Tarkett has received the Re|focus Sustainability Innovation Award in the design category for ethos Modular Carpet Tile with Omnicoat Technology.
The Plastics Industry Association and the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Sustainability Division launched the Re|focus Sustainability Innovation Awards during the 2019 Re|focus Sustainability & Recycling Summit in Grand Rapids, Mich. The awards are designed to recognize the companies that are pushing the boundaries of innovation—driving environmental advantages in product design, sustainable materials and end-of-life recovery. The winners in each category were determined by a jury, made up of members of the Plastics Industry Association and the SPE Sustainability Division, and were based on innovation, environmental impact and market impact.
“With 41 entries received, it’s an honor to be acknowledged with the Sustainability Innovation Award for Design. The Re|focus Sustainability and Recycling Summit, hosted by the Plastics Industry Association, is attended by a diverse range of industries such as cosmetics, apparel, automotive, and healthcare. Each is passionate about transitioning from a linear to a circular and regenerative economy, and Tarkett is thrilled to be collaborating across industries to create sustainable solutions,” states Sarah Robinson, product sustainability manager, Tarkett North America.
ethos started with a simple idea; create a soft surface flooring solution from safe materials, while providing a positive environmental impact without compromising quality.
The answer came from an unexpected place; broken windshields. In 2004, Tarkett was the first to harness the PVB film in recycled windshields and safety glass, creating an alternative to traditional carpet backing polymers. This PVB film is a responsibly sourced, post-consumer material that can be taken back through Restart, Tarkett’s closed loop recycling program.
ethos is a proprietary, non-PVC backing that’s not just sustainable, but also has the ability to stand up to subfloor conditions of 15 pounds MVER, 98 percent RH, and 11.0 pH. ethos Modular Carpet Tile is adaptable to nearly any moisture situation. As long as there’s no evidence of standing liquids or moisture staining, ethos eliminates the need for moisture, pH and MVER testing when installed with TarkettTAPE. This makes ethos a timesaver on the job site during installation.
The ingredients in ethos have been assessed by a third party to verify it contains no carcinogens, reproductive toxins, or chemicals of concern such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and antimicrobial treatments. All ethos products include Tarkett’s fluorine-free, Eco-Ensure soil protection technology, (a Cradle to Cradle Certified Platinum product for material health), emphasizing our commitment to People-Friendly Spaces. In addition, ethos became Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver v3.1.
Tarkett believes that together, we can make a positive impact on people and the planet. That’s why we’re Doing Good—Together, connecting our sustainability efforts with what our customers value and our world needs. It’s an active, living commitment to create a future where people and the planet prosper in balance. Where sustainable flooring solutions don’t just perform. They inspire.
More information about all of the Tarkett products can be found here.