UK reaches 35 percent carpet diversion rate

The most recent figures from Carpet Recycling UK (CRUK) finds that in 2016, 140,000 tonnes of used carpet in the United Kingdom was reused, recycled or recovered for energy, a 14% increase from the prior year. The figures for 2016 boosted the carpet diversion rate in the U.K. to 35%, up from a 2% diversion rate 9 years go.

Broken out by sector, the use of carpet for energy recovery increased by 35% compared to 2015 as the use of carpets as a renewable fuel source in cement kilns continues to replace fossil fuels. A 50% increase in capacity for municipal energy-from-waste facilities over the past two years also has contributed to greater use of carpet waste in renewable electricity and energy generation.

In reporting the figures, Laurance Bird, CRUK’s director, acknowledged the support it has received from its core funders and members seeking to make their businesses more sustainable.

CRUK’s core funders are 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,” says Bird.

CRUK also notes that its membership has reached a record 97 members from across the carpet recycling supply chain, including manufacturers, raw material suppliers, recyclers, retailers and machine manufacturers.

“Particularly, 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. They have also used their achievements and CRUK membership to promote business sustainability activities to their customers,” Bird notes.

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“Increasingly, businesses, householders and local authorities are looking for better alternatives for the recycling of unwanted carpet materials. We are proud of our achievements and appreciate the wide-ranging support that is helping to ensure the growing demand for carpet recycling services is met.”