Across multiple industries, the poor performance of many first-generation environmentally preferred products created a belief that “going green” meant settling for reduced product performance. In floor care, the performance of zinc-free products supported this impression, especially compared to tried-and-true zinc-based technology. Now, a recent polymer innovation closes the performance gap in zinc-free offerings. This article provides a look at the development of zinc-free finishes and how they are finally ready to shine.
Floor finishes have evolved over the ages. For example, the use of beeswax to create a mirror-like finish on the floors of the French royal palace of Versailles is well documented. As the practice of floor maintenance evolved, carnauba wax became the standard. The result was the characteristic wax-based shine with the hallmark swirls created by the buffing process.