Distributors and contractors across the UK are signing up to Back to the Floor, a new collection and recycling scheme for installation off-cuts of Forbo flooring products.
Managed by resource recovery expert Axion Consulting, this innovative scheme collects and reprocesses smooth vinyl, cushioned vinyl, Marmoleum and Flotex installation off-cuts for recycling back into new Forbo products - helping participants to save money and safeguard the environment.
Off-cuts are collected in colour-coded polythene bags and bulk bags which can be collected from site. In addition, Marmoluem off-cuts can also be dropped off, free of charge, at participating distributors.
Among the first distributors to sign up to the scheme are Motherwell-based Headlam Scotland, Birch Distribution with three sites in Yorkshire and J De Bruyn in Leyton, East London, providing collection points stretching from Glasgow to the South West.
Chris Pickles, Commercial Director of Headlam Scotland, commented: "As the largest distributor in Scotland, we see it not as a 'green tick' but as our duty to the environment and the flooring trade to be pioneers of recycling in Scotland. We already have working partnerships with several other recycling schemes and we are really excited to get on board with 'Back to the Floor."
John Cordery, Director of J De Bruyn, one of the largest independent stockists of Forbo products in the UK, was equally positive, saying: "We think it's a great idea and could help flooring contractors to cut disposal costs, so the more people who come on board with this scheme, the better."
Birch Distribution offers Marmoleum Back to the Floor collection bins at its three sites in Hull, Sheffield and Leeds where contractors are being encouraged to bring back their waste Marmoleum flooring off-cuts.
Nigel Maude, Sheffield branch manager added: "This new scheme enhances our existing recycling initiatives, which are an important part of our overall Environmental & Sustainability programme."
Back to the Floor Scheme Manager Jane Gardner, of Axion Consulting, said: "Early interest in the scheme has been very encouraging and shows there is demand and a need for this service from main contractors and sub-contractors in closing the recycling loop for this type of flooring.
"As Forbo's off-cuts can be recycled at its Ripley and Kirkcaldy plants back into its new flooring products, this demonstrates Forbo's commitment to producer responsibility in making recycling more widely available to specifiers, customers and ultimately the end users," she added.
Flooring contractors, installers and distributors can contact Axion on 0161 355 7618 for more information and to sign up to the scheme, which can offer potential cost-savings compared to landfill.
Registered Back to the Floor participants are provided with colour-coded polythene bags and bulk bags which can be collected from site, or dropped off at participating distributors, when filled with the specified materials.