Facility managers evaluating entrance matting rarely think about what's in the mat. They should. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) remains the default backing material for most commercial mats—and it's one of the most environmentally problematic plastics in building products today.
The Problem with PVC in Commercial Matting
PVC production generates approximately 40 million tonnes globally each year. Unlike most plastics, PVC is chlorine-rich, which creates serious problems throughout its lifecycle.
When PVC degrades, burns, or reaches end-of-life incineration, it releases hydrogen chloride and dioxins—persistent toxins that bioaccumulate in ecosystems and human tissue. The World Health Organization links dioxin exposure to hormone disruption, immune system damage, and cancer risk.
The issues don't stop at disposal. PVC requires plasticizers and heavy-metal stabilizers (often lead or cadmium) to achieve flexibility and durability. These additives leach into indoor air and dust over time, degrading the air quality your HVAC system works to maintain.
Recycling isn't a solution either. PVC's chlorine content and mixed additives make it incompatible with standard recycling streams. Most PVC ends up in landfills, where it persists for centuries while continuing to release contaminants.
What PVC-Free Matting Means for Your Facility
Choosing PVC-free entrance mats delivers measurable benefits beyond environmental responsibility.
Indoor air quality improves immediately. Without plasticizer off-gassing, you eliminate a common source of volatile organic compounds in high-traffic zones—exactly where occupants spend the most time entering and exiting.
Waste liability decreases. When mats reach end-of-life, PVC-free materials integrate into standard waste streams without requiring specialized disposal or creating long-term contamination risk.
Sustainability reporting becomes simpler. For facilities pursuing LEED certification, WELL Building standards, or corporate ESG commitments, PVC-free specifications provide documented evidence of material health considerations.
The Business Case
Entrance mats are high-turnover products. A typical commercial facility replaces mats every 3-5 years, meaning material choices compound over time. Ten years of PVC mat replacements represents significant toxic load sent to landfill—or ten years of cleaner alternatives with minimal environmental persistence.
For facility managers fielding questions from tenants, sustainability committees, or corporate leadership about environmental practices, entrance matting offers a straightforward win: visible, functional, and defensible.
Making the Switch
PVC-free entrance matting using alternative backing technologies (TPE, rubber, or specialized thermoplastics) delivers equivalent or superior performance without the environmental baggage. The cost differential is minimal. The operational benefits—better air quality, simpler disposal, cleaner supply chain—are immediate.
Enhanced Entrance provides PVC-free commercial matting systems designed for Canadian facilities. Request a quote to discuss your entrance requirements.