The current standard of carbon footprint, the standard that answers the questions of whether a product is carbon positive or negative is quantified in the EPD’s, but is this the whole and real test of sustainability? Perhaps not.
Here is something interesting to contemplate. OBJECT CARPET (Germany) is leading the way to sustainable carpet manufacturing but does not base decisions on the carbon footprint rating of one-time production. The company is taking a longer view of what is healthy for the Earth and that answer has to do with cradle-to-cradle manufacturing.
New Cradle-to-Cradle Carpet Technology
The newest technology, developed by NIAGA (“again”, spelled backwards), is now happening at OBJECT CARPET. The traditional way of manufacturing carpet involves attaching fiber to backing with latex, and some of the individual ingredients include filler. The new technology starts with only one ingredient, recycled polyester, and OBJECT CARPET has termed this a MONO carpet because the yarn and the backing are made from only one ingredient: recycled polyester that are attached through a heat process. At the end of life, these carpets can be delivered to one of Aquafil’s recycling centers and the entire unit can be recycled without the need to separate yarn from backing. Because all ingredients are polyester, the entire product is reduced back into polyester pellets to be used to produce new carpet over and over again through the rest of time.
Furthering this development, OBJECT CARPET has created a DUO carpet consisting of only two ingredients. Nylon yarn on a polyester back, attached by the heat process. When these carpets reach end of life, Aquafil can release the yarn from the backing and recycle backing into new backing and nylon into new nylon, allowing these components to be made back into carpet over and over again.
So back to the carbon footprint question. Nylon is a heavy fiber, percentage wise, to the whole of a carpet. Producing this nylon brings a reasonable, but higher GWP (carbon footprint score) than polyester does. However, each time the carpet is recycled back into carpet, that GWP score becomes lower because the nylon is not being remanufactured. Perhaps the carbon footprint question needs to take cradle to cradle manufacturing technology into consideration.
Looking To The Future
The conclusion has to do with the statement, “Plan for tomorrow, but be sure to stay alive through today.” Both issues are important. First, companies need to lower the carbon footprint of one-time production, but then they also must invent new ways of cradle-to-cradle manufacturing. OBJECT CARPET, historically a leader of sustainable design, has decided to make their process transparent and has been hosting other manufacturers, architects, and designers in their production facility, and teaching others in the hope all carpet manufacturing will duplicate this type of production in the near future. After all, for significant benefit, all must follow suit.
Summit Delivers Responsible, Sustainable Flooring
Summit International Flooring is proud to be the exclusive U.S. representative of OBJECT CARPET, offering unparalleled expertise and support. If you’re planning a trip to Western Europe, we highly recommend adding a visit to OBJECT CARPET to your itinerary—our team is happy to assist in coordinating your visit.
As leaders in the flooring industry, Summit International Flooring has cultivated strong relationships with top architectural and design firms. We’ve evolved our focus from “Unique Luxury” to “Sustainable Luxury,” reflecting our commitment to eco-friendly, high-quality products. Alongside OBJECT CARPET, we are also proud to represent Granorte Cork and BIORAZZO bio-based terrazzo, two innovative solutions that embody our values of sustainability and design excellence.
Granorte Cork has been a trusted supplier of cork flooring and wall coverings for over 50 years, offering innovative and sustainable solutions. Cork stands out as a more eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to wood, and it provides a healthier option compared to vinyl. Known for its comfort, sound-dampening properties, and long-lasting appearance, cork is an ideal choice for both residential and commercial spaces.
Harvested sustainably, cork trees are carefully sheared every nine years without being cut down, and they can live for over 200 years. Modern cork products have come a long way from the cork of the past, blending durability with design versatility. Taking the time to explore Granorte’s offerings and consulting with Summit International Flooring can reveal the many benefits of cork for your next project.
In addition to being renewable, cork is biodegradable, ensuring it breaks down naturally in landfills. As sustainability becomes a priority across industries, cork is increasingly replacing wood and vinyl in various market segments. Discover why cork is shaping the future of flooring and wall design.
BIORAZZO: A Modern, Sustainable Terrazzo Solution
BIORAZZO is a bio-based terrazzo that offers exceptional flexibility, eliminating the cracking and breaking commonly associated with traditional concrete terrazzo flooring. Unlike acrylic-based terrazzo, BIORAZZO is a healthier choice, free from harmful red-list ingredients.
This innovative flooring is both climate-positive and carbon-negative, thanks to its castor oil base, derived from castor plants that actively remove carbon from the atmosphere as they grow.
BIORAZZO provides versatile installation options, including seamless poured floors for a sleek, uniform finish. Exclusively available through Summit, it also comes in convenient 2’x2’ tiles that are designed to butt together and can be securely installed using a sustainable adhesive. Durable, eco-friendly, and timeless, BIORAZZO is a flooring solution that truly lasts forever.
Get in Touch with Us
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