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LaGrange, Ga. — Jan. 7, 2016 — Building on the success of its ReEntry recycling operation — which has yielded the diversion of more than 309 million pounds of carpet from landfills over the past 20 years — Interface, a leader in carpet tile manufacturing that has driven the business case for sustainability, is creating a new network of regional recycling allies.
First among them is Oakland, Calif.-based Rethink Green, and this initial alliance is expected to increase the amount of carpet that Interface annually recycles for use by Interface by 40 to 50 percent.
In announcing the new regional strategy for ReEntry and the Rethink Green relationship, Interface President and CEO John Wells said, “It’s been our mission since 1994 to wean Interface production off non-renewable materials so that we only use recycled or bio-based raw materials — and fully close the loop. To that end, ReEntry has been essential, enabling us to capture the nylon ‘fluff’ that results from separating backing and face fiber that is recycled back into our products.
"Now we are turning our attention to increase overall recycling, and to the high-quality separation and harvesting of backing from carpet tile that advancements in the technology and process are yielding. Over the past decade, we’ve been keeping an eye out for potential allies who also are dialing up the reclamation specifically of carpet tile, and who are as passionate as we are about closing the loop on materials. Rethink Green aligns well with both our vision and mission.”
Since its founding in 2011 by entrepreneur Carter Hallock, Rethink Green has recycled over 10,000 tons of carpet, and it recently acquired state-of-the-art machinery for separating backing from carpet tile. Hallock projects that by the end of 2016 Rethink Green’s output will be 1,000 tons a month.
The company covers a territory that encompasses not only all of California but much of western America including Arizona, Colorado, Texas, and Washington.
According to Eric Nelson, vice president, strategic alliances, Interface Americas, one of the biggest challenges to effective recycling of carpet is logistics, and it’s what has led to this regional approach.
“Typically, general contractors on commercial projects determine the handling and removal of materials for interior demolition,” he said. “They have the power to decide whether it goes to a landfill or can be recycled. What attracted Interface to Rethink Green is its access to and relationships with these decision makers."
