The Carpet Recycling UK annual conference recognised efforts to develop a circular economy in the flooring sector.
Speaking at the two-day event in July, Adnan Zeb-Khan of CRUK addressed the fact that energy-from-waste (a destination for over 200k tonnes of carpet and textile flooring in 2022, albeit diverted from landfill) is no longer a sustainable long-term route and circular solutions need to be developed. Delegates heard about research projects that could be applied to construction products and the cement industry.
Headlam presented findings on its pilot take-back scheme which is providing insight into behaviours around recycling flooring materials. Innovate Recycling unveiled results on recycling polypropylene from carpet into new polypropylene beads that can be spun into new yarn for carpet manufacture. Matoha presented its evolving infrared material identification gun which is using AI to identify thousands of different carpet chemistries, and IOBAC presented solutions for magnetic-carpet-floor-tiles fixing, said to be saving thousands of pounds on damage to subfloors during building interior renovations.
The conference also discussed the urgent need for stakeholders to come together to develop an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for the sector. Several speakers presented on schemes in Europe and the USA. Jane Gardner of ERFMI (European Resilient Floorcovering Manufacturers’ Institute) said: “On the circular economy, now is the time to act – politically, legislatively and technologically. Sustainability is becoming mandatory in the European Union. Our strategy recognises the need for waste management companies, recyclers and raw material suppliers to collaborate to ensure a workable solution for all stakeholders.”
An evening event saw the Carpet Recycling UK annual awards presented by Jonathan Middelkoop from Betap. CRUK thanked all those who entered this year. The winners were:
- Circular Economy Initiative of the Year – Robbert Wapstra, Edel Carpets; Highly Commended: Betap
- Reuse and Recycling Project of the Year – Richard Shea, Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd; Highly Commended: John Cotton Group & Designer Contracts
- Most Sustainable Product of the Year – Kate Burnett, Milliken; Highly Commended: Condor Group
The conference presented an opportunity for Cathie Clarke, CRUK’s new Managing Director to meet and network with some of their 134-strong membership. She said: “Having just joined CRUK Ltd at the beginning of the month, the annual conference was a perfect opportunity for me to meet a large number of members at once.”
“The conference was packed with interesting and inspiring presentations on innovation within the carpet recycling industry, circular economy and sustainability with high energy debates on important issues. I look forward to working closely with all our members and the board to raise awareness of the important work that is already being done and to develop an ambitious strategy of influence and change within our industry for the benefit of our environment.”
For more information, email: info@carpetrecyclinguk.com or visit www.carpetrecyclinguk.com.
