Page 66 - CFA_SG25

ADHESIVES AND ACCESSORIES MANUFACTURERS’ VIEW

Reshaping the contract flooring sector: a collaborative journey of innovation

The global manufacturing sector is extending product and material life cycles reflects the increasing demand for sustainable
responsible for one-fifth of the world’s through enhanced circularity and sustainable solutions and the economic benefits of
carbon emissions and consumes 54% of the material solutions. By piloting new business extending product lifecycles.
world’s energy sources. Additionally, 45% concepts in repair, refurbishment, and
of the CO2 footprint in Europe comes from remanufacturing, and optimising data-driven From linear to circular
manufacturing and construction of durable sustainable processes, SHAPE fosters Traditionally, our industry has followed a linear
goods. These figures highlight the urgent co-innovation and cross-sector knowledge model, where many goods are classified as
need for a sustainability transformation sharing. This collaborative framework enables disposables. But by implementing circular
across all industries, including the flooring the creation of groundbreaking circular design principles from the very beginning of
sector. solutions and scalable sustainable business product development, we can regenerate
In a world facing climate change, models, decreasing the carbon footprint of resources by systematically eliminating
biodiversity loss and social inequalities, we the manufacturing industry. waste, selecting smarter raw materials, and
believe our mission has never been more Circularity is the most effective way to considering the entire product lifecycle. This
critical. These challenges call for more reduce the carbon footprint of products ensures that materials remain in use for as
sustainable practices - for a transformation to and manufacturing processes. Circularity long as possible, reducing environmental
reshape industry. challenges the traditional take-make-dispose impact. By integrating circularity from the
model and replaces it with a regenerative design phase, we can achieve what was once
Driving sustainable transformation in approach. In the flooring industry, circular thought impossible.
manufacturing strategies can take many forms, including
No single company, sector, or stakeholder refurbishment and reuse, where instead of An opportunity for business growth
can achieve this transformation alone. replacing worn-out floors, walls, or furniture, For those ready to embrace the shared
Instead, collaboration, ecosystem thinking, refurbishment techniques restore their journey, this transformation presents great
and innovative circularity strategies are the quality, prolong their lifespan, and reduce opportunities—where sustainable alternatives
catalysts that will drive industries toward material waste. Material innovation is also and initiatives are not just costs but strategic
a more sustainable future. We believe the key, with the development of surface finishing business opportunities. It’s a space where
best way to contribute to a more sustainable solutions and coatings that are recyclable, purpose and profit meet, proving that
future is by supporting our customers and biodegradable, or derived from renewable environmental responsibility and economic
stakeholders in their sustainability efforts. We sources we can minimize environmental success can go hand in hand.
see this as a shared journey where we are impact. These principles lie at the heart of the In an era where sustainability is no longer
dedicated to providing our expertise. SHAPE ecosystem. optional but imperative, the green transformation
The SHAPE ecosystem, initiated by The net zero by 2050 target will require of industries must be a shared journey. We see
Mirka in collaboration with Business 275 trillion euros in asset investments, an urgent need to reshape the industry, lead by
66 Finland, is a pioneering initiative in Finland all needing surface finishing. The example and inspire meaningful change.
dedicated to drive the green transition in the remanufacturing business is expected to
manufacturing industry. Its uniqueness lies grow significantly, reaching 90 billion euros YouTube link: Join SHAPE: Pioneering
in its comprehensive approach, focusing on in the European Union by 2030. This growth Sustainable Innovation Together

CFA Guide to Sustainability 2025/26