World First: Desso(R) Launches Over 60% of its Carpet Tile Range With Econyl(R), a Yarn Made From 100% Recycled Content
WAALWIJK, the Netherlands, October 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --
Desso is now launching 60% of its carpet tile range with Econyl® yarn from Aquafil S.P.A.; a yarn made from 100% recycled content, including post-consumer yarn waste from Desso's Refinity® plant.
Early 2008, Desso made the commitment to become 100% Cradle to Cradle® by 2020.
Desso's commitment is founded on ensuring that the impact Desso makes is beneficial for current and future generations. It's about 'doing the right things right'. Cradle to Cradle® design takes it inspiration from nature and sees carpet as being made up of nutrients, that should consistently remain in use, in an unending metabolism.
In 2010, Desso launched EcoBase®; a new carpet tile backing that is 100% safely recyclable in its own production process.
The separation of carpet fibres and the backing of used carpet tiles takes place in Desso's Refinity® plant. Two material streams are produced and after an additional purification stage, the carpet fibres are converted back to the basic material and returned to the yarn manufacturer for production of new yarn.
From the onset, Desso recognised that in order to achieve its Cradle to Cradle® goal, co-operation and commitment is needed from key partners. As part of this commitment, Desso is now launching over 60% of its carpet tile range with Econyl® yarn from Aquafil S.P.A.; a yarn made from 100% recycled content, including post-consumer carpet fibres from Desso's Refinity® plant.
During a recent visit to Aquafil's regeneration plant in Slovenia, Stef Kranendijk, CEO Desso stated: 'We are proud to be here at Aquafil's regeneration plant and to announce that Desso will transfer the majority of its carpet tile volume to Econyl®, a yarn made from 100% recycled content. This is a conscious choice by Desso to ensure that our volume products are transferred to Econyl® yarn, in order to make the biggest positive environmental impact. Next to that, it fits perfectly within our Cradle to Cradle® strategy of closing the loop, and we are extremely proud to have such an outstanding partner in Aquafil, who supports our long-term vision".
Giulio Bonazzi, President Aquafil S.P.A. adds: 'Desso is a key strategic partner for us in Europe, and our companies share the same vision to safeguard valuable raw materials and re-use these in endless cycles. Also thanks to Desso's Cradle to Cradle® strategy, Aquafil now receives post-consumer yarn waste from Desso's Refinity® plant, which is then used by Aquafil for production of new yarn. Together, we are trying to close the loop'.
Carpets manufactured according to the Cradle to Cradle® design principles are available in the same full range, superior quality and durability that the Desso brand has always represented.
For Desso, the use of healthy materials which are safe for human use is at the centre of everything it does. Start with good materials, and then you end up with good materials. To achieve this, Desso does not strive for a 'zero' strategy, which is an endless pursuit of a non achievable goal, and one which does not address the core question: 'How do we change our footprint from a negative to a positive one?'
If anything, you could say that Desso aims for a 'zero toxicity' strategy. Desso designs its products for disassembly, source healthy raw materials for safe and endless re-use whilst using sustainable energy sources to do so
Desso products promote health, wellness and wellbeing and create a positive impact on people and the environment. Desso's footprint is a positive, creative one.
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