Interface Continues Green Strides

The firm has saved more than 18 million pounds of carpet from landfills.

by Mairi Beautyman -- Interior Design, 5/1/2006

Interface continues to reduce its environmental footprint, according to its 2005 EcoMetrics Report. The carpet manufacturer credits this advancement to newly-enlisted renewable electricity sources and sustainable manufacturing methods.

Last year, the firm showed an increase of renewable electricity to 22 percent in global manufacturing operations, compared with 6 percent five years ago. Five of these manufacturing facilities boast 100 percent green electricity, made renewable through the purchase of certified renewable energy certificates (RECs) derived from wind and biomass projects.

"Renewable energy is one of the key indicators for Interface as we move further along the journey to sustainability," says Michael D. Bertolucci, president of Interface Research Corporation.

When it comes to green house gas emissions—a hot topic for manufacturers—Interface is down by 35 percent. Both the U.S. and Canada have independently verified the firm’s carbon dioxide emissions.

The company's carpet reclamation program, ReEntry, has saved more than 18 million pounds of carpet from landfills. Through this program, Interface recycles (71 percent), implements energy capture and conversion (28 percent), and repurposes via charitable donation (one percent).

In addition, the firm’s green commitment is apparent with GlasBac RE tile, manufactured from reclaimed vinyl backed carpet tile, and the 2005 launch Cool Blue, a hi-tech carpet backing process which introduces new, more sustainable materials, previously unavailable due to technical restraints.

The 2005 sustainability metrics now available online.