CLOSING THE LOOP – Innovation for Product

Stewardship at InterfaceNZ

Lin Roberts & Richard MorleyHall

• Interface Inc. - world’s largest manufacturer of modular carpet, a billion dollar company with production on four continents.

• InterfaceNZ, a small NZ owned co, represents Interface in NZ

• From the moment Ray Anderson experienced his “spear in the chest” in 1994, Interface has taken a far-sighted strategic approach to becoming a sustainable company

• First company in US to use The Natural Step Framework

Strategic planning using The Natural Step

Framework

A Awareness and understanding- what is sustainability, why is it important, why do we

need to change?

B Baseline – how unsustainable are we now?

C Compelling vision / creative solutions- what will we look like when we are truly

sustainable?

D Down to action

Copyright © 2007 The Natural Step

Backcasting from a vision of success

Vision of a desired future

Vision of a desired future

Today

B

D

C

A

Fitting within theconditions for sustainability

Copyright © 2007 The Natural Step

Interface Vision

“To be the first company that, by its deeds, shows the entire industrial world what sustainability is in all its dimensions: People, process, product, place and profits — by 2020 — and in doing so we will become restorative through the power of influence.”

Mission Zero:

our promise to eliminate any negative impact our company may have on the environment by the year 2020.

Interface – Commitments 1. Eliminate Waste: Eliminate all forms of waste in

every area of business;2. Benign Emissions: Eliminate toxic substances

from products, vehicles & facilities;

3. Renewable Energy: Operate facilities with renewable energy sources – solar, wind, landfill gas, biomass and low impact hydroelectric;

4. Close the Loop: Redesign processes & products to close the technical loop using recovered & bio-based materials;

5. Resource-Efficient Transportation: Transport people and products efficiently to reduce waste & emissions;

6. Sensitising Stakeholders: Create a culture that integrates sustainability principles & improves people’s lives & livelihoods;

7. Redesign Commerce: Create a new business model that demonstrates & supports the value of sustainability-based commerce (eg Evergreen Lease)

Source: http://www.interfacesustainability.com

By 2020:• All products either 100% closed loop

recycled or 100% biodegradable• Zero ecological footprint• Zero waste• Using most efficient transport available• Recognised as leader in sustainable

design• Assisting others in the journey to

sustainability• Highly empowered & rewarded staff &

stakeholders• Financially sound

InterfaceNZ Strategic

Goals

Providing sustainable design-led

flooring solutions

In its 15 years climbing “Mt Sustainability”, Interface globally

has…

• Cut greenhouse gas emissions by 82%• Cut fossil fuel consumption by 60%• Cut waste by 66%, saving $400 million• Cut water use by 75%• Invented & patented new machines, materials, &

manufacturing processes• Increased sales by 66%, doubled earnings, and

raised profit margins

Closed Loop Manufacturing

CO2

Product Stewardship100% take back in NZ

Bio-mimicry – Random design = Low Installation wastage

Interface strategy in action

Copyright © Interface NZHybrid Cars

Renewable Energy

Zero Emissions

i - design Climate Neutral

Developing a carpet tile take-back system in New Zealand

1. understanding current practice – how & why

2. developing options to shift the balance of practice towards stacking and return of tiles;

3. developing standard processes for handling returning tiles;

4. ensuring all sales staff understand & are motivated to achieve the objective;

5. ensuring potential users know about InterfaceNZ’s take-back system;

6. Monitor & improve

• Current practice - toss in skip --- landfill• But… customers taking more interest• We pay all freight costs if you stack & get to our

depot• Where landfills prices aren’t puny, this is cheaper

than landfill • Sustainability is a core part of InterfaceNZ’s

ethos & brand differentiation – all staff involved & bonus incentive

• Hard to know what proportion are being uplifted – any ideas?

Extending the system

• Taking competitors products

• Reuse is even better than recycling– 15 year warranty – still plenty of life left

in them if cleaned

• Graphlar backing – any ideas?

• Considering certification under Waste Min Act 2008