InterfaceFLOR - Mission Zero

InterfaceFLOR’s internal measurement tool for life cycle analysis has enabled the organisation calculate that each metre squared of carpet accounts for approximately 12kg of CO2e throughout its life cycle; this is a 40% reduction from five years ago. This includes emissions of extraction of raw materials, manufacturing processes, transport, installation, maintenance, and disposal and involves close engagement with suppliers, employees and customers to reduce emissions at each stage.

For example, InterfaceFLOR has worked with suppliers to adopt FlatWorks flooring which contains 30 - 50% less oil-based yarn than other products. By working closely with suppliers of Bitumen, the company has seen a 5-10% reduction in manufacturing energy usage. And similarly, it is working in partnership with its yarn supplier on an  initiative to recycle used yarn and reduce the impacts from transporting yarn cones. Furthermore, Interface FLOR has been instrumental in launching a process for new supply chain concepts across Europe to reduce costs whilst providing profits for freight forwarders. This promotes a sustainable business relationship and encourages forwarders to become sustainable companies themselves.

InterfaceFLOR’s positive environmental impacts also extend into its customers base - by engaging customers and offering support with sustainable services, the company continues to reduce the environmental impact of its products even after they have left the hands of the company. In 1995 a ReEntry scheme was set up, collecting carpets at the end of their lifecycle. Any product which cannot be re-purposed is recycled or downcycled into a new product. The company also offers a take-back programme for product samples over 5kg which allows them to be re-used by other customers and diverted from land fill.

"InterfaceFlor demonstrate a holistic and sophisticated approach to climate change which is rooted in a 16-year history of addressing sustainability issues. Groundbreaking product innovation is evident across the business and embedded throughout all operations, with employees at multiple levels fully engaged in ‘Mission Zero’.

"The business case is clearly evident in reduced manufacturing costs, employee morale, leading edge products and customer feedback. The company has clearly gone far beyond environmental compliance and is therefore enormously valuable to other businesses as an example of excellence"

Abyd Karmali, Managing Director and Global Head of Carbon Markets, Bank of America Merrill Lynch