Learning about PFAS

Learning about PFAS

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a large classification group of chemicals widely used in kitchen cookware, fire-fighting foams, adhesives, clothing apparel, and polymer coatings. PFAS, or “Forever Chemicals”, were first produced in the 1940’s, for non-stick coatings on cookware.

These substances are concerning because:

They do not break down in the environment. They can move through soil and contaminate drinking water. They build up (bioaccumulate) in fish, wildlife, and humans. PFAS are manmade chemicals that have been used in consumer products worldwide since the 1940s.

The EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) states that exposure to particular levels of certain PFAS may lead to:

  • Adverse health outcomes include immune system effects and natural hormone interference. Research is ongoing to enhance understanding of any health impacts.
  • In a lifetime, a person may be exposed to PFAS from various ways, including:
    • Eating food packaged in materials that contain PFAS.
    • Swallowing residue or dust from PFAS products, such as stain-resistant carpet or water-repellent clothing.
    • Drinking water that has been contaminated with PFAS.

Some adults and children may have a higher risk of being exposed to PFAS:

  • Industrial workers are more likely to be exposed to products through active contact.
  • Pregnant and lactating women are more susceptible to being exposed due to the need to drink more water per pound of body weight.
  • Children tend to drink more water, eat more food, and breathe more than adults, which can increase their exposure to PFAS
  • Younger children who put items in their mouths are more likely to be exposed to PFAS in carpets, toys, and cleaning products.

Resources and Products

PFAS have historically been used in the cleaning and polish industry to give such qualities as wetting, leveling, and water/oil repellency to floor care products.  Buckeye has never intentionally added PFAS to most of our products.  We are working hard to remove PFAS from all our products, ensuring that they are safe and sustainable for our customers. We will continue to update our PFAS-free product listings as more information and research is conducted.

To stay proactive of the emerging EPA guidance and new state legislations for PFAS, Buckeye removed this material in early 2023 from the following products: 

In our sustainability efforts, we have always prioritized safety for workers and the environment. We are committed to enhancing product performance and safety through specialized training programs and education. In continuation of this, Buckeye has also field tested and approved changes to the following products that do not contain intentionally added PFAS:  

If you want to learn more about PFAS, check out our Research fact Sheet about PFAS, and visit the CDC or EPA Websites.

Renaissance Performance Polymers

Renaissance Performance Polymers

Buckeye’s Hard Floor Care Program is built on innovation, resulting in the highest quality products that are proven to increase efficiency, produce excellent results, and save money. Renaissance® Performance Polymers serves as the foundation for the Hard Floor Care Program, creating polymers specifically for Buckeye floor finishes.

Renaissance is Buckeye’s exclusive line of floor finish polymers. Other floor finish manufacturers buy polymers from companies who do not specialize in making floor finishes. Some of these competitive floor finishes lose clarity or become less durable over time. Because Buckeye is committed to providing the highest quality products, it’s important for Buckeye floor finishes to achieve maximum durability and water clear clarity. With Renaissance, Buckeye is able to replicate exact specifications of a polymer for floor finishes giving Buckeye complete control over the characteristics of each floor finish.

Buckeye’s polymer research has resulted in longer-lasting floor finishes that can reduce your facility’s strip out cycle. Renaissance Performance Polymers provides value by eliminating the cost of third-party polymers and creating top-of-the-line polymers that reduce labor costs for the end user.

With state-of-the-art equipment, research, and the highest quality standards, Renaissance helps Buckeye construct floor finishes that consistently provide an enhanced appearance for floors with the least amount of labor. Renaissance Performance Polymers are manufactured in a state-of-the-art polymer production facility. This facility was designed with employee and environmental safety measures in place. Governmental agencies have rated our VOC emissions as “de minimis” (too small or insignificant to be considered).

