Flooring specialist Tarkett sent less than one per cent of its waste to landfill in 2012 according to figures recently released by the company.
In total the company recycled more than 500 tonnes of the waste produced at its UK manufacturing facility in Lenham, Kent.
Tarkett has long been a pioneer of sustainable flooring, having introduced its first recycling initiatives back in 1957.
David Jenner, production director at Tarkett, said: “We take recycling and sustainability very seriously at Tarkett so I’m proud to be able to announce such impressive figures.
“We’ve worked hard to introduce recycling procedures that were easy to follow and maintain and it’s paid dividends.
“It shows our commitment to recycling and sustainability beyond just the cost saving initiatives.”
As well as recycling, Tarkett has installed energy meters to map usage and reduce consumption. This has resulted in old, high consumption equipment being replaced and new energy efficient lighting being installed.
Kent County Council has already given the changes its stamp of approval.
David said: “We’ve made some excellent physical changes to the site’s infrastructure to improve its environmental compliance.
“The local council which oversees our IPPC permit has given us very positive auditing feedback.”
This year the company, which manufactures two million square metres of flooring per year, aims to maintain its zero waste to landfill approach and recycle more of its oil by-products.
David said: “Every year we look at what we can do to ensure we continue to produce one of the most sustainable flooring products on the market so have some ambitious plans for 2013.”
Reusable waste includes homogeneous and heterogeneous vinyl, luxury vinyl tiles, PVC sports floors, welding rods and roll. Tarkett can even supply a certificate confirming the amount of waste that was recycled.
