This year’s UKSFA conference has been hailed as a ‘huge success’ and a wake-up call to the industry.
‘Our conference and awards this year was a huge success, bringing together professionals from across the flooring supply chain for two days of discussion, practical insights, and industry collaboration, with this year’s event enjoying and engagement and practical debate,’ says Cathie Clarke, UKSFA ceo.
‘With expert speakers from across the world, including the USA, Europe as well as the UK, delegates explored the key issues shaping the future of sustainable flooring, including Extended Producer Responsibility, digital product passports, takeback schemes, circularity, sustainability communications and the commercial realities facing businesses today.
‘This year’s conference had a real energy in the room. The discussions have moved the agenda forward and given us valuable direction as we build UKSFA’s future work programme. Sustainability remains as important as ever, and events like this demonstrate the value of bringing the industry together to tackle shared challenges.’
One of the strongest messages throughout the conference was the importance of collaboration.
‘What I particularly liked was that it was really grounded. There’s a genuine intent in the room, but also a strong commercial focus on how we make sustainability work in practice… let’s keep the discussion going,’ says Charlie Martin, Anti-Greenwash Charter ceo.
For many delegates, the conference reinforced the urgency of preparing for future legislation.
‘The quality of the speakers and discussions was outstanding. My biggest takeaway was we need to start preparing now. EPR is coming, and the sooner we organise ourselves as an industry, the better placed we’ll be to manage the challenges and opportunities ahead,’ says Inga Morris-Blincoo, Headlam buying transformation programme director.
‘Every journey starts with the first step. Get started, learn from your mistakes and continue to partner and build together. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good enough,’ says Robert Peoples, Carpet America Recovery Effort executive director, who was the conference’s main speaker.
The conference also saw the winners of the 2026 UKSFA Awards revealed.
Sustainability Champion of the Year was James Bagdadi, Tarkett technical advisor (pictured); Circular
Economy Initiative of the Year was won by Object Carpet; Designer Contracts took home the Takeback Project of the Year award; Reuse Recycling Project of the Year went to Envirocycle London and Collaborative Sustainability Project of the Year to MJs Event Services.
A special recognition award was presented to Robert Barker (pictured), who is stepping down from UKSFA’s board, received the Outstanding Commitment and Contribution to UKSFA Award in recognition of his support and dedication over the past 14 years.
‘Robert’s knowledge, commitment and passion have played a significant role in shaping UKSFA into the organisation it is today. While Robert is stepping down from the board, he will remain an important part of the UKSFA community,’ says Clarke.
‘Congratulations to all this year’s winners for their achievements and continued commitment to sustainability. The awards demonstrate the strength, creativity and collaboration within the flooring industry; from developing new circular economy solutions and improving reuse and recycling, to creating partnerships that deliver meaningful environmental impact.
‘By recognising those leading the way, UKSFA continues to highlight the innovation and best practice that is helping to build a more sustainable future for flooring.’
