Classen Makes Breakthrough in Production of Affordable Polypropylene Flooring

Kaisersesch, Germany, April 10, 2026—The Classen Group has achieved a technological breakthrough: a newly developed manufacturing process makes it possible, for the first time, to produce polypropylene (PP)-based flooring at the cost level of conventional PVC products.

From the very beginning of PVC flooring, Classen deliberately chose not to use it—particularly because of the plasticizers and stabilizers it contains. Instead, the company adopted polypropylene early on, one of the world’s most important and cleanest plastics. PP is chemically stable, free of critical additives and fully recyclable—making it an ideal material for sustainable, closed-loop recycling systems.

For a long time, however, the use of PP-based solutions was significantly more expensive than PVC products. The newly developed production process fundamentally changes this situation. Streamlined processes enable a significantly lower investment threshold, high scalability and consistently high product quality—particularly in terms of dimensional stability, water resistance and durability. At the same time, the process achieves, for the first time, a price level comparable to PVC.

Classen sees this as the foundation for an increasing shift toward PP-based solutions in the market. Moreover, the latest product developments demonstrate that PP is not only suitable for flooring but can also be used in other interior applications, including doors, wall coverings, moldings and stair treads. Looking ahead, this could pave the way for a fully PP-based interior environment that enables consistent, single-material recycling.

Classen is currently conducting a comprehensive feasibility study for the global implementation of the new production concept. The study focuses on all key investment and location factors, from raw material availability and energy costs to scaling potential, geopolitical developments and trade policy considerations such as tariffs. At the same time, the company is actively evaluating partnership models to efficiently scale the technology internationally and implement it across different markets.