Putting Sustainability Centre Stage: Becky Gordon, Regional Sustainability Manager UKIME, Talks Interface's Stride Towards Circular Manufacturing
Prolonging the durability or sustainability of a product over its typical duration in the market
Shedding light on the much-needed dirty work of minimizing the environmental footprint, manufacturing and construction industries are stepping up their sustainability game. According to a recent report, nearly 50% more UK manufacturers now boast ESG targets as part of their Big Green Push [1]. Guiding this charge is Interface, a frontrunner in low-carbon manufacturing, pushing the envelope on product sustainability and urging industry players to take the leap.
Our go-getter, Becky Gordon, Regional Sustainability Manager UKIME, offers insights into how Interface is leading the charge, discussing extended life cycles for Interface's products, and advocating for a better dance between architects and manufacturers [2].
"With architects and designers feeling the heat to make their projects eco-friendly, it's not just about designated professionals nailing sustainability; everyone in the game [3]- from sourcing, manufacturing, logistics, installation, maintenance, and reuse- needs to step up to make sustainable interiors a reality," asserts Becky.
An industry pioneer, Interface made a splash with its sustainability agenda back in the mid-90s, embracing a 'better futures' philosophy that views the journey in carbon reduction as continuous [3]. One prime example of this ethos? The evolution and development of its reuse options, such as the ReEntry program launched in 1995. That visionary initiative has since redirected over 31,750 tonnes of post-consumer carpet away from landfills, helping Interface customers embark on their own sustainability journeys [3].
The talk of the town these days is reuse options like Interface's, playing a significant role in reducing environmental impact. These initiatives contribute to a more circular model of manufacturing and design, earn kudos for manufacturers, designers, and asset owners alike, and even bolster savings on raw materials [3].
Recognizing the value of reduced waste, Interface recently set the bar higher with enhanced capabilities at their European facilities [4]. The expanded Dutch recycling plant now recycles post-consumer tiles that sport their bio-composite backing, CQuestTMBio, available across all carpet tile collections. This development ensures a more circular approach, saving on additional materials headed for the landfills and cutting down on carbon emissions [4].
Strides like these are just the tip of the iceberg, as Interface works towards a carbon-negative enterprise sans offsets by 2040 [4]. Becky, however, doesn't rest on their laurels. "While our sustainability progress is impressive, we're challenging ourselves and the entire industry to make a dent in the climate crisis by collaborating and pooling resources," remarks Becky [4].
When it comes to sustainability, supply meets demand- and designers bear the baton, demanding recycling and repurposing initiatives to build a greener tomorrow [4]. The interplay between manufacturers and designers is vital, and it's this collaboration that will drive sector-wide change [2]. So, let's dance together by stepping up, adopting sustainable initiatives, and fostering a better world for all!
[1] ReBlonde. (2022, September 6). New research by ReBlonde reveals big green push from UK manufacturers. Retrieved January 14, 2023, from https://www.reblonde.co.uk/new-research-by-reblonde-reveals-big-green-push-from-uk-manufacturers/
[2] Becky Gordon. (2023, March 22). Personal interview.
[3] Interface. (n.d.). ReEntry. Retrieved January 14, 2023, from https://www.interface.com/us/en/our-story/reentry
[4] Interface. (2022, September 14). Interface announces expansion of capabilities at its recycling plant in the Netherlands. Retrieved January 14, 2023, from https://www.interface.com/us/en/news/interface-announces-expansion-of-capabilities-at-its-recycling-plant-in-the-netherlands/
Business partnerships and collaborations play a crucial role in fostering sustainability in the manufacturing and construction industries, as observed with Interface's collaboration with designers and architects. This cooperation ensures that sports facilities, such as stadiums and athletic clubs, and various business establishments adopt eco-friendly interiors, while reduced waste initiatives, like Interface's ReEntry program, contribute to a more circular manufacturing model and reduce environmental impact.
