Interface: A Leader in Sustainable Carpet Flooring

Interface is a global leader in the carpet flooring industry, with a strong commitment to sustainability and decarbonisation. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the company operates in over 100 countries, providing innovative and eco-friendly carpet tiles for commercial and residential spaces.

Founded in 1973 by Ray Anderson, Interface has been at the forefront of the sustainability movement in the carpet industry. Anderson was inspired by the book "The Ecology of Commerce" by Paul Hawken, which challenged businesses to rethink their impact on the environment. He set out to create a company that would be restorative to the planet and profitable at the same time.

Interface's mission is to create a better world by designing and producing sustainable products, reducing its environmental footprint, and inspiring others to join the movement towards a more sustainable future. The company's approach to sustainability is based on the principles of biomimicry, which involves emulating nature's design principles to create products that are efficient, resilient, and regenerative.

Interface's products are designed to be modular, durable, and easy to install, reducing waste and minimizing the use of resources. The company uses recycled materials in its products, such as nylon from discarded fishing nets, and has developed a closed-loop manufacturing process that allows it to recycle its own products at the end of their life cycle.

In addition to its sustainable products, Interface is also committed to reducing its carbon footprint and transitioning to renewable energy sources. The company has set a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2020, and has made significant progress towards this goal. Interface has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 96% since 1996, and has implemented a number of energy efficiency measures, such as upgrading its lighting systems and HVAC systems.

Interface has also invested in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and has entered into corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs) to support the development of new renewable energy projects. In 2017, the company signed a 10-year PPA with a wind farm in Texas, which will provide enough renewable energy to power all of its manufacturing facilities in North America.

Interface's commitment to renewable energy and decarbonisation has earned it recognition as a leader in corporate sustainability. The company has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for 20 consecutive years, and has received numerous awards for its sustainability initiatives.

Interface's sustainability efforts are not limited to its own operations. The company has also launched a number of initiatives to inspire others to join the sustainability movement. One of its most notable initiatives is the Net-Works program, which involves partnering with local communities in developing countries to collect discarded fishing nets and turn them into recycled nylon for use in Interface's products. The program provides a source of income for local communities and helps to reduce ocean pollution.

Interface is also a member of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's Circular Economy 100, a global platform for businesses, governments, and academia to collaborate on transitioning to a circular economy. The company has embraced the circular economy concept, which involves designing products and systems that are regenerative and restorative, rather than linear and wasteful.

In conclusion, Interface is a company that has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability and decarbonisation in the carpet flooring industry. Its innovative products, closed-loop manufacturing process, and renewable energy initiatives have earned it recognition as a leader in corporate sustainability. Interface's mission to create a better world by designing and producing sustainable products, reducing its environmental footprint, and inspiring others to join the movement towards a more sustainable future is an inspiration to other businesses and individuals alike.