SPCフローリングとフロアタイルの歴史

海外営業部長 RESTA製品品質管理責任者：
王さんのオリジナルテキスト

0. The History of Floor Tiles (From Linoleum to VCT)
Before the emergence of modern vinyl flooring such as LVT and SPC, one of the most commonly used flooring materials was linoleum.
Developed in the late 19th century in Europe, linoleum was made from natural materials such as linseed oil, wood flour, limestone, cork dust, and jute fabric.
It was considered environmentally friendly and was known for its resilience and antibacterial properties, making it popular in hospitals, schools, and public buildings worldwide.
In the early 20th century, asphalt tiles, and later VCT (Vinyl Composition Tile), began to replace linoleum. VCT, made from a mixture of PVC resin and limestone filler, offered greater durability, lower cost, and easier installation.
These qualities made it highly suitable for commercial and public spaces, leading to its rapid adoption—especially in North America.
Compared to traditional ceramic tiles, these new materials were more affordable, softer underfoot, and offered better thermal insulation, making them ideal for both large facilities and residential applications.
This transition—from natural-based flooring to synthetic composite materials—laid the foundation for the later development of advanced products like LVT, WPC, and SPC flooring.

1. The Birth of PVC Flooring (Early 20th Century – 1950s)
Before Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) became popular, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) itself was developed as a material in the early 20th century by chemists in Europe and the United States.
There was no single inventor of PVC flooring—it was the result of collaborative innovation among several chemists and companies.
PVC proved to be a versatile, water-resistant, and durable material, and it gradually began to be used in flooring applications, especially in commercial settings.
This laid the groundwork for the development of more sophisticated vinyl flooring products.
Armstrong, a major American manufacturer, played a key role in promoting and commercializing PVC flooring, helping it gain widespread adoption.
In fact, the idea that Armstrong “invented” vinyl flooring is largely attributed to their marketing efforts.
At one point, Armstrong outsourced production to factories in China.
Ironically, when Armstrong went bankrupt in the U.S., one of the Chinese factories that heavily relied on their orders nearly collapsed as well.

2. The Birth of LVT Flooring (1950s – 2000s)
Following the adoption of PVC flooring, Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) emerged in the mid-20th century as the first major innovation in vinyl flooring.
LVT gained popularity for its water resistance, durability, and affordability compared to traditional wood or laminate flooring.
What truly set LVT apart from earlier PVC flooring was its superior design and aesthetic appeal.
While early PVC floors were mostly plain and functional, LVT introduced high-resolution printed patterns that could realistically replicate the look of natural materials like wood, stone, or ceramic tile.
This made LVT not only practical but also visually attractive, allowing it to be used in both residential and commercial environments where appearance was important.
However, LVT had a significant drawback: it was prone to expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.
Because it was made primarily from PVC, LVT would often expand in heat and shrink in cold, leading to gaps or warping over time.
Who Invented LVT?
LVT most likely originated in the United States, and many believe Armstrong was the developer.
Some argue it may have originated in Japan.
In reality, technology often shifts geographically—from the USA to Japan, then to South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Eventually, production and innovation moved to China, and now to Vietnam.

3. The Development of WPC Flooring (2000s – Early 2010s)
To improve dimensional stability, WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) flooring was developed in the early 2000s.
WPC combined PVC with wood fiber to create a softer and more resilient flooring material.
Key Advantages of WPC Flooring:
・More stable than LVT, reducing expansion and contraction
・ Softer and more comfortable underfoot due to the inclusion of wood fiber
・Well-suited for residential use, especially in living rooms and bedrooms
However, WPC had a notable disadvantage: its water resistance was weaker compared to LVT.
Since it contained wood fibers, it was still prone to moisture absorption, which could cause swelling and damage in wet environments such as kitchens and bathrooms.

4. The Creation of SPC Flooring (Mid-2010s – Present)
Recognizing the limitations of both LVT and WPC, SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) flooring was developed around 2014–2015, primarily in China.
This new technology replaced wood fibers with limestone (calcium carbonate) powder, making it completely waterproof and more dimensionally stable than either WPC or LVT.
Who Created SPC Flooring?
SPC was initially developed by a wall panel machine manufacturer.
Wall panel extrusion machines were already using similar processes, but as the wall panel market declined, manufacturers began designing systems that could add a wear layer and extrude flooring simultaneously—which led to the creation of SPC.
As far as is known, one of the early innovators was 无锡市博宇塑机有限公司 (Wuxi Boyu Plastic Machinery Co., Ltd.).
SPC flooring was later mass-produced by major manufacturers in Jiangsu and Guangdong, who were among the first to export SPC products globally.
Key Advantages of SPC Flooring:
・100% waterproof, ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial spaces
・ Highly dimensionally stable, with minimal expansion or contraction

5. Small Evolutions within SPC Flooring (2015 – Present)
Since its introduction, SPC flooring has undergone several refinements:
(1) Click-Lock Systems (2015–2017)
Early SPC flooring required adhesive installation, but click-lock systems (such as Uniclic and Välinge 5G) were soon introduced, making installation easier—even for DIY users.
(2) Enhanced Surface Textures and Designs (2017–2020)
Embossed-in-Register (EIR) technology enabled realistic wood grain textures, while advanced printing technology made SPC flooring nearly indistinguishable from real wood or stone.
(3) Integrated Underlayment (2018–Present)
Early SPC products were noisy due to their hard structure. Manufacturers began integrating IXPE and EVA foam underlayments to improve sound absorption and walking comfort.
(4) Eco-Friendly SPC (2020–Present)
As environmental concerns grow, manufacturers have developed recycled and non-PVC SPC flooring options.
Some are experimenting with alternative materials to replace PVC while maintaining the same durability and performance.

6. The Future of SPC Flooring
SPC flooring continues to evolve, with several innovations expected in the coming years:

• Improved acoustic insulation for quieter interiors
• More flexible SPC formulas that balance durability with comfort
• Stricter environmental regulations driving the reduction of PVC-based content
• Next-generation waterproof core technologies for superior moisture resistance

Thanks to its outstanding water resistance, stability, and ease of installation, SPC flooring has become one of the fastest-growing flooring solutions worldwide, used extensively in residential, commercial, and even industrial settings.