A record 142,000 tonnes of carpet was diverted from landfill
in 2016 - meaning 35% of arisings were reused, recycled or recovered for
energy, according to latest figures.
This was 14% higher than the 125,000 tonnes reported in 2015
while the rate nine years ago was just 2%.
The figures come from Carpet Recycling UK (CRUK) which
calculates that, nationally, there is around 400,000 tonnes of such waste
produced each year.
CRUK director Laurance Bird said the improvement was because
of support from the organisation’s core funders: Cormar Carpets, Lifestyle
Floors/Headlam, Desso, ege, Milliken, Balsan and Marlings.
“These core funders lead the industry in demonstrating
extended producer responsibility for carpet throughout its lifecycle. Thanks to
their commitment and support, we are continuing to advance sustainability
within this sector and drive growth in recycling capacity,” said Bird.
Carpets are made from natural and synthetic fibres, which
can be recycled into various new products, including equestrian surfaces,
textile felts and plastics.
In 2016, Anglo Recycling launched its Growfelt range of
horticultural growing media and Emerald Trading introduced Fibre It equestrian
surface products.
CRUK’s has a record 97 members from across the carpet
recycling supply chain, including manufacturers, raw material suppliers,
recyclers and retailers.
“Growth in membership has been stimulated by increased
interest from retailers and flooring contractors to recycle their carpet waste
and reduce their disposal costs compared to landfill,” Bird added.
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