Beyond Renaissance, Buckeye continues to innovate with its patented Liquescent® technology, designed to eliminate hazardous ingredients like butyl, solvents, and alcohol bases. Even more recently, Buckeye has incorporated Microban® technology into its Clarion® 25 floor finish to inhibit the growth of bacteria on floors. As new technologies emerge, Buckeye’s Hard Floor Care Program will continue to evolve to bring the best value to customers.

For more information on Renaissance Performance Polymers and Buckeye’s Hard Floor Care Program, contact your local Buckeye representative.

Buckeye's Complete Floor Care Program

Buckeye's Complete Floor Care Program

Did you know that 90% of a floor maintenance budget is spent on labor?

Reducing the amount of labor it takes to strip and refinish floors provides the biggest opportunity for total program cost savings. Buckeye has developed its Hard Floor Care Program with superior products and training in proper techniques to maximize labor savings. With Buckeye’s Hard Floor Care Program, facilities can save 20-40% of their floor maintenance budget.

Superior Products

Buckeye products are developed with patented Liquescent® technology. This water-based technology strengthens the cleaning power of Buckeye products and replaces hazardous chemical ingredients including butyl, ammonia, solvents, and alcohol bases. Products like Buckeye’s RipSaw® Floor Stripper use this technology to remove floor finish in one application.

Buckeye’s floor finishes use Renaissance® Performance Polymers, specifically designed for Buckeye. Competitors buy polymers from companies who do not specialize in making floor finishes. Renaissance replicates exact polymer specifications for Buckeye floor finishes, which guarantees consistent results for customers. Because of this, Renaissance helps Buckeye floor finishes achieve maximum durability and water-clear clarity.

Clarion 25® Microban Antimicrobial Floor Finish 

In addition to providing clarity and durability, Clarion 25 with Microban Technology provides 24/7 antimicrobial product protection. When microbes come in contact with the product surface, Microban technology penetrates the cell wall of the microorganism and disrupts the cell, making the microorganism unable to grow and reproduce.

Customized Training

Buckeye’s Hard Floor Care Program is tailored to your facility. Buckeye representatives provide in-person training to ensure staff members have a solid understanding of proper procedures. One Jacksonville, FL school’s head custodian notes Buckeye’s attention to training, saying, “The reps stand out, always coming by to check on me, offer help, or provide training.”

For schools and universities, Buckeye also provides the Honors® Custodial Training Program. Available 24/7, this online program is complete with videos and tests to improve staff knowledge. Supervisors can view reports on test scores and conduct facility surveys to see how maintenance has improved over time.

To see how Buckeye’s Hard Floor Care Program can be customized to fit your facility, contact your local Buckeye representative.

Antimicrobial Product Protection in Clarion® 25

Antimicrobial Product Protection in Clarion® 25

Founded in 1984, Microban® International is a global leader in surface modification technology. Microban antimicrobial product protection provides added protection that inhibits the growth and reproduction of harmful bacteria, mold, and mildew. Microban’s goal is to provide live-on protection for products that prevents problems before they begin. Their goal is to give consumers peace of mind with their antimicrobial technologies.

Buckeye’s Clarion 25 floor finish is the first floor finish with built-in Microban technology. Clarion 25 uses Microban antimicrobial product protection to protect finished floors from the reproduction of microorganisms. Once Microban is infused into a product, it begins working as soon as a microorganism comes into contact with the product. It continuously works to prevent bacteria growth for the useful lifetime of the product.

Floors and the soles of shoes are sources of contamination in any facility. Whether you work in a healthcare facility, school, or retail space, the spread of germs can impact the health of visitors. Microban technology in Clarion 25 provides 24/7 antimicrobial product protection. This means your floors stay cleaner, longer because Microban prevents bacteria from multiplying between cleanings. Built-in protection can give you peace of mind while visitors walk the halls of your facility.

