Renew introduces vinyl floor recycling network

(21/05/2009)

Renew is spearheading local efforts to introduce a new vinyl floor recycling network that could help save businesses money, create jobs and bolster the region’s environmental credentials. Renew is the organisation tasked with the facilitation and delivery of commercial energy and sustainable technology projects across the North East.

The scheme, originally developed by WRAP and set up in partnership with leading UK flooring manufacturing brands, will provide a clear route for the recovery of vinyl flooring waste, generated during new build projects, replacement and refurbishment projects etc. Through the initiative floor fitters at individual sites will be provided with plastic sacks, bulk bags and wheelie bins to collect off cuts and old ‘up lifted’ vinyl flooring, enabling manufacturers to collect and reuse the material.

The system will help reduce the mixing of recyclable products allowing off-cut material to manufactured back into new flooring. Old ‘up lifted’ vinyl flooring will be recycled for a range of alternative uses, such as speed bumps, road cones and fence blocks.

John Barton at Renew said “Renew is helping to place North East England at the forefront of the sustainable agenda, creating jobs and opportunities in energy and environmental technology sectors across the region. We are currently working in partnership with local authorities, waste management companies, flooring contractors and manufacturers to establish this new collection and recycling network.

“As well as the obvious environmental benefits, the scheme will also help participating businesses save money following the increase in landfill tax rates introduced in April. The shared knowledge and collaborations fostered by this network will also have a beneficial impact on the regional economy, helping to create and safe guard jobs.”

Cleveland based Manufacturers Armstrong Flooring is among those who have already expressed an interest in joining the network and potentially recycling the collected vinyl flooring material. Those joining the network will receive a Certificate of Commitment to showcase their green credentials to customers.

Renew has enlisted the assistance of Axion Consulting, who run the successful Recovinyl PVC recycling scheme across the UK, to establish the vinyl flooring collection scheme.

Axion Consulting states “The response we have had from flooring contractors in the North East so far is very encouraging. They are keen to take part in the scheme and divert this recyclable material from landfill”.

The scheme is linked to Renew’s wider Plastics Recycling feasibility study which is assessing the North East’s potential for new and existing businesses involved in the field of plastic recycling through identifying barriers, areas of success and mapping existing recycling activity.

Related categories:  Plastic recycling