Interface – Carpets made from disregarded fishnets

From fishermen to carpets

Throughout the world, discarded fishing nets are creating serious environmental problems. Within the Net-Works programme, fishermen collect those nets from coastal areas in developing countries. Their supplier uses the fishing nets as raw material for yarn, which, in turn, is used by Interface to manufacture new carpets.

Advantages of the system

Using discarded fishing nets from poor coastal areas has many advantages. The project reduces the amount of scrapped fishnets that endanger local wildlife. In addition, less new raw materials need to be used to manufacture carpet tiles. Lastly, selling nets is another stream of income for the local population, allowing them to save for future investments and education for their children.

Interface collaborates with the Zoological Society of London, an organisation specialised in marine conservation. Aquafil recycles the nets and turns them into new yarn. Cooperation with partners from a completely different sector is a logical step in creating inclusive circular business models, addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In the same way, Interface has worked on developing bio-based alternatives for both the yarn and the backing of the carpet tile, all coming together in Conscient, a carpet tile with virtually no emissions.

Goals for 2020

The Net-Works programme is currently established in the Philippines and Cameroon. Interface’s goal is to scale-up the project globally. By 2022, the company wants to:

• Create a healthier environment for one million people
• Protect one billion square metres of ocean
• Give 10,000 families better access to finance

www.net-works.com