November 16, 2005—ReEntry, Interface’s carpet reclamation program, has achieved nearly 60 million pounds of reclaimed carpet since 1995, the company says.
As of June 2004, the program has reclaimed 57 million pounds of carpet, of which 52% has been recycled as GlasBacRE, the Interface recycled vinyl-backing system. In addition, 40% has been used for energy capture and conversion. While not as desirable as pure recycling, this process keeps the product out of landfills. Interface also points out that 8% has been repurposed, that is, carpet removed before the end of its useful life, and donated to a nonprofit organization.
John Wells, president of Interface Flooring Systems, says, “Rather than abandon over 30 years and 250 million pounds of vinyl backing already in the marketplace, Interface has made a commitment to recycle carpet backing. Year over year growth of our ReEntry program validates that carpet recycling is not only the right thing to do, but something that the marketplace is demanding as well. It is good business.”
For more information on Interface Flooring’s environmental initiatives, visit Interface Sustainability and also see its ad on FMLink.