For more information on Clarion 25 with Microban technology, contact your local Buckeye representative

Floor Care in Healthcare Facilities

Floor Care in Healthcare Facilities

According to a study done by Infection Control Today, floors and soles of shoes are real sources of pathogen contamination and transmission. The American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC) states that hospital rooms are frequently contaminated with pathogens, and high-touch objects are frequently in contact with the floor. Contact with objects on floors frequently results in transfer of pathogens to hands.

The cleanliness of hospital floors can make a huge impact on the spread of HAIs (Healthcare-Associated Infections) in healthcare facilities. Disinfecting floors is vital to the health of patients, staff members, and visitors, but there’s more you can do for your floors between cleanings. To counteract bacteria growth on floors, Buckeye has developed Clarion® 25 floor finish with Microban® technology.

Microban technology is built-in antimicrobial product protection that gives products an added level of protection against damaging microbes such as bacteria, mold, and, mildew. In Clarion 25, Microban helps prevent bacteria from multiplying on your floor, keeping floors cleaner, longer.

Clarion 25 is one of several Buckeye floor finishes formulated with Renaissance® Performance Polymers. Renaissance makes polymers specifically for Buckeye floor finishes, guaranteeing consistent durability and clarity. The shine of Buckeye floor finishes can help create a welcoming environment for hospital visitors and guests.

Built on standardized cleaning procedures, the Buckeye Hard Floor Care Program has all of the tools you need to keep visitors comfortable. The floor care procedures make floor maintenance a quick and easy task for staff members. Buckeye’s top scrub and recoat program helps reduce the amount of labor that goes into floor care by extending strip outs. This means you can devote more time to other hospital maintenance needs.

For healthcare facilities, reducing HAIs and providing a comfortable environment for patients and visitors are top priorities. Keeping facilities welcoming starts with cleaner, clearer floors. To find out more about how the Buckeye Hard Floor Care Program can impact your facility floors, contact your local Buckeye representative.

What Can Buckeye Floor Finishes Do for Your Floor?

What Can Buckeye Floor Finishes Do for Your Floor?

Floors in any facility can accumulate dirt fast. Foot traffic drags in mud, bacteria, and all kinds of debris. Keeping dirt from getting embedded in your floors can make a huge difference in your facility’s appearance.

At Buckeye, our floor finishes are designed to provide maximum clarity, durability and cleanliness so your facility can look its best. We combine the innovation of Renaissance® Performance Polymers and Microban® technology to keep your floors clean and beautiful.

Renaissance Performance Polymers

Traditionally, floor finish manufacturers purchase polymers from companies who don’t specialize in making floor finishes. In order to maximize the durability and clarity of a floor finish, Buckeye uses Renaissance Performance Polymers. Renaissance designs polymers specifically for Buckeye floor finishes, replicating exact specifications to create consistent results and provide the best value for our customers.

Clarion® 25 with Microban Technology

The latest addition to our Hard Floor Care Program is Clarion 25 with Microban technology. Microban provides continuous antimicrobial product protection for the useful lifetime of the product. When microbes come in contact with the product surface, Microban protection penetrates the cell wall of the microorganism and disrupts the cell, making the microorganism unable to grow and reproduce. In Clarion 25, Microban helps keep floors cleaner, longer at no additional cost.

Clarity and Durability

Many floor finishes powder and yellow over time, giving your floors a dirty appearance no matter how often you clean them. Renaissance Performance Polymers make it possible for Buckeye to provide a floor finish with unmatched clarity and durability. One school Maintenance Director spoke about Clarion 25 floor finish, saying, “You could tell the difference in clarity right away. The floors look much better. We no longer have that yellow buildup everywhere. We have received several compliments on how much better the floors look.”

Buckeye floor finishes dry clear and stay clear to promote a true top scrub and recoat program. Their durability helps extend strip cycles. These features help reduce both product and labor costs. Buckeye’s complete Hard Floor Care Program is designed to provide savings to any facility.

To find out about floor finish options for your facility or learn more about Buckeye’s Hard Floor Care Program, contact your local Buckeye representative.

