Recofloor helps us embrace sustainability – CorFloors

Over 13 years of participating in the Recofloor scheme has helped Cornwall Carpets & Flooring Ltd (trading as CorFloors) to embrace sustainability as a core value and implement several initiatives to minimise its environmental impact.

Not only has the Launceston-based business collected an impressive total of 46.43 tonnes of waste vinyl flooring for recycling through the scheme, but it has also launched robust cardboard, plastic and carpet recycling programmes reflecting its deeply ingrained commitment to sustainability.

The family-operated firm provides high quality flooring solutions throughout Devon and Cornwall, both in the newbuild sector and domestic market. Recent projects include affordable housing schemes, such as one in West Cornwall at Tolgus, Redruth for Treveth, a Cornwall Council-owned partnership.

Cornwall Carpets & Flooring’s on-going efforts are gaining recognition from key industry players, such as leading national housebuilder Wainhomes, according to Michelle Keating, General Manager.

“They highlighted our contributions in a dedicated press release emphasising the critical role of the supply chain in advancing organisation sustainability goals,” she comments.

“Our customers know that we are very keen on actively recycling, but we don’t pass on any costs to our customers. Offering the Recofloor service is just essentially part of what we do.”

Warehouse Manager Andrew Jones is central to the company’s sustainability efforts, playing an integral role in educating the fitters on Recofloor best practices, such as Toolbox Talks. This education also forms part of the induction process for new employees. 

‘Very proud’

Michelle continues: “Our sustainability efforts soared in 2023 with a remarkable 10.9 tonnes of waste vinyl flooring collected for recycling. It marked a significant milestone for our company.

“It was all down to Andrew and his achievements were recognised with the Recofloor Champion award in 2024. We’re all very proud of him.

“He’s delighted to have won the award, saying that he’d never won anything before. So, it’s sort of given him reassurance that what he’s doing, he’s doing it right and doing it well.”

On site, dedicated Recofloor bulk bags on pallets accept vinyl offcuts and LVT brought back by the fitting teams – collections are regular.

Michelle adds: “Keeping the material free of contamination is mostly down to our fitters and then Andrew will help them to separate it when they bring it back here to avoid cross-contamination.”

Carla Eslava, Recofloor Manager, comments: “This company is a great example to other contractors in the industry of what can be achieved through green practice, regardless of business size.”

Founded by Altro and Polyflor, Recofloor is the flooring sector’s sustainable take-back scheme for commercial waste vinyl generated from all types of projects.

Material is recycled and used in new products, including flooring. To find out more, go to www.recofloor.org, phone 0161 355 7618 or [email protected].