Abstract: The invention provides a ventilating synthetic floor-covering comprising a ventilating support layer and one or more synthetic layers wherein the ventilating support layer comprises a plurality of studs between which narrow ventilation channels are formed even when the floor-covering is compressed in normal use wherein the narrow ventilation channels have a width which is less than a principal dimension of the studs; a ventilating support layer; a production line for use in the preparation of a ventilating support layer wherein the ventilating support layer comprises a support layer and a plurality of studs wherein the production line comprises an embossing roller for embossing the plurality of studs on the support layer or a printing roller for printing the plurality of studs on the support layer wherein narrow ventilation channels are formed between the plurality of studs and wherein the narrow ventilation channels have a width which is less than a principal dimension of the studs; and a method of preparing

Abstract: The invention provides a ventilating synthetic floor-covering comprising a ventilating support layer and one or more synthetic layers wherein the ventilating support layer comprises a plurality of studs between which narrow ventilation channels are formed even when the floor-covering is compressed in normal use wherein the narrow ventilation channels have a width which is less than a principal dimension of the studs; a ventilating support layer; a production line for use in the preparation of a ventilating support layer wherein the ventilating support layer comprises a support layer and a plurality of studs wherein the production line comprises an embossing roller for embossing the plurality of studs on the support layer or a printing roller for printing the plurality of studs on the support layer wherein narrow ventilation channels are formed between the plurality of studs and wherein the narrow ventilation channels have a width which is less than a principal dimension of the studs; and a method of preparing

Abstract: The invention provides a lightweight layered product for use in a digital printing process wherein the layered product consists essentially of: a reinforcing base layer having a support; and a printing layer suitable for receiving a print design; and a method of preparing a printed layered product which method comprises the following steps: Providing a lightweight layered product according to the invention; Winding the lightweight layered product on to a roll; Loading the roll into a printing machine; Applying a decorative layer having a print design to the printing layer of the lightweight layered product; and Winding the printed layered product on to a roll for transfer to a production line; the layered product and method allow the incorporation of digital printing techniques into an industrial production line for the preparation of a surface-covering material without the need for heavy duty lifting and rolling equipment.