Internationally renowned flooring manufacturer Tarkett have pushed their landfill rates down to almost zero since forging a successful recycling partnership with Countrystyle in January 2011. Additionally they have been able to report that Tarkett Flooring is on target to achieve a saving of almost €40,000 for the full year, as a result of this recycling initiative.
Tarkett are represented in over 40 countries worldwide and further increased their presence in the UK through the acquisition of Marley Flooring in 2004. The company are market leaders in the manufacture of vinyl, wood, laminate and linoleum floor finishes for residential, commercial and public buildings. Their UK base is in Lenham, Maidstone, Kent where they manufacture the sustainable non-slip PVC vinyl flooring ‘Safetred’. The industrial footprint totals 30,000m², housing both the factory buildings and distribution warehouse for the UK market.
Management at the company took a decision in mid-2010 to review and overhaul their waste management policies, with a view to minimising the amount of waste sent to landfill. David Jenner, Manufacturing Director at Tarkett comments: “Prior to the current arrangements, we were recycling cardboard and paper only. We had the complexity of dealing with 4 or 5 different waste management companies at a time, our recycling rates were low, costs were high and our audit trail for waste was not what we wanted it to be. Since the changeover our landfill rate has been reduced to a minimal level, we have full accountability for all waste streams through Countrystyle’s online reporting system and our day-to-day recycling operations are greatly simplified by having one dedicated Account Manager on call”. He adds: “Our initial objective was to reduce our operational carbon footprint, the cost implications were a secondary consideration. However, we have been delighted to be able to demonstrate considerable cost savings and we are on track to reduce Tarkett UK’s waste bill by almost €40,000 for the year”.
Countrystyle process a wide range of waste streams at the site and proper segregation at source is the key to the scheme’s success. This has been achieved in part through on-site staff training and engagement. Neil Coultrip, Planning Controller for Tarkett comments: “The training of our operatives has been an essential part of the programme. By engaging staff from the outset through Countrystyle’s visits, we have set the right foundations for the future”. Neil adds: “This training typifies the level of service that we receive. As a result, our relationship with Countrystyle has quickly become a true business partnership that goes well beyond the usual customer / contractor arrangement”