China’s shift in recycling waste plastic
Recently, the door closed to what was, until now, the dominant market for recycling waste plastic. In 2017, the People’s Republic of China announced that it would no longer accept 24 categories of recyclables and solid waste, instead replacing imported materials with recycled material collected domestically. In the previous year, 2016, Chinese manufacturers imported a total of 7.3 million metric tonnes of waste plastics from countries including the United Kingdom, European Union countries, the United States and Japan.
The policy change in China is an important factor, and is matched by growing concern on plastic waste from consumers, and a greater demand for products that help reduce waste and are designed to be recycled or composted. We are already seeing business focus more on closed-loop approaches and the embracing of a more circular economy.
How manufacturers are making a difference
Many manufacturers are now committing to increasing the level of recycled and bio-based content in their products. At the World Economic Forum in January 2018, 11 of the world’s largest companies, including Unilever, Coca-Cola and Walmart committed to fully recycled, reused or compostable packaging by 2025.
Toy manufacturer, Lego, committed to start using a sugar-cane derived plastic for its softer Lego components such as decorative bushes and plants in 2018, and a longer term commitment to produce all Lego bricks using sustainable materials.
Interface strives to Live Zero
At Interface, increasing the level of recycled and bio-based content in our products remains a priority. Since the turn of the century, we have worked to redesign our products and work with our suppliers to achieve this. With each step, we are focused on being able to Live Zero, removing any negative impact we have on the environment. What’s the result today? Currently, 61 percent of our materials across our products are derived from recycled or bio-based sources.
Rethinking materials used in our products
In Europe and the Middle East, our newest product, Conscient, reaches a new benchmark, with a total recycled and bio-based content of 87 percent. It features a nylon yarn derived from castor bean plants that can be grown in hot, dry climates. Plus, it helps provide farmers with an additional income, without competing with other crops.
Conscient features CircuitBac Green, an innovative backing created with a mix of a bio-plastic and mineral filler. The combination includes a bio-based component that provides a carbon-negative alternative to existing backing systems, meaning it absorbs more carbon than it emits during its production. As a result, there is less carbon in the atmosphere.
Rethinking materials also enabled us to rework the construction of our products. For example, we can now lock the layers of a carpet tile together, through the use of a thermal bonding process called Modular Fusion. This process eliminates the need for a precoat middle layer, removing a less sustainable material from the equation.
But our ambition goes beyond zeroing out virgin materials, we are developing products that are restorative and regenerative. Under our new mission, Climate Take Back™, we are rethinking our relationship with carbon. Looking to utilise it as a resource, we want the world to Love Carbon.
Creating a climate fit for future generations
Forward-looking companies are demonstrating that it is possible to take strides to zero out waste, with commitments on new standards in recycled and bio-based content becoming reality. As one door for waste has closed, another has opened for innovative solutions. However, companies should aim higher, embracing materials that contribute to reverse the effects of climate change, to help create a climate fit for life for future generations. It is no longer enough to do less bad – it’s time for our products to be designed to do more good.
To learn about Interface’s new Conscient product click here. To discover more about Interface’s new Climate Take Back mission and our intention to Live Zero and Love Carbon, click here.
