Page 46 - CFA_SG25

FLOORCOVERING MANUFACTURERS’ VIEW

46 Burmatex®: Driving sustainability through innovation and collaboration

Collaboration is one of Burmatex’s® core Backing Systems ranges.
values, alongside principles, agility, and Backing systems can also play a significant All Burmatex® EPDs are available via
excellence. role in reducing the overall carbon footprint the company’s website and published on
It plays a key role in how the company of a carpet tile. For example, Burmatex® the International EPD System at
approaches sustainability through its has developed a low carbon backing www.environdec.com
eco2matters® programme. Through working in collaboration with the University of
closely with both internal teams and external Huddersfield. It incorporates locally sourced, Recovery Take Back Service
partners, Burmatex® is focused on making recycled organic materials, including industrial Burmatex® explains that it designs its products
carpet tiles a more sustainable flooring choice waste that would otherwise have gone to with the circular economy in mind – and
through focused development across several landfill and uses 100% organic, non-vinyl its Recovery Take Back Service enables
key areas. polymer binders and fillers, and contains customers to play an active role in supporting
a minimum of 77% recycled content. The the circular economy.
Yarn Technology combination of recycled inputs and efficient When it’s time to refresh a floor, this service
Yarn is the single biggest contributor to the production processes also means it requires gives used carpet tiles a new lease of life. In
carbon footprint of a carpet tile, so in 2021 less energy to manufacture, contributing partnership with others, the company aims to
Burmatex® made a clear commitment: all further to carbon reduction. find a new home for tiles in good condition,
new products would be made using low such as supporting community organisations
carbon yarn. Through close collaboration with Carbon Neutral Carpet Tiles in need of low-cost flooring.
suppliers and advances in material science, “On our journey to Net Zero we must find Where reuse isn’t possible, tiles are instead
the company now uses a range of low carbon new ways of reducing our carbon emissions, used to generate energy for local housing,
yarns – including one that’s carbon negative to help tackle climate change, and reduce ensuring that nothing goes to landfill.
– to help reduce the overall impact of its global warming,” says John Doherty, Head of
products. Marketing. “Independently verified products Investing in sustainable manufacturing
In partnership with Universal Fibers®, are key to achieving this.” Continual investment in facilities helps
Burmatex® was the first company to launch As part of its carbon neutral strategy, ensure that manufacturers have the capacity
carbon neutral ranges using their Thrive® Burmatex® believes that understanding and processes to meet the demand for
matter yarn, a recycled yarn certified to C2C the true carbon footprint of its products is sustainable floorcoverings. As Burmatex®
Material Health Certificate™ Silver. Thrive® essential. This is why they made a significant is demonstrating, as part of its £5 million
matter is recognised as the world’s first carbon commitment to product-specific Environmental investment in its manufacturing facilities in
negative recycled yarn. Product Declarations (EPDs), rather than Ossett, West Yorkshire – with completion
Carbon negative yarns not only eliminate relying on generic or category-level data. of the full programme expected in 2025
the carbon associated with the yarn itself, but The company believes that independent – new facilities should focus on improving
also help offset the remaining carbon in the third-party verification provides essential sustainability credentials by utilising energy
carpet tile through measures taken at source. reassurance and transparency. This enables more efficiently. Responsible manufacturing
Burmatex® is also now using EqoBalance®, more informed and confident decision-making must be able to meet customer demand and
a 100% recycled biogenic yarn from B.I.G, for customers, while allowing Burmatex® to be ready for future requirements.
made from organic waste sourced from take meaningful action to reduce emissions
renewable materials. and introduce carbon neutral carpet tile www.burmatex.co.uk/eco2matters

CFA Guide to Sustainability 2025/26