Buckeye Floor Care: Floor Finish Selection Methods

Buckeye Floor Care: Floor Finish Selection Methods

Buckeye’s Hard Floor Care Program considers that labor, resources, cost, and expectations are all important factors when choosing your floor care program. They are equally important when selecting which floor finish you will use.

All of Buckeye’s floor finishes provide excellent durability and shine. Depending on your maintenance program, a Buckeye representative can select the right floor finish for you and your staff. Buckeye floor finishes are manufactured with Renaissance Performance Polymers, Buckeye’s exclusive line of polymers. We engineer the polymers that form the core of our finishes, allowing for innovation and quality control. Our control over the characteristics of our floor finishes enables us to create finishes that can fit the needs of nearly any facility.

Selecting a floor finish for your facility is where expectations and reality meet. Buckeye representatives will ask questions that help you decide which floor finish is right for your facility. How often do you burnish your floors? How much shine do you want to see in your floors on a daily basis? What kind of traffic is your floor dealing with on a daily basis?

How often do you burnish?

For facilities that have the equipment and manpower to burnish daily, Castleguard® floor finish may be the right choice. It responds well to burnishing and provides exceptional depth of gloss.It is extremely durable and scuff mark resistant. The performance and durability of Buckeye floor finishes will help extend strip cycles, reducing the time spent on your floors and the cost of labor.

However, many facilities do not have the ability to burnish their floors daily. If your hard floor maintenance program only allows you to burnish over holiday weekends or about once a month, a representative may recommend Clarion® 25 floor finish. Clarion 25 can maintain high gloss with very little maintenance. It is ideal for facilities with limited equipment or manpower.

What kind of traffic is your floor dealing with?

Whether traffic in your facility is heavy or light, Buckeye has a floor finish that will give your floors gloss. If you’re coating a warehouse floor, Proclaim® floor finish may be the right fit. Proclaim is designed to stand up to the wear and tear of forklifts and heavy machinery on concrete floors.

Buckeye offers several other floor finishes, including eco-friendly, economical, and specialty options. For example, facilities that are environmentally conscious may choose Verde® and Verde Ultra, Buckeye’s Green Seal certified floor finishes. They each meet the most stringent environmental standards without sacrificing product performance.

Contact your local Buckeye representative to learn more about the program and discover which floor finish is right for you and your staff.

What is Renaissance Performance Polymers?

What is Renaissance Performance Polymers?

Renaissance® Performance Polymers is Buckeye’s exclusive line of floor finish polymers. Buckeye is the only floor finish company that researches, creates, and manufactures our own floor finish polymers. This means our floor finishes are designed at the molecular level, giving us control over the resulting characteristics.

Because of Renaissance Performance Polymers, Buckeye is able to provide floor finishes with better value and quality than every other finish on the market.

What Does Renaissance Mean for Buckeye Floor Finishes?

By manufacturing our own polymers, we get to choose the characteristics of our floor finishes. We know high gloss and shine are critical to the appearance of your facility’s floors. Our floor finishes are formulated with the highest quality polymers, ensuring that their shine and depth of gloss are second to none.

Some outdated floor finishes darken and yellow over time, making your floors look dated. These finishes can also powder and require additional cleanup. Buckeye floor finishes are durable and can extend your strip cycles. They are non-yellowing, drying clear and staying clear to promote a “true” top scrub and recoat program.

How Does Renaissance Impact You?

Buckeye’s goal is to provide solutions for customers’ needs. Through our polymer research, we have been able to develop better, longer-lasting floor finishes for your facility. Our long-lasting finishes can extend your strip cycles and reduce your labor costs.

With Renaissance, we are the source of the raw material and share the overall value and cost savings with you.

Buckeye’s commitment to providing better products extends to providing products that have a minimum impact on the environment and do not contain potentially hazardous ingredients like butyl, solvents, and alcohol bases. In combination with Buckeye’s patented Liquescent® technology, Renaissance Performance Polymers enable us to manufacture high performance products and adhere to our principle of human health safety.

