The heritage of Marmoleum
.webp "The heritage of Linoleum")
Step into the world of Marmoleum, Forbo's main Linoleum brand, a climate positive floor covering renowned for it's durability and sustainability. Read on to discover it's rich heritage.
.webp "Narin Factory")
How it began
During the mid 1800's inventions were booming. With all of this rapid change, in 1847 Michael Nairn had an idea: Floorcloth. Michael came from a family of Master weavers and had been making linen for over 20 years. He wanted to develop what he already had. He borrowed £4000 (This is roughly £450 000 in today's money) and built Scotland's first factory of it's kind. The local community were sceptical. They nicknamed his endeavours Nairns Folly. However this factory stood for around 120 years!
The Invention of Linoleum
Over the next decade the idea of floorcloth caught on. This wasn't much more than painted linen, more decorative than functional so there was definitely room for improvement.
It was Frederick Walton who took things a step further, when he started to explore the oxidisation process of the oil in paint if a can wasn’t properly sealed. A film formed on the top of the paint, which got harder and harder as time went by.
Walton had an idea: In 1863, the Yorkshire man successfully applied for a patent for this exclusive new floor covering material which he called Linoleum, named after the two main ingredients (Lin – Linseed & Oleum – Oil)
.webp "Michael Nairn (left) and Frederick Walton")
The importance of Kirkcaldy
At its peak there were 7 factories in Kirkcaldy, occupying 55 acres, employing more than 4000 people. In the 1950's linoleum sales decreased as consumers were favouring vinyl or carpets. This lead to the demise of Nairn’s largest competitor Barry, Ostlere & Shepherd ceased trading in 1963, leaving Nairns as the only Manufacturer of Linoleum in the UK.
In 1975 British-Dutch multi-national company Unilever bought the company. Fast forward to 1985 when International Flooring company Forbo who had been manufacturing Linoleum in Europe since 1928 took over the Kirkcaldy site.
.webp "Narins factory Kirkcaldy")
.webp "Marmoleum Solid 2024")
Modern day Linoleum
Jump forward to the present time: Our Linoleum range, Marmoleum is Climate positive, cradle to gate, without offsetting. Offering over over 300 colours and designs, we have many modern options to choose from. Available in sheet, tile and adhesive free versions to cater to all preferences.