Green initiatives have been gaining traction in recent years, with the environmental and financial benefits already being validated by a number of successful green projects across all sectors. This includes the home decor industry, with consumers eager to find ways to reduce their carbon footprint.

Paving the way for sustainable decor in the country is Eva Kaiser, founder of Evalution Flooring, the first luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring supplier in South Africa with a GreenTag Certification. According to Kaiser, every business can do their bit to save the planet.

For almost two decades, Evalution Flooring has serviced the corporate, commercial and residential flooring markets. “I saw a gap in the market to broker flooring from various suppliers, and there weren’t many others doing it,” says Kaiser about coming up with the concept for the business. “There was a definite need. So, in 2006, my company was born.”

Kaiser continues, “The aim is to do everything in my power to be as ‘green’ as possible. We recycle all our paper and plastic and reuse as much packaging for our own parcels as we can. Through a partnership with Recycle 4 Africa Waste Management, we’ve also found a way to recycle our LVT offcuts and pull up’s, turning unrecyclable products into eco-bricks, which are fully compliant. This will vastly reduce the amount of waste on landfills.” Kaiser even admits that finding a way to recycle vinyl into eco-bricks and pavers has been her greatest accomplishment.

Greentag Certification

Being the first luxury vinyl tile flooring supplier in South Africa with a GreenTag Certification, Kaiser explains she is very passionate about the environment and going green. “The certification came about because I couldn’t bear the thought that my company and the industry, in general, were adding more plastic into the environment. There was no way to recycle when I started the GreenTag process, so I did the next best thing to ensure that my product was being as environmentally conscious as possible.”

That said, Kaiser explains that her mission has changed at various stages of the game. “As I get older and learn more, things always change. The world changes, business changes, and you have to adapt. But hopefully, always for the better.”

“In the next 5 to 10 years, I would like to see my business evolve into a successful boutique flooring store selling quality bespoke flooring in interesting patterns. I’d also like to see the offshoot of the tile decals take a good piece of the DIY market share. This would be the next step from our current flooring options available in wood, stone, concrete and abstract looks.”

Passionate about going green

When asked about her life philosophy, Kaiser reiterates her passion for going green. “If I can make enough of an impact in this endeavour with Debbie Sharp, founder of Recycle 4 Africa, to get enough containerised units converting landfill waste into bricks and actually build a few houses in South Africa, I would be very happy. “

Kaiser continues, “I love to see beautiful spaces - our South African architects and designers are so creative. It drives me to see how they use our products to make a space so amazing. My philosophy is to always try, even if you think it may not work. My mom always gave me an ‘A’ for trying.”

“That would be my advice to anyone looking to start their own business. Never give up trying, always look to the positive and when the going is good, always save up for a rainy day! That rainy day will come at least once in your lifetime, regardless of how high you think you’re flying. Don’t get caught off guard,” Kaiser concludes.