DESSO announces exclusive carpet take-back programme with Van Gansewinkel Groep in the Netherlands
03 March 2009
Leading European carpet manufacturer DESSO has launched a pioneering project to take back used carpet from its business customers. In exclusive co-operation between DESSO and Van Gansewinkel Group, carpet will be collected at the end of its useful life to be reprocessed into raw material for new carpets.
DESSO is actively working on a production process where products are complete biologically decomposable or complete recyclable into raw material voor new products. The Van Gansewinkel Group brings in its knowledge concerning collection, logistics and recycling by places boxes at DESSO's customers for collecting old carpets.
DESSO and Van Gansewinkel are both partners of the Environmental Protection and Encouragement Agency (EPEA - www.epea.com); the organization founded by Prof. Dr. Michael Braungart, and are therefore fully committed to kick off joint initiatives in order to reach a 100% Cradle to Cradle take-back system. This means closing the material loop and up-cycling materials instead of the traditional method of down cycling.
Stef Kranendijk, DESSO CEO, says: "While carpets are recyclable, it's vital to ensure that recycling actually takes place. By collecting used carpets from our customers we not only divert them from landfill, we also safeguard valuable raw materials to be used in new goods. The 'Cradle to Cradle' cycle is especially challenging in an industry like ours, where millions of square meters of worn out carpet are potentially thrown away every year. But this is precisely why it is so important that we adopt this advanced approach, rather than simply complying with current environmental legislation. By sourcing sustainable raw materials, introducing new manufacturing methods and collecting used carpets from clients, we are doing everything to achieve a closed loop."
Ruud Sondag, CEO at Van Gansewinkel Groep: "With this agreement the material-loop is closed. Waste doesn't exist. That's the idea behind the Cradle to Cradle concept proved by this cooperation. The Van Gansewinkel Groep is not only capable in collection waste. With their recycling techniques we also are able to supply raw materials, so that we can close material loops with the customers."
In November 2008, DESSO unveiled its latest carpet tile Reclaim. The product is launched with DESSO's Cradle to Cradle philosophy in mind. Reclaim is made from 100% Econyl Aquafil solution dyed nylon: with a pile fibre consisting of 70% recycled content and 100% post-consumer recycled polyester primary backing. Additionally, Reclaim is the first carpet tile to receive a stamp from independent German test institute, GUI, which specialises in assessing air quality, dampness and dust particle count. This ecologically-intelligent carpet range combines functionality and aesthetics, is economically viable and, as in nature, shows that everything can be reborn again and again.
In addition, DESSO is currently developing a process to separate the yarn from the backing. The backing will then be reused, and the yarn re-melted as coloured yarn or broken down even further to produce new white yarn.
Although, various take-back initiatives are in place within the carpet industry, this exceptional programme is evidence of the comprehensive Cradle to Cradle commitment both companies have and marks a major shift in attitude and behavior for the carpet industry, and a fundamental step towards tackling the carpet landfill.
DESSO and Van Gansewinkel Group are currently offering the Take back programme in the Netherlands, with plans for a roll out in Benelux in the second quarter of 2009. Customers can request the service via local sales representatives, and the programme is already being actively applied in many key projects.
Ultimately, the programme will have international reach, to offer all DESSO customers complete confidence that any discarded carpet components collected by the company will be reused or completely redeployed.
