InterfaceFlor, a worldwide leader in the design of innovative modular flooring and an environmental pioneer, has unveiled its most sustainable collection of carpet tiles.

Biosfera I is the first carpet tile collection in the industry to include 100 per cent recycled yarn, made from a combination of pre consumer and post consumer raw material sources including InferfaceFlor’s own products, a statement said.

The collection has been manufactured to include less yarn than ever before, significantly reducing its environmental footprint without compromising performance.

The Biosfera I collection includes three products; Bouclé, Velour and Micro.  Based on popular tufted designs, these have been re-engineered to include as little yarn as possible, while maintaining high performance, the statement said.

InterfaceFlor has achieved the lowest yarn weight ever for a carpet tile with Micro, which is manufactured using the company’s pioneering Microtufting technology which offers the durability of a hard floor with the acoustics and feel of soft carpet.

Cool Carpet comes as standard, which means the product’s carbon emissions are offset during its entire lifecycle, using a verified provider.

The tiles also include InterfaceFlor’s TacTiles as standard, an innovative glue-less installation system that helps to maintain good indoor air quality.

Nigel Stansfield, senior vice president, Product & Innovation, InterfaceFlor EMEAI, said: “Years ago we were told that it was impossible to recycle nylon yarn, an oil-rich material that is integral to our carpet tiles, but a hurdle in our mission for sustainability.”

“However, we have dispelled this myth by encouraging our suppliers to push the boundaries of innovation and help us to develop materials, processes and products that cause lower environmental impacts.”

“Biosfera I is one of the results of this collaboration and has unprecedented environmental qualities throughout its entire lifecycle – from the sourcing of materials, through to production, installation and disposal,” he added.

Giulio Bonazzi, CEO of yarn supplier Aquafil said: “During the 1990’s InterfaceFlor's bold mission for zero impact on the environment and questioning of the green credentials of its suppliers encouraged us to accelerate our own journey: a corporate philosophy of proactive environmental commitment which started several years ago.”

“We have worked closely with InterfaceFlor to mutually advance research and development and a key goal was to produce a viable alternative to virgin yarn, which maintains performance yet minimises waste, CO2 and water consumption.”

“We are proud to have achieved this with our innovative recycled fibre Econyl, which has allowed us and InterfaceFlor to edge one step closer to closing the loop in manufacturing,” he concluded.

Biosfera I is available in coordinating, neutral colours which complement furniture and fixings and have an ‘architectural look’ suitable for most commercial environments, according to the statement. – TradeArabia News Service