The SKZ Plastics Center has awarded Tarkett GDL S.A. the title of "Premium Research Partner 2025". The distinction was granted for the company's research collaboration with the European Center for Dispersion Technologies, EZD, in Selb. According to the information provided, particular recognition was given to the joint work on the development of an advanced UV-curable inkjet ink and next-generation PVC plastisols. The award is presented to companies that stand out for trust in cooperation, innovation and effectiveness in carrying out research projects related to plastics engineering. In Tarkett's case, SKZ highlighted the company's commitment to several joint projects conducted at EZD.
Tarkett operates internationally as a manufacturer of flooring solutions. The company develops and produces vinyl floors, linoleum, carpets and wood floors for residential, commercial and industrial applications. The joint projects with EZD covered both issues related to inkjet printing and the development of PVC materials for flooring applications, with particular attention to processing requirements, performance properties and environmental aspects.
Work on UV ink for inkjet printing
One of the recognised projects focused on developing a UV-curable ink for inkjet printing. As indicated in the project description, the main challenges resulted from the stringent requirements of a stable inkjet printing process. These included the need for precise control of the ink's rheological properties and dispersion-related parameters.
The EZD team, working together with Tarkett, managed to significantly improve the dispersion stability of the ink through targeted formulation adjustments. This made it possible to reliably meet the requirements of the inkjet process. In addition, a more efficient manufacturing route for the ink was demonstrated, which increased its suitability for industrial applications.
PVC plastisols with a higher share of environmentally friendly raw materials
Even before completing their cooperation on UV ink formulations, EZD and Tarkett were carrying out a joint research project aimed at developing PVC plastisols for flooring applications. The initiative sought to increase the use of recycled PVC and bio-based fillers in particulate systems in order to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of future PVC plastisol formulations.
As part of the project, various parameters were analysed after processing particles using different milling techniques. The results provided guidance on how to increase the share of more environmentally friendly particles without compromising the material's performance properties. According to SKZ, this project is an example of the shared approach of EZD and Tarkett to innovation and sustainability in work on next-generation polymer technologies.
The role of cooperation in research projects
Dr Felipe Wolff Fabris, Site Manager of EZD in Selb, described the cooperation with Tarkett as exemplary. "Working with Tarkett was exemplary in all respects. Together, we mastered major technical challenges, and thanks to the open and solution-oriented exchange, we were able to achieve high-quality results very quickly. The projects show how successful research partnerships can be when both sides work together with commitment and innovative strength."
As SKZ emphasises, the "Premium Research Partner" distinction is awarded to companies that make a significant contribution to the advancement of plastics engineering through high-quality research work and cooperative collaboration. The award means that Tarkett joins a group of selected industrial partners recognised for a strong research focus and a high level of innovative activity.
Celia Descheemaeker, R&D Engineer at Tarkett, Christophe Maertens, R&D Scientific Director at Tarkett, and Diego Gourdin, R&D Engineer, Master Expert PVC at Tarkett, at the award ceremony. (Photo: Tarkett)
