MMFA 2025 trends: industry balances nature with practicality in pursuit of sustainable innovation

6th December 2024, Brussels – As we approach 2025, the multilayer modular flooring (MMF) industry and consumers alike are setting their sights on products that combine environmental consciousness with high quality.

Warm, natural and long-lasting

Across the board, the preferences tip towards warm, natural-looking panels. Wood textures and soft colours include honey tones and greige (a mix of grey and brown), inviting a cozy and organic aesthetic.

Knot-free and realistic textures resembling wood support a more authentic look, leaving behind the minimalistic and sanitised whiter and grey hues. Large tiles and traditional oak planks balance liveliness and practicality, as consumers seek more colourful interiors. As homeowners increasingly seek long-term investments in their interiors, they choose classic, timeless designs that are unlikely to become outdated in the coming seasons.

Sense and sensibility

The pursuit of longevity goes beyond visual aspects of the panels. In the search for durable and versatile flooring solutions, consumers recognise the need for products to reflect their practical needs. Hence, they seek water- and moisture-resistant planks that can be used across the home – from the living room, to high-traffic areas like bathrooms and the kitchen. As the latter require resistant surfaces, tailored waterproof (yet, aesthetically versatile) flooring is becoming a must.

Sustainability at the forefront

The renewed interest in longevity also stems from growing environmental concerns. The focus on sustainable materials contributes to a cleaner, eco-friendly production process. There is a growing interest for MMF products free from PVC and plasticisers, driven by  manufacturers’ ambition to embrace circular economy by repurposing waste material.  Environmental awareness does not end there, with a strong emphasis on green packaging and recycling, making the MMF products environmentally friendly “from cradle to the grave”. This shift is not just driven by customer demand, but also the industry’s efforts to contribute to the EU’s Net Zero targets.

Transparency in focus

Not all sustainable products are made equal, with consumers becoming increasingly aware of greenwashing. Transparency is critical and members of MMFA work hard to stay ahead of the curve – this year, the association has published its first Environmental Product Declaration for Vinyl-HDF floor covering. Such declarations serve to measure and reduce the environmental footprint of the products, allowing for more transparency for actors across the supply chain.

Challenges and opportunities for growth

Despite the progress, the MMF market is facing intensified price pressures, particularly due to high production capacities in Asia. With a sluggish construction sector and declining building activities, competitive pricing has become critical for manufacturers. With new buildings and renovations at low levels, consumer behaviour reflects a cautious approach to spending. However, the industry is poised for growth as new materials and local production methods gain popularity, offering unique opportunities to innovate and capture market share.

Race for innovation

Still, what makes the product truly versatile is not just its water resistance. In fact, the MMF industry continues to be driven by advances in production technologies. Innovations improve the durability, resistance to mechanical damage, noise absorption and moisture resistance of flooring panels, all while preserving the decorative aspects of the flooring, including aesthetic value and plank thickness. These features are particularly relevant as more consumers seek long-term, practical yet stylish flooring solutions.

As we move into 2025, the MMF industry will continue focusing on sustainability, innovative production techniques, and evolving aesthetic trends, all of which provide opportunities for growth in spite of economic upheavals.

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About MMFA: The Multilayer Modular Flooring Association is an organisation representing the leading producers of flooring in Europe and their suppliers. The association was established in October 2012 in Munich, Germany, by seven European flooring producers. It is now managed out of Brussels.