2Tec2 and Limited Edition a Hit at the World Expo in Dubai
Moeskroen, December 1st 2021 – 2tec2 and Limited Edition have rolled out their flooring in the Belgian pavilion at the 2020 Dubai World Expo. Thanks to its combination of design and extraordinary durability, this high-tech flooring is proving to be a great hit here.
This year, the 35th world exposition takes place in the Middle East for the first time. More than 200 countries are participating in this edition, running from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. One of these countries is Belgium with its “The Green Arch”, an ingenious pavilion with a surface area of no less than 2,180 m2, designed by architects Vincent Callebaut and ASSAR Architects. This pavilion features an exhibition, Belgian souvenir shops, a business centre and a gastro-brasserie with rooftop terrace.
Unheard-of sustainability
With its slogan ‘Connecting minds, creating the future’, the World Expo 2020 revolves around three themes: mobility, opportunities and sustainability. It comes as no surprise that Belgian architects Vincent Callebaut and ASSAR Architects – globally renowned for their visionary and eco-focused designs – drew the sustainability card for ‘their’ pavilion. The Belgian pavilion is, for instance, covered with 10,000 local plants that capture CO2 and lower the indoor temperature by 3 to 5 °C. And the pavilion is actually energy positive, which means that it produces more energy than it consumes. ‘The Belgian Green Arch’ furthermore boasts abundant natural light and ventilation, renewable energy sources, incredibly ingenious water consumption and … woven, acoustic 2tec2 vinyl tiles and tailormade rugs from Limited Edition.
No green washing
According to founder Katia Dewitte, the fact that 2tec2 and Limited Edition were chosen to supply the flooring and wall cladding for the sustainability-oriented Belgian pavilion is no coincidence.
“Our focus on sustainability has nothing to do with greenwashing, but is all about a belief that has roots in every corner of our company.”
“Our flooring is, of course, REACH compliant, and also contributes to gaining LEED, WELL and BREEAM certification. Our own milling, dyeing and textile operations are all located close to our headquarters in Moeskroen. This means that all processes are managed on an inhouse basis. Given the fact that these processes previously took place in the US, Germany and Belgium, we’ve cut back massively on our CO2 emissions…”
“Over the past years, we’ve also invested in around thirty major sustainability innovations, including full LED lighting at all sites, the installation of 3600 solar panels, state-of-the-art machinery, heat recovery … By doing this, we’re keeping our dependency on non-renewable energy sources as low as possible. As a result, our carbon footprint is virtually non-existent, something that is constantly checked by our sustainability partner.”
According to managing director Philippe Hanet, sustainability has even been a top priority in designing the pavilion flooring.
“We don’t use any phthalates or heavy metals in our production processes. Product care is also exceptionally eco-friendly, because no chemicals are necessary. Plain water does the job. Lastly, the tiles and rolls are made of innovative and durable materials like fibreglass and vinyl so that they last for at least ten years – even when subjected to extreme use like at the Belgian pavilion, where more than 10,000 people will tread across the floor in an extra-sandy environment.”
Unbridled ambition
Philippe Hanet also says that the participation of 2tec2 and Limited Edition in the World Expo sends a clear message to the world.
“With our presence at the World Expo, we mainly want to show people that we can take on largescale – as well as highly complex – projects.”
He adds,
“Our ambition knows no limits, and we’re aiming for double-digit growth over the coming years! That presents a real challenge in terms of production, administration and HR, but it’s something that we’re determined to achieve. But at the same time, we’ll be retaining our modesty. We absolutely want to keep fostering our personal and family-based character. At our company, there’s no room for arrogance.”
About Limited Edition and 2tec2 Around 30 years ago, Katia Dewitte founded Limited Edition based on her passion for tradition, quality and tailormade rugs. Over time, the company has built a great reputation in the world of rugs. The company expanded with the addition of Katia’s husband Phillipe Hanet and brother James and – not much later in 2005 – 2tec2 was born. Since then, 2tec2 has focused on woven vinyl flooring aimed at the contract industry. Today, it’s a global leader in this field. With its two brands, this family business focuses on innovation, quality, sustainability and expertise in the flooring industry.