Although nothing about 2020 could be considered normal, it was very much business-as-usual for us when it came to innovation and R&D. Our partners expect nothing less,” said Per Nygren, Vice President, Välinge Innovation. “They appreciate our total commitment to developing technology that puts the highest quality products into the hands and under the feet of consumers worldwide.”
With over 500 new patents granted in 2020, Välinge’s patent portfolio now exceeds 3500 patents distributed across new materials, locking technologies for flooring, walls and furniture, and surface technologies.
2020 also saw Välinge growing its licensee family, with over 30 new partners joining forces with the company during the year. Välinge licensees now number more than 260, with each one benefitting from the Viken-based innovator’s industry-leading support and technical services.
In an exciting development, Välinge announced the launch of its own flooring products under the brand name ‘Välinge Flooring’ during Q3 — made on-site at their HQ in Sweden using their state-of-the-art, high-volume production facility.
The first products are a collection of real wood floors that combine Välinge’s unique patented technologies — Woodura®, 5G® Dry™ waterproof fold-down system, and 5G® Climb™. The launch creates a whole new category of floors called ‘Hardened Wood Flooring’ — offering the unmistakable feel and luxury of a real wood floor with next-level durability and waterproofness. The rollout initially focused on the US market, with further markets promised in 2021.
“Creating our own products is an exciting and natural progression for Välinge. It’s not about competing with our licensees, quite the opposite, actually,” said Per Nygren. “This allows us to showcase our unique innovations — Woodura technology, the latest 5G Dry waterproof locking system, and 5G Climb. Creating a product that uses those technologies in harmony, giving customers the most innovative, high-performing, sustainable, and beautiful real wood floors, fit for a worry-free life in their home.
