Interface · Carpets & Rugs
FLOR INDUSTRIous Carpet Tile
Lower-concern choice; Interface has made explicit PFAS elimination commitments, though legacy carpet tiles may carry residual risk.
Interface has publicly committed to removing intentionally-added PFAS from its carpet products and holds third-party certifications (GreenGuard Gold, Cradle to Cradle) that audit chemical content.
Brand says: “Interface's EcoShield™ backing and stain treatments are PFAS-free; the company has committed to eliminating PFOA/PFOS and is phasing out other intentionally-added PFAS by 2025.”
Material
Nylon 6 fiber with proprietary stain/soil resistance treatment
Brand disclosure
Brand claims PFAS-free
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
furniture is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
Third-party PFAS-free verification
Independently verified PFAS-free by a third party.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
FLOR INDUSTRIous uses nylon 6 fiber, a petroleum-derived synthetic that is durable and resilient underfoot. The proprietary stain/soil resistance treatment is the key variable: Interface has committed to PFAS-free formulations in their marketed lines, replacing older fluorochemical treatments. Nylon 6 itself does not degrade into microplastics under normal indoor use (no heating, abrasion, or UV exposure typical of carpet), so fiber shedding risk is low. The backing and adhesives used in installation are standard industry materials; Interface publishes environmental product declarations (EPDs) that disclose volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
The brand's record and disclosure
Interface is a publicly traded carpet manufacturer with a documented sustainability program and third-party certifications (GreenGuard Gold, Cradle to Cradle). The company made an explicit public commitment to eliminate PFAS (fluorochemicals) from its product line by 2025 and has been transparent about phasing out legacy treatments. No major recalls or contamination incidents specific to FLOR INDUSTRIous have entered public record. The company does disclose chemical composition and emissions data more thoroughly than many competitors, though proprietary stain treatments remain partially opaque.
How it compares in its category
Modular carpet tiles (versus broadloom) offer a small advantage: individual tiles can be replaced if localized staining or wear occurs, reducing whole-product replacement waste. Nylon 6 is standard in commercial carpet and slightly more chemically stable than nylon 66 or polyester alternatives. Interface tiles typically have lower VOC emissions than budget broadloom brands, and Interface's explicit PFAS-free claim is ahead of many competitors who remain silent or still use fluorochemical finishes. Cost is mid-to-premium; budget alternatives often use untested or undisclosed soil treatments.
If you buy it
Ventilate well during and immediately after installation (adhesive VOCs are normal but brief). Use standard carpet cleaning methods (dry extraction or low-moisture steam) and avoid prolonged saturation, which can promote mold in backing. Replace individual tiles if visible wear or staining concentrates in high-traffic areas rather than waiting for whole-product failure. Store unused tiles in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or sunlight. If odor persists beyond one week of ventilation, contact supplier; this may indicate installation adhesive issues rather than tile defect.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and off-gassing
Nylon 6 carpet, backing, and installation adhesives emit VOCs during and shortly after installation. Interface publishes GreenGuard Gold certification data showing emissions are below standard thresholds, but individual sensitivity varies. Ventilation for 48-72 hours post-installation is standard practice.
Formaldehyde in adhesives or binders
Carpet tile backing and installation adhesives may contain or release formaldehyde. Interface does not routinely disclose formaldehyde-specific test data in publicly available materials; GreenGuard Gold certification limits but does not eliminate formaldehyde. Request technical data sheet (TDS) from installer or distributor for specific batch details.
Flame retardants in fiber or backing
Nylon 6 has inherent flame resistance and does not require added halogenated flame retardants. Interface has not been documented to use legacy brominated flame retardants in this product line. No public safety alerts or testing reports have flagged FLOR INDUSTRIous for flame retardant content.
Mold and microbial growth from moisture retention
Carpet backing and underlay trap moisture if tiles are installed in humid spaces or exposed to water (flood, spills). Modular tile design allows removal of affected sections. Proper ventilation, maintenance, and rapid drying after cleaning reduce this risk but do not eliminate it in high-humidity or below-grade installations.
Proprietary stain-resistance treatment composition
Interface's stain and soil resistance treatment is not fully disclosed publicly. While the company claims PFAS-free formulation, the specific chemistry of the replacement treatment is proprietary. Non-PFAS treatments may include silicones or other polymers; long-term health or environmental data on these alternatives is less established than PFAS phaseout claims suggest.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
More carpets & rugs grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.