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(English) Best Practices

Sector
Flooring company Manufactorer

Keywords
Sustainability Flooring Industry Environmental Impact

From which SME is it?
Interface

Location
Atlanta, Georgia - global

Format
Physical, electronic – working

Years of implementation
Since 1973

Website

Abstract

Interface, Inc. is a global commercial flooring company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, United State by Ray Anderson, who had a vision of creating a sustainable business. Ray Anderson set out to transform the flooring industry by adopting sustainable practices and focusing on environmental stewardship. He made a commitment to achieve zero negative impact on the environment by 2020, a vision called "Mission Zero." This commitment led Interface to become a pioneer in sustainable business practices.


Relevance

Interface introduced a revolutionary approach to carpet manufacturing called "modular carpet" or "carpet tiles." These tiles are designed for easy installation, replacement, and maintenance, which reduces waste compared to traditional broadloom carpets. The company also implemented recycling programs to reclaim and reuse old carpets, further minimizing environmental impact. Interface has been actively working towards achieving its sustainability goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving energy and water, and using recycled materials in its products. The company has made significant progress in reducing its environmental footprint and has received recognition and awards for its sustainable practices.


Concepts addressed within ESG

Innovation, environmental sustainability, holistic sustainable business strategy


Impact & Achieved Results
  • Carbon Neutral Operations: Interface has achieved carbon neutrality across its global operations since 2017. They have reduced their greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency measures, use of renewable energy sources, and offsetting the remaining emissions through verified carbon credits.
  • Mission Zero: Interface's Mission Zero initiative aims to eliminate any negative impact the company has on the environment by 2020. While they did not achieve all of their goals by the set deadline, they have made substantial progress in reducing their environmental footprint and continue to work towards their sustainability commitments.
  • Circular Economy Leadership: Interface has been a pioneer in the implementation of circular economy principles in the flooring industry. Through their ReEntry program, they have recycled millions of pounds of used carpet tiles and converted them into new products, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills.
  • Sustainable Product Innovation: Interface is known for its innovative and sustainable product offerings. They have developed carpet tiles with recycled materials, bio-based backing systems, and more sustainable manufacturing processes. These products not only have a reduced environmental impact but also meet high standards of performance and durability.

Indicators of performance and success
  • Carbon Footprint
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Waste Reduction
  • Product Sustainability
  • Water Conservation
  • Supply Chain Sustainability
  • Social Impact
  • Financial Performance

Certifications
  • Carbon Neutral Certification
  • Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)
  • Cradle to Cradle Certified™
  • LEED Certification
  • ISO Certifications

Challenges and recommendations
  • According to Supply Chain Management: Interface faces challenges in ensuring the sustainability and ethical sourcing of their raw materials throughout the global supply chain. They need to work closely with suppliers to promote sustainable practices and transparency.
  • Innovation and Research: Continual innovation is necessary to develop new sustainable materials, manufacturing processes, and technologies. Interface needs to invest in research and development to stay at the forefront of sustainable design and technology.
  • Cost Considerations: Sustainable practices and materials may sometimes come at a higher cost compared to conventional alternatives. Interface needs to find a balance between sustainability and cost-effectiveness to ensure their products remain competitive in the market.

Bibliography