Moves by the textile flooring sector to redefine itself along more environmentally conscious principles will be among key topics for discussion at the Carpet Recycling UK (CRUK) annual conference taking place at the voco St. John’s Solihull, UK, from June 29-30.

Through its 115-strong membership, 11 core funders and extensive UK-wide and international outreach, the not-for-profit association is helping the sector to create new circular initiatives, having recognised a clear change in attitudes among key decision-makers towards sustainable solutions in all markets.

Delegates at the first in-person conference for three years will be updated on achievements, developments, policy and legislative changes, and technology advances within the sector in relation to sustainability, design for recycling and waste reduction for textile flooring.

The event will also provide sponsorship opportunities for organisations to promote and demonstrate their sustainable credentials and an exhibitor area.

The annual awards ceremony will celebrate important contributions by CRUK’s growing membership – both individuals and organisations – who continue to advance sustainability in the textile flooring sector. This year, a new Circular Design award category has been added.

Returning as keynote speaker and CRUK Awards presenter will be Bob Peoples, executive director of the US-based Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) and Edmund Vankann, managing director of the European Carpet and Rug Association,will deliver updates on policy developments, technological advances, challenges and progress at a US and European level.

Results will be shared from a comprehensive 2020 landfill diversion survey being undertaken with analyst Oakdene Hollins. Oakdene Hollins will also present the two new research projects commissioned by CRUK on circular design and existing and future recycling technologies for textile flooring waste.

Returning member Aquafil will outline its plans to capture and recycle carpet polymers for new textile flooring, and Tarkett will talk about its established UK ReStart programme for the take back of commercial flooring in the circular economy.

“Our packed two-day conference programme highlights the sector’s clear change in attitudes and commitment towards sustainable solutions and progress towards creating more circular opportunities within the sector,” said CRUK scheme manager Adnan Zeb-Khan. “This is reflected in a growth of enquiries from companies concerned about the impact of their business activities, waste being produced and the desire to reduce this for environmental and reduced disposal costs reasons.”

The latest CRUK figures reveal that pre-Covid, the industry was diverting approximately 65% of textile flooring waste from landfill. Around 430,000 tons of carpet and textile flooring waste arises annually in the UK.

www.carpetrecyclinguk.com