Flooring take-back and recycling scheme Recofloor is celebrating its 15th anniversary.
To mark the milestone, the vinyl recycling scheme shared sustainable practices among stakeholders at an event at the Belfry Hotel & Resort, Sutton Coldfield.
Sponsored by scheme founders Altro and Polyflor and hosted by sustainability champion Chris Hines, the event saw presentations on flooring sustainability topics by leaders from across the sector spark a palpable sense of positivity among delegates. Speakers included Altro and Polyflor representatives, Recofloor members and from firms including Morgan Sindall, European Resilient Flooring Manufacturers’ Institute and the CFA.
Over the course of 15 years, Recofloor has significantly influenced the vinyl flooring industry by promoting recycling and reducing waste. Its efforts have empowered businesses to rethink their operations and align their strategies with sustainable practices.
‘It’s been an amazing journey and we’re proud to be celebrating our 15th anniversary. Sustainability is here to stay. There is a lot to do and there is room to grow,’ says Carla Eslava, Recofloor manager.
A highlight was the emphasis on collaboration as the driving force behind Recofloor’s success. The scheme’s ability to unite various businesses under a common cause – to improve recycling efforts and promote sustainability – has spurred momentum within the industry.
Carl Brooker, Signature Me commercial director shared his company’s transformative journey since joining Recofloor in 2021. ‘We started participating in the Recofloor scheme in 2021. During 2020, we took a step back, had a look at everything that was going on and plan our future strategy. Part of that was how do we improve our sustainability credentials as a business. Recofloor has enabled Signature Me to enhance its recycling infrastructure and reduce waste through practical measures such as having regular Recofloor collections, reducing skip sizes, and incorporating recycling routes for pallets, plastic, and cardboard. Recofloor has been a huge part of our sustainability goals. When we’re working with our clients, the conversation around recycling and sustainability is a crucial part of the whole story.’
Michelle Keating, Cornwall Carpets & Flooring general manager told the event that the commitment to sustainability is not just a corporate obligation but a moral imperative and businesses across the industry must embrace practices that reflect their dedication to environmental stewardship.
‘Sustainability is a key part of what we do. Our involvement in the Recofloor scheme has had a positive impact in many ways, from reducing waste disposal costs and carbon emissions to gaining marketing recognition and fostering stronger relationships with our clients. It’s allowed us to become more efficient, save money and make a real difference to the environment, all whilst supporting the sustainability goals of our clients and partners. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but obviously we know that there’s always more we can do and as a company we continue to grow and evolve, and we remain committed to improving our environmental impact and leading by example.’
