As a flooring manufacturer based in the North West England, Milliken prides itself on a rich history of award-winning modular carpet collections with strong performance and sustainability credentials.

Milliken first manufactured its Millitron® carpet tiles in 1986 from its European headquarters in Wigan where it now employs 250 people. Milliken’s Global headquarters are in South Carolina, US and the company recently celebrated its 160 year anniversary.

Milliken’s flooring ranges are showcased through the year in its London showroom. Milliken was one of the first manufacturers to recognise the significance of the area and to open a showroom in Clerkenwell.

‘We were visionary and saw it as an opportunity to connect with designers,’ says Kate Collier, senior manager – brand & communications. ‘Outside CDW, it helps us connect with customers, collaborate with designers, and innovate to meet design briefs.’

This year’s buzz centred around Milliken’s new carpet tile collection, Pattern Play, which Kate describes as ‘a creative showcase, blending design and technology in a playful, standout collection’.

Milliken is especially proud Pattern Play triumphed in the carpets and rugs category of the inaugural CDW Product Awards. With 72 colours, the range features innovative transitions that flow smoothly from one colour to another. Its bold shapes bring colour and energy to the floor and are aimed at all segments, particularly workspace, but also education, hospitality, and build-to-rent.

With respect to aesthetics, patterns, and colour, Milliken says ‘we do it best!’ ‘The combination of our design team and patented technology allows us to craft pieces of art across the floor,’ says Kate. ‘We offer a broad portfolio as well as bespoke design services for custom collections with quick lead times.’

Kate, with over a decade’s experience in marketing at Milliken, is based in the Wigan HQ. She says her job works cross-functionally, allowing her to engage with design, sales, and manufacturing.
‘This gives me the insight to help craft Milliken’s story.’

And that story, now more than ever, revolves around sustainability. Kate notes that the company’s collections are manufactured with cushion-backing made from 95% recycled content, which ‘provides superior sound absorption, product durability, and supports reuse’.  

Milliken, says Kate Collier, has a strong desire to make reuse as easy as possible.

‘Reuse is emerging at the forefront of emissions discussions and we expect those discussions to grow in the interiors industry over the next couple of years,’ says Kate.

‘We have two main pathways to reduce our carbon emissions in striving for Net Zero: The first is the manufacture of new carpet where we are always looking to improve our manufacturing processes, invest in new technologies and renewable energy sources as well as a focus on our supply chain. We source 50% of our raw materials within a 60-mile radius of our manufacturing facility in northern England. The second path is the newest and focuses on circulating and utilising existing products as efficiently as possible throughout their entire lifecycle.

‘Milliken has partnered with Reusefully commissioning a White Paper to provide real solutions and strategies to ensure reuse is a viable option for fit-outs and interiors.