At Z Collection, we are committed to promoting environmental responsibility and sustainability in every aspect of our business operations. As a tile distributor based in the Pacific Northwest, we recognize the importance of safeguarding our planet for future generations. Our dedication to sustainability encompasses various key areas.

CHARACTERISTICS OF PORCELAIN, CERAMIC, AND STONE TILE

 

• Inherent durability. These materials have a long life cycle, outperforming all other flooring materials. Properly specified and installed tile lasts as long as the building it’s installed in.
   

• Stone is 100% natural and porcelain/ceramic are made entirely from naturally occurring raw materials (clay, kaolin, feldspar, etc). Extraction of these materials is minimally invasive and respectful of the environment.
   

• Non-toxic (no lead, cadmium, heavy metals, PVC, VOC, radon, phthalates, formaldehyde).
   

• Fire resistant and does not emit toxic fumes when exposed to fire.
   

• Promotes healthy indoor air quality: (1) Nonporous surface is naturally resistant to bacteria, fungi, mold, and other irritants. (2) Inert. (3) The high firing temperature of porcelain/ceramic burns off organic compounds so this material easily meets requirements for low emitting materials.

 

• Advantageous thermal properties: (1) Energy savings when applied with under-floor or wall-mounted heating systems. (2) Ventilated facades. (3) Heat island.
   

• Low maintenance: (1) Stain resistant. (2) Scratch resistant. (3) Water resistant. (4) Clean and maintain with mild, non-toxic cleaning agents.

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• High value tile and stone can be (and often is) salvaged for architectural re-use. Alternately, it can be put toward industrial use (crushed and made into concrete). If disposed of at the end of its lifecycle, it is completely non-toxic to the environment.

 
 

STONE MOSAIC AND TILE MANUFACTURING
 

• The stone mosaic industry naturally recaptures industrial “waste” in that blocks of stone are utilized for larger finished sizes and end cuts are utilized for mosaics and smaller format tiles. Our 1” tumbled Carrara mosaic, for example, is 100% made from material left over in cutting 3” hexagons.

 

• Industrial water capture and reutilization.

 

• Energy reduction and use of renewable energy sources.

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ETHICAL SOURCING OF PORCELAIN/CERAMIC TILES
 

We prioritize sourcing from factories and suppliers that share our commitment to sustainability and adhere to environmentally responsible practices. We actively seek partners who not only focus on environmental aspects but also pay utmost attention to fair labor practices, worker safety, and ethical working conditions. Each factory operates independently but each follows or is working to achieve the following practices.

 

• Energy efficiency: (1) Recovery system for heat generated by kilns. (2) Renewable (solar) energy. (3) Pallets from reclaimed or FSC certified wood. (4) LED lighting.

 

• Regional raw materials.
   

• Recycled content / waste recovery: (1) Reduction of waste. (2) All or most raw and fired materials reclaimed in production cycle.
   

• Water: overall reduction of use and reutilization of 100% industrial water used.
   

• Plant emissions: air filtration systems limit dust emissions. Factories are located in Italy and Spain and adhere to strict EU air quality standards.
   

• Eco-concious packaging: Minimal packaging from recycled and recyclable cardboard.

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CERTIFICATIONS
 

• EPD (Environmental Product Declaration). A voluntary environmental product declaration that certifies the environmental footprint of the product life cycle according to the “cradle to grave” approach.
   

• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Declaration. 
   

• PEF (Product Environmental Footprint). A certification relating to the determination of the potential environmental footprint of products during their life cycle.
   

• MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) + HPD (Health Product Declaration). A declaration that constitutes the safety data sheet of the material and certifies that it does not contain toxic or hazardous substances.
   

• ISO (International Organization for Standardization): (1) ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems (2) ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems (3) ISO 45001 Occupational Health + Safety (4) ISO 50001 Energy Management (5) ISO 17889 Ceramic Tiling Systems – Sustainability for ceramic tiles and installation materials
   

• FDES (Fiche de Declaration Environmentale et Sanitaire). An environmental declaration that is specific to the French market and certifies the suitability of the material for the construction of green buildings.
   

 
OPERATIONS AT Z COLLECTION HQ 
 

• Energy partially from renewable sources.
   

• Automated lights in warehouse and showroom. Use of LEDs throughout the building.
   

• Recycling and Waste Management: (1) Office: recycle paper and material packaging. Minimize printing. Reuse + recycle electronics. (2) Employee breakroom: recycling station for bottles and cans. Filtered water rather than bottled. (3) Warehouse: crates and pallets are re-utilized for deliveries. (4) Sample Department: broken tiles are salvaged into samples.
   

• Material donation. End of lots, returns and misc tiles are donated or sold at closeout pricing.
   

• Prioritization of the safety, health, and well-being of our staff.
   

• Community Engagement and Education.

 

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
 

We understand that the journey towards sustainability is ongoing. As such, we are dedicated to constantly evaluating and enhancing our sustainability efforts. Regular assessments of our practices and staying informed about advancements in sustainable technologies are crucial components of our commitment to continuous improvement.
 
By adhering to these principles, Z Collection endeavors to be a leader in the tile industry's sustainability efforts. We believe that our actions today can create a brighter and more sustainable future for the Pacific Northwest and the global community.