REGUPOL is a global frontrunner in recycled elastomer processing. Specializing in state-of-the-art sports flooring, versatile athletic training surfaces, premium acoustic underlayment, and commercial flooring, the company annually incorporates over 180 million pounds of recycled rubber into its manufacturing. Headquartered in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, the American arm of a venerable German industrial enterprise, established in 1954, remains a family-run business in the third generation. With a distribution network spanning over 100 countries, REGUPOL’s products, derived from 100% post-consumer tire rubber, post-industrial EPDM rubber, and other renewable sources, embody excellence and sustainability, driven by cutting-edge manufacturing techniques.
Drawing from this rich history of ingenuity, the company has recently unveiled a groundbreaking category of flooring: Luxury Rubber Tile (LRT) and Luxury Rubber Plank (LRP). REGUPOL upscale is a first-of-its-kind collection of recycled rubber tiles and planks for commercial installations. Crafted from a blend of post-consumer tire rubber, dynamic post-industrial EPDM chips, and a low VOC binder, REGUPOL upscale offers both standard sizes and customizable options in color and dimensions. These new products join the REGUPOL revolution line, which is crafted from the same material but presented in a sheet roll format. Offering a fresh perspective for commercial spaces, the flooring collections serve as compelling alternatives to more conventional materials such as terrazzo, ceramic tile, and luxury vinyl tile and plank.
In an exclusive discussion, Bill Neifert, REGUPOL America director of commercial flooring, provides insights into the company’s extensive history of innovation and its latest breakthrough launch.
Interior Design: REGUPOL has been around for over 60 years. What are some of the innovations that the company is most proud of?
Bill Neifert: REGUPOL is one of the world's leading processors of recycled elastomers. They are used to create our commercial flooring as well as high-performance sports and safety flooring, anti-slip mats for load securing, products for impact sound insulation and vibration isolation, as well as protective and separating layers for use in construction projects.
In many of these markets, REGUPOL is now one of the leading suppliers thanks to the know-how of the global team. Last year, REGUPOL recycled more than 90,000 tons of elastomers. REGUPOL is the winner of the NRW Environmental Economy Award, the NRW Energy Efficiency Award and received the Cradle to Cradle Certified® Bronze certificate for some products in the areas of acoustics, construction, and load securing. REGUPOL has set itself the task of continuously working on developing solutions to bolster a consistent circular economy.
ID: In what ways has rubber flooring evolved over the past couple of decades?
BN: Rubber flooring has long been used in commercial environments where performance is a critical requirement. As one of the most durable materials available on the market, rubber flooring is often used for areas that see a lot of use and abuse, such as gym floors or weight rooms. By combining these proven performance characteristics with intentional, enhanced aesthetics, rubber flooring now has a solid place in all areas of the commercial environment.
ID: What sets Upscale apart from other rubber tile options out there?
BN: Upscale is the only rubber product of its kind in plank and tile formats. Having the option of a beveled edge as well as its dimensional stability or squareness of the product and the ease of installation sets it apart from other rubber products. Our ability to customize sizes, colors and shapes allows us to meet the most challenging design requests in the industry. Our manufacturing flexibility gives us unlimited opportunities to meet the interior design industry's constant changes and immediate needs.
ID: How does Upscale balance aesthetics and practicality?
BN: This new line of flooring offers designers and architects an innovative alternative to terrazzo, ceramic tile, and luxury vinyl tile and plank. The beauty of a well-designed space comes from the materials and textures that combine in a cohesive design. Designers can mix and match REGUPOL upscale tiles and planks to create an impactful space. REGUPOL upscale is available in 12 standard color combinations and features either a square or micro-bevel edge. Square-edged floors fit together flush, resulting in a smooth, sleek and seamless-looking transition. In contrast, the micro-bevel edge brings subtle texture and dimension to an interior space in an elegantly refined way. The addition of a sealed finish strengthens the tile’s defense against dirt and spills. Upscale’s combination of design capability and performance benefits makes it uniquely suited for education, corporate, retail, hospitality, and healthcare environments.
From specialty flooring installations requiring anti-slip surfaces to general commercial spaces, REGUPOL upscale delivers comfort under foot, slip resistance, acoustic performance, and simpler maintenance regimens. Additionally, densely patterned tones effectively mask scuffs and soil in busy commercial spaces.
ID: Talk to us a bit about how Luxury Rubber Tile (LRT) and Luxury Rubber Plank (LRP) are sustainable choices.
BN: Specifying revolution and now upscale contributes to a healthier environment. Each year, we reclaim millions of tires from landfills to make environmentally sound solutions for a wide range of industries. Recycling just four tires reduces CO2 emissions by 323 pounds, equivalent to the emissions from 18 gallons of gasoline.
Upscale is made from post-consumer recycled truck and automobile tires. The tires come from reclamation facilities across the United States and are delivered to our recycling, shredding, and cleaning facility in an adjacent building to manufacturing. The proximity of our recycled material supply allows us to better control the supply chain and monitor the quality of material being used in Upscale and all REGUPOL America products.
