How to Distinguish Between Virgin SPC Material and Recycled Material

Product Definition

SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) flooring material is a rigid core flooring substrate composed of calcium carbonate and thermoplastic polymers. Virgin SPC material uses newly synthesized PVC resin, while recycled SPC material incorporates post-industrial or post-consumer reprocessed polymers, directly affecting durability, stability, and compliance.

Technical Parameters and Specifications

The following parameters are commonly used by manufacturers and inspectors to evaluate SPC material quality:

• Calcium Carbonate Content: 60%–75% by weight

• PVC Resin Type: Virgin PVC or Recycled PVC blend

• Density: 1.95–2.10 g/cm³

• Flexural Strength: ≥ 12 MPa (virgin core typically higher)

• Impact Resistance: ≥ 10 kJ/m²

• Thermal Expansion: ≤ 0.08%

• VOC Emissions: EN 16516 / FloorScore compliant (virgin preferred)

Structure and Material Composition

SPC flooring core structure can be illustrated as follows:

• Polymer Matrix: PVC resin (virgin or recycled)

• Mineral Filler: Ultra-fine calcium carbonate (800–1250 mesh)

• Stabilizers: Calcium-zinc based systems

• Impact Modifiers: Improve flexibility and crack resistance

• Lubricants: Control melt flow during extrusion

Virgin SPC material typically shows uniform particle dispersion, while recycled material may contain mixed polymer chains and residual impurities.

Manufacturing Process

The SPC core production process is identical in equipment but differs in process control when recycled material is used:

1. Raw Material Weighing: Automatic batching system

2. High-Speed Mixing: Uniform thermal blending at 110–125°C

3. Extrusion: Twin-screw extruder with precise torque monitoring

4. Sheet Forming: Calendering and thickness calibration

5. Cooling & Cutting: Controlled cooling to prevent internal stress

Recycled SPC requires stricter filtration and melt pressure control to avoid voids and delamination.

Industry Comparison

Application Scenarios

Different buyers adopt SPC material based on project requirements:

• Distributors: Prefer virgin SPC for brand positioning and claims

• EPC Contractors: Specify virgin material for public and commercial projects

• Developers: Mixed usage depending on lifecycle cost

• Importers: Balance cost and compliance for target markets

Core Pain Points and Solutions

• Pain Point 1: Inconsistent board density
       Solution: Request third-party density and cross-section testing

• Pain Point 2: Odor complaints after installation
       Solution: Specify virgin PVC and low-VOC stabilizers

• Pain Point 3: Locking system breakage
       Solution: Verify impact resistance and milling accuracy

• Pain Point 4: Warranty disputes
       Solution: Define material composition in supply contracts

Risk Warnings and Mitigation

Using recycled SPC material without disclosure may lead to certification failure, premature deformation, and legal disputes. Mitigation measures include factory audits, raw material traceability, and random batch sampling.

Procurement Selection Guide

1. Confirm target market compliance requirements

2. Request full formulation disclosure

3. Inspect core cross-section color and uniformity

4. Conduct thermal cycling tests

5. Verify VOC and heavy metal reports

6. Include material clause in purchase agreement

Engineering Case Example

A 32,000 m² commercial office project specified virgin SPC material with ≥70% CaCO₃ content and EN-certified PVC resin. Post-installation inspections after 24 months showed no joint gaps, warping, or odor complaints, confirming long-term structural stability.

FAQ

• Q1: Can recycled SPC be safe?
  Yes, but consistency is difficult to control.

• Q2: How to visually identify recycled SPC?
  Look for uneven core color and particles.

• Q3: Does recycled SPC smell more?
  Often yes, due to mixed polymer residues.

• Q4: Is recycled SPC cheaper?
  Typically 10–25% lower material cost.

• Q5: Can recycled SPC pass EU standards?
  Rarely without strict sorting.

• Q6: Does thickness hide material quality?
  No, composition matters more.

• Q7: Is recycled SPC suitable for residential use?
  Only for low-traffic areas.

• Q8: How long does virgin SPC last?
  20–25 years under normal use.

• Q9: Are hybrid formulations common?
  Yes, partial recycled blends exist.

• Q10: Should buyers disclose material type?
  Yes, for transparency and liability control.

Call to Action

For verified SPC material specifications, laboratory test reports, or engineering samples, submit a formal inquiry to receive technical documentation and quotation support.

E-E-A-T Author Credentials

This article is prepared by flooring material engineers and sourcing consultants with over 12 years of experience in SPC manufacturing, EU/US compliance testing, and international EPC flooring projects.