The Circulars 2016 Finalist - Tarkett

Category: Multinational

Summary: Tarkett, a leading, global flooring company based in Paris, France, with sales in more than 100 countries, is committed to making the transition to the circular economy, inspired by Cradle to Cradle® principles. Since 2011, Tarkett, guided by this vision, has been deploying a comprehensive circular economy strategy based on its ‘closed-loop circular design’ model. This is driven by an extensive eco-innovation strategy, which positively contributes to people’s health and well-being and the planet at every step of the product’s life (design, production, use and recycling). Tarkett has been at the forefront of setting new industry standards, based on healthy materials, supporting a positive closed-loop system. In this regard, it has been a pioneer in developing a healthy alternative to the phthalate plasticizers in its vinyl flooring, following Cradle to Cradle® guidelines. Leading the industry, it now uses phthalate-free plasticizers in all of its American and European vinyl production sites and has set a target to roll this new technology out to all of its vinyl production sites worldwide by 2020. Alongside this, Tarkett has developed a wide range of flooring solutions that contribute to improved indoor air quality – including low VOCs, anti-allergens and technology that combats fine dust in the air - while designing its products with high levels of recycled content and implementing recycling programs.