Tarkett Activity Report 2012

COMMITMENT / Environmental Responsibility
Environmental Responsibility
Tarkett’s environmental philosophy is to be pro-active rather than reactive.
We don’t seek to simply limit negative impacts; we want our products and
operations to contribute positively to the environment and people well-being.
Our products should contribute to a good environment at all steps of their life cycle and we have
placed this approach at the heart of our innovation strategy. The Cradle to Cradle philosophy which
we started to implement since 2011 is one example of this revolutionary approach. By designing
products from the beginning for infinite reuse, we are providing a positive contribution to people
and the environment. In doing so, we motivate our employees to be creative, leading to discovery
of new sources of profitable growth and environmental effectiveness.
What is Cradle to Cradle?
Since 2011, Tarkett applies the Cradle to Cradle principles, which marked a change
in how our flooring is designed and manufactured. With the support of the German
Scientific Institute EPEA, the approach aims at assessing and choosing product materials
that can be reused in technological cycles (i.e.: materials reprocessed into flooring or
other applications) or biological cycles (i.e.: natural decomposition). In 2011, Tarkett
was the first linoleum producer (made from natural and renewable materials such as
linseed oil, pine resin, jute wood and cork) and wood flooring producer in Europe with
Cradle to Cradle ® certified products (silver level). In 2012, Tarkett obtained its third
Cradle to Cradle ® certification (basic level) for its Johnsonite rubber flooring range
manufactured in the United States.
Cradle to Cradle | Biological and Technical cycles
What is the
Circular Economy?
A “Circular Economy” involves the indefinite
re-use and transformation of materials to
make a continuous “positive contribution”
for people and the environment. Aligned
with Cradle to Cradle principles and
“Circular Economy” approach, Tarkett strives
to become a “closed-loop,” or “Circular
Company.” Beyond the objective to reduce
the depletion of non-renewable resources,
this means (re-)thinking products,
manufacturing processes and business
models according to the principle of
positive contribution on each of the three
dimensions: for people, the environment,
and economic development and profitability.
In February 2013, Tarkett has been one
of the first companies to join the “Circular
Economy 100” program launched by the
Ellen MacArthur Foundation. This program
aims at creating a network of one hundred
companies whose ambition is to promote
the development of the circular economy,
a model for economic growth based on
circular re-use of materials and preservation
of the world’s resources.
Good Materials
The choice of materials that are safe
for people and the environment and
that can enter into a technical or
biological cycle.
Resource Stewardship
The responsible use of resources
in our operations.
People Friendly Spaces
The well-being of people during
product use and maintenance.
Based on Cradle to Cradle principles and the “Circular Economy” approach, we aim at re-using
materials indefinitely without compromising on quality or value for our customers. That’s why we
have defined a new product design approach, integrating environmental sustainability at the four
main steps of the product life-cycle: select the good materials, use resources in a responsible way
in our operations, provide well-being to people during product use and maintenance, reuse and
recycle at the end of use.
Circular Economy: the perpetual reuse of materials
Reuse
The recycling at the end-of-use
to eliminate waste and to design new
products with good materials.
Tarkett 2012 Activity Report 35