March 15, 2006—Interface introduces Vertical Circles Collection, its first commercial modular carpet product using bio-based fiber. Vertical Circles consists of three products: Metamorphic, Synchronicity, and Kinesis. Each features geometric pieces that change in shape and structure as they connect and reconnect to create a large-scale pattern on the floor.
According to the major carpet producer, it is committed to becoming a sustainable enterprise, and one of its important steps is to minimize and ultimately eliminate reliance on non-renewable, oil-based products and processes. In its exploration of biopolymers, Interface has chosen to explore fibers made from PLA (Polylactic Acid).
The dense face construction of Metamorphic, Synchronicity, and Kinesis consists of 15% bio-based fiber made from Polylactic Acid. PLA is produced by harnessing the carbon naturally stored in plants through the process of photosynthesis to create a polymer than can be used for common consumer items such as clothing, cups, food containers, candy wrappers, and now contract fabrics and carpets.
This new process uses rapidly renewable resources such as corn or wheat to create a bio-based polymer, polylactic acid or PLA. PLA has numerous advantages for the environment over petroleum-based polymers, including a 20% to 30% reduction in the fossil fuels. In addition, explains Interface, since the PLA molecules are based on carbon recently captured from the atmosphere by plants, the system contributes less to global climate change than petroleum-based fibers such as nylon.
Vertical Circles have an integrated pattern in a tufted textured loop construction of 100% solution-dyed fiber. Solution-dyed fiber ensures superior stain-resistance and color-fastness, even when exposed to sunlight. Solution-dyed fiber is resistant to most bleaches, solvents, and other staining liquids that would ruin conventional carpet. It is also permanently colored throughout, not just on the surface, and solution-dyeing has significantly less impact on water resources than other dyeing methods, such as printing, that are used to achieve pattern and color.
For more information, contact Interface Flooring as well as see their ad on FMLink.