Our polymers are also manufactured in a state-of-the-art polymer production facility. Every step is taken to protect our employees and the environment. In fact, governmental agencies have rated our VOC emissions as “de minimis” (too small or insignificant to be considered).

Renaissance enables Buckeye to manufacture the highest quality products that provide more value, and are less hazardous for your facility and your facility’s employees.

Contact your local Buckeye representative to find out more about Buckeye floor finishes and Buckeye’s Hard Floor Care Program.

Buckeye Floor Finishes

Buckeye Floor Finishes

The appearance of your facility’s floors can mean the difference between a good or bad first impression. An effective hard floor care program keeps your floors looking their best. Buckeye’s Hard Floor Care Program can be customized to fit your facility’s floor type, equipment, or maintenance needs.

Buckeye floor finishes are key components of the Buckeye Hard Floor Care Program. Buckeye floor finishes are U.L. listed for slip resistance and maintain a depth of gloss that is second to none. Buckeye provides floor finish options for a variety of floor types from resilient floors to hard floors. They are easy to apply and fast drying.

Each Buckeye floor finish is scuff, scratch, and black mark resistant. Buckeye floor finishes are non-yellowing, meaning they do not darken over time due to outdated product formulations and floor finish color or additives that make floors look dirty and dated. They are also non-powdering. Powdering is excessive breakup of a non-durable floor finish under floor traffic or burnishing that produces dust, requiring additional cleanup.

Typically, 90% of a floor maintenance budget is spent on labor. Therefore, one of the greatest features of Buckeye’s floor finishes is their ability to extend your strip cycle. The durability and excellence of Buckeye floor finishes enables you to extend your strip cycle up to 3 years, saving from 20-40% on product and labor costs.

Hard Floor Care

Buckeye floor finishes include Clarion 25®, Clarion®, 1844, Castleguard®, LiquiMax®, Lucent®, Verde Ultra, Verde®, Citation®, Proclaim®, 1st Down®, R.P.M., Cirene, Equity, and Legacy® Enhancer. Each have unique features, designed for a variety of facilities. For example, Verde Ultra and Verde are Green Seal certified and designed specifically for “green” floor care programs.

To see which Buckeye floor finish best suits your facility’s needs and find out more about the Buckeye Hard Floor Care Program, contact your local Buckeye representative.

Sand Management

Sand Management

A hard floor maintenance routine depends heavily on the environment of the facility. For some facilities, floor finish maintenance is greatly affected by sand.

Because sand destroys floor finish, floor finish in sandy areas may not last as long as floor finish in non-sandy areas. However, there are ways to better maintain the quality of your floor finish in the face of sand.

How to keep your floor finish shiny and pristine:

  1. Use quality outdoor matting. Reduced maintenance costs start before your visitors enter the building. Stopping sand, debris, and water outside your entrances is the best way to keep costly contaminants from entering your facility and doing damage to your floors.
  2. Use quality indoor matting to continue to capture sand, debris, and moisture.
  3. Vacuum the indoor matting every night to retain top performance results.
  4. Dust Mop the floors frequently. The amount of sand and soils coming into the building will determine the frequency required.
  5. Wet clean every night. Some sand will roll under dust mops and remain on the floor. A wet mop will pick up the sand much better.
  6. Place long matting at entrances and vacuum matting nightly.
  7. If there is sand stuck in the corners or crevices of your facility, try vacuuming the corners before your nightly floor maintenance routine.
  8. Because sand scratches floor finishes, Buckeye recommends a floor finish that responds well to frequent burnishing. Buckeye Castleguard®, 1844, and Lucent floor finishes are excellent choices for top results.

Buckeye Floor Finishes

Get advice and a program customized to your facility with the Buckeye Hard Floor Care Program. Buckeye representatives provide products and hands on training to fit the needs of your facility. Contact today to get started.