LAGRANGE, GA.—Travelers will soon notice that InterfaceFLOR leaves a strong footprint, though not an ecological one. Broadening its involvement in the green movement, the company’s carpet tiles have been chosen for several new projects in transportation and hospitality because of their environmental friendliness.
Jetsetters will find
Interface’s carpet tiles aboard Southwest Airline’s green plane, a Boeing 737-700 that will serve as a test for environmentally responsible materials and practices. With all efforts combined—including eco-friendly seat material and an on-board recycling program— Southwest will reduce up to five pounds of waste per seat. With roughly 160 passengers aboard an aircraft of that size, these efforts reduce the craft’s weight by approximately 800 pounds, drastically reducing fuel use and emissions.
In addition to Interface carpet’s 100% recycled content, the installation of tile is more efficient, said Gary Kelly, Southwest’s chairman, president and CEO. Because it is installed in sections, tiles eliminate the need for total replacement in places such as aisles, where the airline currently uses a single piece of carpet.
Working together“Here’s a great example of what like-minded companies such as Interface, Boeing, Teague Industrial Design and Southwest can accomplish when putting their minds together to tackle a challenge,” said John Wells, president and CEO of Interface America. “Our product is lighter weight, durable, easy to install and saves waste—plus it can be recycled back into itself which is a terrific closed-loop commitment on all our parts to do the right thing.”
After touch down, the traveler could find himself staying in Home2 Suites, the newest hotel brand from Hilton, which is also outfitted with Interface’s carpet tiles. The new hotel is a mid-tier, eco-friendly lodging option that targets value oriented, extended-stay guests. The prototype in Memphis, Tenn., is the first, but franchise applications are in for New York City, Baltimore, Charlotte, N.C., and San Antonio, including others. It is anticipated there will be 100 properties open by 2012.
“Home2 Suites is a brand that focuses on marrying style and value while remaining conscious of our environmental impact,” said Bill Duncan, Hilton’s global head, brand management. “InterfaceFLOR shares our commitment and has an excellent reputation for providing a quality product that is consistent with the overall feel and comfort in our suites.”
Although Hilton has not partnered with Interface exclusively, the mill is the hotel chain’s preferred option because its products meet
Carpet & Rug Institute Green Label Plus indoor air quality standards and Platinum rating for the NSF 140 sustainable carpet assessment standard. Its specialization in modular tiles also creates less waste in the installation process.
“At this juncture, Interface is the only carpet tile company that meets our recycled content standard,” said Dawn Koenig, vice president of hotel performance support. “Until another manufacturer meets our standard, Interface will be chosen by owners of the hotels.”
Wells concluded, “These are terrific examples of large companies seeking to make a difference relating to the environment by specifying sustainable products from companies like ours.”
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