Sustainability and the circular economy will be even more important in 2023 as customers look to achieve long-term value from material choices. Sustainability encompasses not only the environmental health of products and operations but also how products impact human experience and health, and with the amount of time we spend indoors now that’s a critical consideration.

A regenerative design approach such as Cradle-to-Cradle models human industry on nature’s processes where materials are viewed as part of healthy, safe metabolisms for future generations and waste becomes a resource. Products that follow the Cradle to Cradle Certified Products Program for example are made from ingredients that have usually been independently verified as safe for example free from any harmful chemicals.

In the flooring industry, carpet tile backing materials are increasingly made from and with recycled material. Innovations include backings made with post-consumer PET plastic bottles. The yarn used can also be made from 100% recycled material.

Significantly, tiles can be re-used or re-purposed at the end of their useful life through ‘takeback’ programmes. Held by the manufacturer or industry bodies these carry significant potential to divert landfill but importantly supports a circular economy approach. Andrew Jackson, accelerating change and business development