Co-funded by the CFA, The UK Sustainable Flooring Alliance has led a major research project to build a clearer understanding of textile and flooring take back activity across the country. Working with the Contract Flooring Association, the study explored how discarded flooring from both commercial and residential settings is collected, handled and recovered, and how current routes could be strengthened to support a more circular approach within the sector.
The research combined desk-based review with engagement from fifteen take back schemes and four waste management operators. It examined accepted material types, operational practices, storage and logistics, processing routes and commercial viability. The work also assessed the tools used to record and report data and the scope for greater collaboration and information sharing.
Findings show that many schemes focus on carpet tiles and other commercial flooring, with reuse playing a major role, often delivered through charities and social enterprises. However, issues such as contamination, limited storage space, inconsistent collection practices and low demand for recovered materials continue to restrict progress. Waste management operators echoed similar challenges and noted a lack of capacity in the UK for specialised processing.
Across both groups, data quality and consistency were highlighted as significant barriers. The study identifies strong potential for improved information flows, shared systems and clearer expectations on how data will be used. It also points to a growing interest in the role that Extended Producer Responsibility could play in supporting take back schemes and future investment in infrastructure.
The report provides seven recommendations that will guide future UK Sustainable Flooring Alliance activity. CFA members can request a copy of the report by emailing info@cfa.org.uk or it can be downloaded from the member area of our website.
Latest new members:
B2B Flooring Ltd
County Contract Flooring
Towergate Insurance Brokers Ltd
TW Betts Flooring Limited