Page 48 - CFA_SG25

FLOORCOVERING MANUFACTURERS’ VIEW

Reuse and recycling – we can’t do it alone

Reuse and recycling are popular buzz words (SATCoL) Take Back scheme is a great
when it comes to sustainability but achieving example of this in action, whereby surplus
them on the ground calls for a unified modular flooring, lifted from corporate
approach. Here, Donna Hannaway, Head of refurbishment and renovation projects, can be
Marketing UK and Ireland at Forbo Flooring donated. Distributed to the charity’s furniture
Systems explores how the industry needs shops around the UK, the scheme provides
to be working together if we are to achieve local communities with easy access to
material circularity. affordable and high-quality flooring.
As manufacturers, we have an important Originally launched in 2023, the Salvation
role to play in assisting the wider flooring Army reports a phenomenal success so far,
and interior design industries with greener with the large demand showing just how much
specifications. We are responsible for need there is in the community. As well as the
investing, researching and developing
innovative solutions, material sourcing, new clear social value, helping to support the most
production techniques and machinery, and vulnerable families and helping to improve
alternative installation methods. At the heart their living conditions, the initiative is also
of this is the rise of adhesive-free flooring great for the environment, providing a second
solutions. life to flooring that may otherwise be sent to
Renowned for reducing installation time by new, raw materials, it does need flooring landfill.
as much as 50%, adhesive-free solutions can contractors, installers and customers to also As the largest charity owned textile
also help to facilitate a more circular approach. see the value and get involved. collector in the UK, SATCoL diverts over
As well as being quick to install, they are easy Reuse is another core principle at the 250 million items to good uses every year,
to uplift and remove, with the modular nature heart of material circularity. Given the market including over 65,000 tonnes of textiles. The
and lack of adhesive enabling a smoother emphasis on manufacturing high-quality profits SATCoL raises are donated to The
recycling process. flooring solutions for commercial applications, Salvation Army to continue to support the
That said, the true benefits of material each product can have a very long lifespan. work they do throughout the UK.
circularity cannot be realised or achieved in Commercial buildings, whether that be an At Forbo Flooring Systems, we’re proud
isolation. There is a clear need for companies office or retail store, can be refurbished to have partnered with the Salvation Army
and organisations – both within the flooring regularly, whether to adapt to changing needs, charity, donating surplus carpet tiles. We also
industry and wider sectors – to collaborate. trends or different building occupiers. As a have numerous recycling schemes in place,
Whether it is through the implementation of result, you will often find that the existing with 364 tones of flooring recycled across
reuse or recycling schemes, we need to close flooring is lifted up and removed, potentially various markets, as well as continuing to drive
48 the loop, together. with years of service life still left in it.
Take recycling as an example. Presently, Rather than being disposed of in landfill, the implementation of economically viable
only 10-20% of the carpet tiles and vinyl reusing the floor covering can help to reduce take-back schemes, since not all materials can
produced worldwide are currently recyclable. waste and contribute to a more circular be infinitely recycled.
While this is an obstacle for manufacturers economy. But where does the flooring go in For us, collaboration is essential if the true
to resolve, the actual process of recycling this instance? value of these schemes are to be realised.
materials does require some element of Here again, collaboration on an industry The more organisations and charities we can
collaboration and buy-in from the wider level is essential if reuse is to be achieved engage with and the more customers we can
industry. ‘Back to the Floor’ schemes, like both efficiently and effectively. By working get on board, the greater for the planet.
those which Forbo currently run, encourage closely and partnering with local charities and To learn more about Forbo and
customers to return unwanted samples and organisations, we can ensure that the value of sustainability, please visit the below website:
installation off-cuts, for recycling or reuse. the flooring and the energy and resources put
While a hugely positive step forward for into its production is not wasted. view.publitas.com/forboflooring-uk/
the industry and lessening the demand for The Salvation Army Trading Company forbo-sustainability-brochure-uk/page/1

CFA Guide to Sustainability 2025/26