In every issue of GO magazine, an industry executive is asked five questions related to sustainability and/or the environment. The interviewee is given no prior knowledge of the questions, which are answered within a 5-minute time frame.

1. WHAT IS THE ONE THING THAT SEPARATES AQUAFIL FROM THE OTHER FIBER COMPANIES?
Our approach to sustainability. We made a promise 10 years ago we would go full speed toward a fully recycled yarn and we did, which is a great accomplishment compared to what others say or pretend they do. Also, instead of reducing options in the marketplace, we are adding them — not only from a green standpoint but from a color standpoint as well.

2. HOW DOES AQUAFIL PROVIDE VALUE TO ITS CARPET MILL PARTNERS?
We look at our customers as partners, and that is the way we have built our relationships with our major customers worldwide. We are very focused on their needs. We not only deliver a product but provide an integrated logistical solution to their yarn requirements. They are not ordering yarn to replenish their inventory. Instead, they specify the exact cones required, the pounds, the colors and the time frame in which they need it delivered. We offer a customized model to fit into our customers’ logistical systems.

3. WHY DID YOU ELECT TO GO WITH TYPE 6 NYLON VS. TYPE 6,6?
We chose nylon 6 because we see its advantages vs. nylon 6,6. From a performance standpoint they are almost indistinguishable. But nylon 6 is much more recyclable than nylon 6,6. It is made out of a single monomer, so it can be unzipped and brought back to a monomer state with existing technology. Nylon 6,6, on the other hand, because of the matrix of its molecule, cannot be unchained and recycled back to its original state.

4. YOU RECENTLY LAUNCHED ECONYL. WHAT EXACTLY IS IT, AND HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM YOUR OTHER PRODUCTS?
Econyl is the first product we have offered that contains no virgin materials. We don’t utilize any oil derivitives. The ingredients we use to make Econyl are post-consumer waste (carpet, fabrics, fishing nets) and post-industrial waste. No oil is used to make Econyl. And the cost is comparable to virgin material.

5. WHAT CAN THE END USER EXPECT WHEN THEY PURCHASE A CARPET CONSTRUCTED OF AQUAFIL FIBER?
For starters, they can expect superior performance; the carpet will be replaced only because it is out of fashion. They can also expect a larger variety of colors. We offer the largest available color line — more than 500. So the customer can expect any shade, any variation of color. With Aquafil there is no compromise on raw materials, no compromise on lightfastness of colors. We use only premium pigments, which guarantees the resiliency of color.

Aquafil USA is an extension of the Aquafil Group, an Italy-based textile and chemical firm formed in 1956 with more than $550 million in annual sales.