Collins & Aikman Floorcoverings Launches Groundbreaking "Infinity Initiative" Recycling Program

Strategic Insights -

Collins & Aikman Floorcoverings, a leading manufacturer of floorcovering products, has introduced the "Infinity Initiative," a pioneering recycling program that transforms used floorcoverings into a variety of marketable products. The innovative process, which is the first of its kind in the floorcovering industry, has the capacity to reclaim millions of pounds of floorcoverings every year, eliminating waste and reducing the environmental impact of the industry.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Infinity Initiative is the first program developed by the floorcovering industry to effectively reclaim and recycle used vinyl-backed carpet and carpet tile, with the capacity to reclaim over 75 million pounds of floorcoverings per year.
  • The program creates various products such as indestructible car parking stops, industrial flooring, highway soundwall barriers, and marine bulkheads, which are already in use at several sites across the country or in testing stages.
  • The Infinity Initiative features unique properties not found in other building materials, including increased strength, durability, and extended life, making the recycled products extremely competitive in the marketplace.
  • The program has been praised by environmental authorities, including William McDonough, Architect, Dean, School of Architecture, University of Virginia, who commended Collins & Aikman for adopting a "cradle-to-cradle" philosophy that eliminates waste.
  • Collins & Aikman has arranged partnerships with major corporations, including the Tennessee Valley Authority, Jefferson County Schools in Colorado, and Kent County Schools in Washington State, to implement the Infinity Initiative.
  • The company's goal is to make all its products "products of service," designed for recyclability and reuse, and to take full responsibility for reclaiming and recycling its products after their useful life.

Statistics:

  • Over 4 billion pounds of carpet waste is disposed of annually in the industry.
  • The Infinity Initiative has a capacity to recycle over 75 million pounds of floorcoverings per year.
  • The program creates a variety of products, including indestructible car parking stops, industrial flooring, highway soundwall barriers, and marine bulkheads.
  • The company aims to reduce waste and increase environmental responsibility through its "Cradle-to-Cradle" philosophy.

Sources:

  • PRNewswire, February 17 /PRNewswire/
  • Collins & Aikman Corporation (NYSE: CKC)