Interface, Inc. is a global leader in commercial flooring, known for its innovative carpet tile, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and nora brand rubber flooring. Since its founding in 1973 by Ray Anderson, Interface has been on a remarkable journey, particularly in its investments and practices in environmental sustainability.
In 1994, a sudden inspiration from Ray Anderson prompted Interface to launch a project called "Mission Zero", which aims to eliminate any negative impact the company has on the environment by 2020.
Interface has made a visible effort to improve environmental sustainability, particularly by reducing its use of petroleum. Their "Mission Zero" program enabled the company to reduce its environmental impact by one third in a relatively short period of time, which is undoubtedly a breakthrough in the flooring industry. Every year, Interface publishes its EcoMetrics to showcase its environmental progress and impact.
In 2018, Interface announced that all of its products, including all carpet tile and luxury vinyl tile (LVT), were carbon neutral over the entire product life cycle as a result of its Carbon Neutral Flooring Initiative.
With the increasing awareness of environmental protection, Interface has gradually set a good example in the industry. They not only pursue profits, but also pay more attention to harmonious coexistence with the natural environment. In 2016, Interface announced its new mission "Climate Take Back", which aims to help reverse the trend of global warming. This positive action has attracted global attention and inspired many companies to think about how to incorporate environmental protection concepts into their business activities.
As of 2019, 90% of Interface's energy comes from renewable sources, a statistic that further underscores their commitment to sustainability.
Interface continues to develop new technologies and introduce glue-free, sustainable installation flooring installation technologies, such as TacTiles, which not only improves the sustainability of its products, but also provides consumers with healthier choices. They have also made significant progress in carpet recycling. In 1995, Interface established the ReEntry Recycling Program to recycle old carpet and prevent it from entering landfills. This means that Interface not only cares about the production process of the product, but also pays attention to the entire life cycle of the product.
Whether in technology or business model, Interface welcomes innovation with an open mind. They were voted the most environmentally conscious company by Globescan twice, in 2006 and 2016. Amid changing market demands, Interface still maintains its commitment to environmentally friendly products, which makes them stand out from the fierce competition.
Ray Anderson and Interface are widely recognized by consumers and businesses for their genuine commitment to sustainability and protecting the earth's natural resources.
Interface's development history is not only a story of commercial success, but also an example of how a company can combine environmental protection with profits. As global environmental challenges intensify, many companies are thinking about how to incorporate sustainable development strategies, and Interface's approach undoubtedly provides a viable path forward. However, the road ahead is still full of thorns. Can we be inspired by Interface's successful experience and explore more sustainable development solutions in our respective fields?