#Japan #Osaka #DAIKEN #Art Care #flooring innovation

Art Care: A Revolutionary Flooring Solution by DaiKEN

In a major step towards enhancing safety in facilities such as kindergartens and nursing homes, DaiKEN Co., Ltd., based in Osaka, has announced the launch of its innovative flooring material named Art Care. Officially released on June 23, this new flooring incorporates insulation boards (IB) as cushioning material. This unique design aims to alleviate impact during falls while improving walking comfort.

A Groundbreaking Approach to Flooring Materials

DaiKEN's introduction of IB to the flooring industry marks a first of its kind venture. Unlike conventional cushioned floors that typically use resin-based foams, which can create a less stable walking experience, Art Care’s design optimizes both cushioning and stability. This was achieved without sacrificing the need for sustainability, as the IB is made from construction waste materials.

Addressing Safety Concerns

In spaces frequented by young children and seniors, there’s a significant demand for flooring solutions that can minimize the risk of injury from falls. Historically, DaiKEN has supplied a product called Communication Tough Care, which used resin foams to achieve cushioning. However, this foam often resulted in excessive sinking during use, leading to an unsatisfactory walking experience characterized by a “soft” and unstable feel.

The company decided to explore an alternative in the form of IB, which is not only lightweight but also possesses excellent properties such as moisture permeability, sound insulation, and sound absorption. By transitioning to IB for cushioning, DaiKEN not only enhances user experience but also contributes to environmental sustainability through reduced plastic use.

Successful Development and Features

Following extensive testing and iterations, Art Care has achieved performance levels comparable to regular flooring in terms of walking comfort, even accommodating underfloor heating systems.

Art Care’s offerings include several key features:

• - Shock Absorption: With a recommended safety threshold of 100G as per JIS standards (JIS A 6519), Art Care utilizes IB to significantly lower impact levels during falls, thereby reducing injury risk for children and the elderly.
• - Enhanced Walking Comfort: By employing IB, the flooring provides improved stability and comfort, making it a reliable choice for long-term use in sensitive conditions.
• - Chemical Resistance: Given the vulnerability of the demographics typical in facilities, Art Care supports standard cleaning protocols, including disinfecting with common agents like alcohol and sodium hypochlorite without damaging the surface.
• - Compatibility with Underfloor Heating: Designed to withstand temperature fluctuations, this flooring maintains its integrity even in heated environments.
• - Diverse Design Choices: The product is available in a variety of colors and patterns, allowing for seamless integration with other interior materials such as doors and wall panels from DaiKEN’s line.

As DaiKEN continues to prioritize the evolving needs of various markets, the introduction of Art Care represents a significant step forward in creating safer and more comfortable environments for all users. With a sales target of approximately 450 million yen per year by FY2025, DaiKEN is committed to responding to the needs of its clientele through continual product development and service enhancement.

For inquiries about the Art Care flooring product, please contact DaiKEN Customer Center at 0120-787-505.