I4F announced an exclusive technology partnership with Canadian company PurChem Systems, Inc. The agreement gives i4F exclusive licensing rights to PurChem's patented technologies, including SilentTouch and OneLayer, which represent major laminate flooring advancements.

PurChem, headquartered in Brantford, Ontario, specializes in formaldehyde-free adhesives and coatings for wood-based products. Their groundbreaking SilentTouch technology enhances laminate surfaces to closely mimic natural wood in look, feel, and sound quality while offering substantial noise reduction benefits. The elastomer-treated paper layers used in SilentTouch absorb room and footfall sound energy, making surfaces up to 10 decibels quieter than traditional melamine laminate surfaces.

Beyond acoustics, the technology allows HDF panels to be more flexible and up to 50% thinner than conventional laminate. The treated surfaces are also designed to be fingerprint and footprint-resistant.

"Laminate has long been an essential part of the flooring industry, but while SPC and WPC have evolved rapidly, laminate has remained stagnant," said Robert Clausi, founder and owner of PurChem Systems. "Our new technologies with elastic resins set a new standard versus traditional melamine surfaces, delivering unparalleled performance while maintaining sustainability."

The agreement also includes OneLayer, an innovative coating system that simplifies production by applying a single, high-performance layer to surfaces. This enhances durability and aesthetics while reducing material and energy consumption.

"We’re thrilled to partner with PurChem to revolutionize the laminate market with innovations that can rival new material-based products," said i4F CEO John Rietveldt. “Consumers want the beauty of natural-looking large wood planks—without the noise and fragility. Combine that with a resilient, warm-to-the-touch, fingerprint-resistant surface and an easy-to-install system, and you have a game-changer: silent, soft-touch laminate flooring! It looks, sounds, and feels like real hardwood, delivers unmatched quietness and durability, and comes at the price of premium laminate—all made from natural materials, free from plastic and PVC.”

The partnership aims to expand accessibility to these technologies throughout the wood-based products market, with flooring representing a substantial portion of that industry.