Designer Contracts, the UK’s largest flooring contractor has introduced a carpet recycling scheme in conjunction with Carpet Recycling UK (CRUK).
The scheme works by diverting 90% of Designer Contracts fitter’s unfitted carpet into felt underlay. What isn’t turned into underlay is used in the equestrian sector for arena flooring. The scheme has already saved 100 tonnes from landfill since its launch in autumn 2013.
Spearheaded by merchandise manager Louise Abbott, the system was initially trialled at the company’s head office in Chesterfield before being rolled out to nearly all 12 of Designer Contract’s regional offices.
Said MD, Peter Kelsey: “It’s great to have been able to improve our green credentials so significantly, we’re helping the environment by transforming our waste into a sustainable solution. Fitters are supplied with a builder’s bag to fill with unfitted carpet to then drop off at their nearest Designer Contracts regional office. It is then taken to our approved recycling facility before being transformed into felt underlay.”
Said Laurence Bird from Carpet Recycling UK: “Designer Contracts was introduced to Carpet Recycling UK by our members Cormar Carpets and Abingdon Flooring who are already recycling their internal carpet offcuts from manufacturing.
“We provided Designer Contracts with advice around logistics for recovery of carpet installation offcuts and recycling them into new products such as carpet underlay. We are pleased to have them as a member leading the way in recovery of carpet fibres completing the circle of resource recovery.”
As well as floorcoverings, the company has a curtain and blind making service, offers furniture and lighting packs and also has a show home design division.
