Page 22 - CFA_SG25

THE UNITED KINGDOM SUSTAINABLE FLOORING ALLIANCE

is crucial. By gathering
accurate data, we can
create smarter policies
and drive investment
in recycling and reuse
infrastructure.”
The collaboration
between UKSFA and
the CFA marks a key
partnership aimed at
conducting baseline
research on the UK’s
current take-back
scheme landscape. This
project will explore both
the commercial and local
authority operations,
serving as a crucial first
step in understanding
the challenges and
identifying opportunities
for industry-wide change.
Industry-wide action
Under Cathie’s
leadership, UKSFA
is shifting from
being a facilitator of
conversations to an
circular economy for flooring.” and lead on sustainable flooring solutions. active driver of industry-wide change. The
Cathie emphasises that working together Cathie envisions USFKA becoming the message to members and stakeholders is
is the only way forward. UKSFA is committed organisation responsible for managing an EPR clear; transformation cannot happen in silos.
to helping its members navigate the evolving scheme for the flooring industry, ensuring the “We all talk about collaboration, but
22 legislative landscape, ensuring they stay sector has a voice in shaping its own future, it has to start within our industry. If we
ahead of regulatory changes while fostering rather than having regulations strengthen both our internal and external
sustainable practices. imposed upon it. relationships, we can present a united front
to the Government and regulatory bodies.
A rebrand to reflect a broader mission Transformation, collaboration, and change This is not just about compliance; it’s about
One of the most significant steps under With an estimated 400,000 tons of carpet and future-proofing our industry. Working together
Cathie’s leadership is the rebranding of Carpet textile flooring waste generated annually in the makes adaptation easier, minimises costs,
Recycling UK to UK Sustainable Flooring UK, the need for scalable recycling solutions and ensures sustainability is embedded in
Association. A name change, she explains, is has never been greater. Cathie is determined everything we do.”
a strategic move that allows the organisation to drive innovation by fostering partnerships Cathie acknowledges that change can be
to represent the entire flooring sector in the with manufacturers, recyclers, and waste daunting, but remains optimistic about the
future, whilst continuing to focus on carpet management companies. road ahead. “Yes, there are challenges. Yes,
and textile flooring. She adds: “Recycling carpet and flooring there will be costs. But if we embrace this
“When EPR discussions first began, the is not just about avoiding landfill; it’s about moment, we can lead the way in sustainable
Government focused solely on carpet and creating a viable industry around it. We need flooring solutions, setting an example for other
textile flooring, leaving out resilient flooring to invest in research, improve collection and industries to follow.
like vinyl and LVT. This created an uneven sorting processes, and support businesses “I want to inspire people with the same
playing field. We advocated for a broader, that are developing new manufacturing and enthusiasm and energy as I have – to do the
fairer approach, and now flooring as a whole recycling technologies. If we can turn textile right thing and explore all the possibilities. We
is being considered. To continue influencing and flooring waste into valuable new goods, can turn adversity into an opportunity.”
these decisions effectively, we need a name and support the industry to increase eco- As UKSFA embarks on this new chapter,
that accurately reflects who we represent, and designed products, we make sustainability a the focus remains on transformation,
what we do.” commercial reality.” collaboration, and change. With Cathie at the
But the rebrand is not just about optics; She is also keen on improving data helm, the association is not just reacting to
it’s about positioning the association to best collection within the industry. “Understanding industry shifts – it is shaping them.
collaborate with other industry stakeholders what waste is out there and where it goes www.carpetrecyclinguk.com

CFA Guide to Sustainability 2025/26