Despite decades of derision linoleum is making a come back in the area of kitchen design due to its environmentally friendly credentials.Writing in Smart Planet, Michael Foley highlights the fact that unlike modern alternatives such as vinyl, linoleum is an all natural flooring product made entirely of renewable materials.Linoleum was actually invented by Englishman Frederick Walton who patented his formula in 1860 and started production in 1864.Its name comes from the fact it is made from solidified linseed oil in combination with wood flour or cork dust over a canvas backing.Due to its natural ingredients it is completely biodegradable.However, its also hardwearing (lasting at least 40 years) and versatile - coming in many colours and patterns.As Mr Foley also points out much of it is also made in Europe and therefore pollution from transport is kept to a minimum.With such impressive green credentials it is perhaps not surprising that so many designers are taking a fresh look at once lowly lino.