Recofloor has beaten this year’s 500 tonnes target more than two months early. By the end of October 2021, the growing scheme had collected 517 tonnes of commercial waste vinyl flooring for recycling.
Founded in 2009 by flooring manufacturers Altro and Polyflor, the scheme provides an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional waste disposal routes, helping the flooring sector and its partners to become more sustainable. In total, nearly 6,000 tonnes of waste vinyl flooring have been collected through Recofloor for recycling, saving 7,347 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
“It’s great news and a fantastic achievement, given the still challenging times,” comments Carla Eslava, Recofloor Manager. “We are delighted to have smashed this year’s target so early thanks to the commitment, effort and enthusiasm shown by our participants throughout the UK.”
Several factors that contributed to hitting their target before the end of December include the ongoing buoyancy of the construction sector as pandemic measures relaxed and refurbishment projects of all types forged ahead.
Carla continues: “Many of our contractors have reported being very busy over the last 18 months or so, particularly in healthcare and care home settings, which has helped to lift our collection volumes. We also think we currently have a core of more engaged contractors who are having regular collections with nearly 50% of these being for four bags or more.”
Throughout the last 12 months, Recofloor has expanded its membership network and now has 57 drop-off sites at flooring distributors nationally where material can be dropped off and bulked for collections.
Carla adds: “Recofloor members are passionate about doing their bit for the environment; by using the scheme, their waste vinyl avoids being landfilled. Plus, it offers a convenient and sustainable waste disposal solution that saves them time and money.”
Recofloor is free to join and easy to use. The scheme accepts Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVTs), smooth, safety and loose lay vinyl offcuts, roll ends as well as uplifted smooth and loose lay vinyl. Material is recycled and used in new products, including flooring.
