TS EN 17861

TS EN 17861 is a terminology and definitions standard for circular economy concepts used in the flooring sector. It establishes a common vocabulary for resilient, textile, laminate and modular mechanical locked floor coverings so that environmental and life-cycle related terms are used consistently across the industry.

Why terminology matters in a circular economy context

Circular economy is generally understood as an approach that keeps materials in use for as long as possible by supporting durability, reuse, repair, refurbishment and recycling. For flooring products, which are often multi-layered and material-intensive, that approach depends on clear definitions for concepts such as product design, material recovery, end-of-life handling, and disassembly. This standard helps align the meaning of those terms within the flooring sector, improving technical communication and reducing ambiguity.

Product families covered by the title

The title refers to resilient, textile, laminate and modular mechanical locked floor coverings, which represent different construction principles. Resilient coverings are typically polymer-based and flexible; textile coverings are fibre-based systems such as carpets; laminate coverings are layered board-like products; and modular mechanical locked systems are installed through interlocking elements rather than adhesive bonding. Bringing these families together reflects the need for shared circular-economy terminology across several flooring technologies, not just one product category.

The document is based on EN 17861:2023 and is linked to the EN 17861-EQV designation. In practical technical use, a terminology standard like this supports more consistent wording in specifications, product information and sector communication, especially where concepts such as reuse potential, recyclability, separability and material flows are being discussed.