
Desso integrates two industry-defining technologies that solve specific workplace wellness challenges: indoor air quality and acoustic comfort.
AirMaster®: The World’s Most Effective Dust-Capturing Carpet
Desso’s AirMaster® technology is the only flooring solution awarded the prestigious GUI Gold Label for dust retention. Its unique three-dimensional loop pile structure traps fine particles more effectively than any other flooring:
- 8x more effective than smooth vinyl or laminate flooring.
- 4x more effective than standard commercial carpet tiles.
- Benefit: It locks PM2.5 and allergens in place until removed by vacuuming, drastically reducing respiratory irritants in dense office environments, schools, and healthcare facilities.
SoundMaster®: Advanced Acoustic Comfort
The SoundMaster® backing system combines a resilient fleece layer with a dense core to deliver superior impact sound insulation (IIC). It effectively absorbs footfall noise, rolling chair sounds, and reverberation in open-plan offices, conference rooms, and co-working spaces, enhancing speech privacy and concentration.
3. Core Commercial Carpet Tile Collections
Desso offers a versatile portfolio of 500x500mm modular tiles designed for every zone of the modern workplace.
| Series | Key Features | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| Essence | The Workhorse. 30+ low-saturation tones (geometric/textured). 33 Heavy Commercial rating. Cost-effective. | Large-scale open-plan offices, corridors, and call centers. |
| Origin | Biophilic Design. Organic textures (Emerge, Evolve, Recharge). Non-directional pattern. Earthy palettes. | Creative agencies, tech campuses, wellness-focused lobbies. |
| Grezzo | Architectural Texture. Irregular stone/rock patterns. Cement grey to terracotta tones. High recycled content. | Executive corridors, reception areas, boutique office spaces. |
| Arcade | Executive Luxury. High-cut pile (9.5-10.5mm). Soft, plush feel. Warm browns, burgundy, metallic accents. | Boardrooms, C-suite offices, VIP lounges. |
4. Technical Specifications & Installation
- Dimensions: 500 x 500 mm (Standard Modular).
- Wear Rating: Class 33 (Heavy Commercial) for Essence/Origin/Grezzo; Class 32 (General Commercial) for Arcade.
- Fire Safety: Euroclass Bfl-s1 (Equivalent to GB B1). Compliant with international building codes.
- Installation: Recommended for installation using low-VOC water-based adhesives (e.g., KONISHI Bond FL200) to maintain F4-Star / Indoor Air Comfort Gold compliance.
- Lifecycle: 10-year warranty under normal commercial traffic conditions.
5. Why Specify Desso Carpet Tiles?
- Healthier Indoor Air: AirMaster® technology actively improves IAQ—a critical factor for WELL Building Standard certification.
- True Circularity: Unlike competitors, Desso’s Restart® program ensures old carpets are recycled into new ones, not landfills.
- Design Versatility: Seamless transitions between carpet tiles and Tarkett’s LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) or Linoleum ranges allow for unified design languages across an entire building.
- Proven Performance: Decades of proven performance in high-profile projects, including Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Auckland Transport HQ, and Beijing San Yuan NEO Tower.
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Looking for samples or project specifications?
Contact your local Tarkett Desso representative to explore how these circular, high-performance carpet tiles can transform your next commercial interior project.
