Essentially Rubber: Safer flooring advance for busy stations
6 Jun 2024
System designed to enhance safety, reduce environmental footprint in high-traffic public transport areas
Hermes, France - French rubber-based products manufacturer Borflex is claiming a ‘breakthrough’ with the development of a flooring system for high-traffic public transport environments, such as train stations.
The Rubby system is said to offer a safer, more durable and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional floor coverings, such as wood flooring, which has problems with slipperiness and long-term durability, requiring frequent replacement.
Combining elastomer and composite technologies to provide a stable surface for passenger movement, minimising the risk of slips, falls and other accidents, amid weather and climate variations.
“Unlike wood, which shows signs of degradation after only 7-8 years of use, the Rubby system retains its quality and performance over time, reducing the frequency of replacement and the associated costs,” said Borflex.
The system, it noted, incorporates a proportion of recycled rubber, called Value Rubber, the product of an EU project to reduce the ecological footprint and promote a circular economy.
In terms of aesthetics, the grooving of the rubber is said to offer a “visually similar alternative to wood flooring that maintains aesthetic consistency while offering the benefits of rubber in terms of durability and safety.”
Rubber's ability to effectively dampen the sound of footsteps and wheels is also cited as a major advantage in urban public spaces – unlike wood and other materials that amplify noise.
“This property helps to create calmer, more pleasant environments, responding to a growing societal concern for the well-being and quality of life of users of public spaces,” according to Borflex.
