Start to 100% circular - 16/06/2023
From ambition to action: our never-ending circular carpet journey ( pun intended )
After brainstorming about how we would share our circular journey, we decided: let's just start at the beginning.
In September 2022, we launched our first collection, with the drive to innovate.
The search for a 100% circular carpet officially started on June 16, 2023, after we received the Innovative Starter Support, which gave us the means to take real steps.
It's hard to believe, but it's been almost two years! I never thought it would go this slow.
On the other hand, if we take our core values into account, it is also impressive how we still remain so true to what we found and find important. And still remain true to our core values.
Our goal on 16/06/2023 was to transform our current product, which consists of 80% recycled material (Econyl yarn from old fishing nets, old carpets and post-industrial waste, and glue from recycled car windows), into a 100% recycled and circular product.
The challenge seemed big, and was it even feasible? Where there's a will, there's a way!
Months of research and testing summarized:
- Large industrial production processes that cannot be changed easily.
- Big investments and costs for 'that last 20%' – and as the 80/20 rule says, wouldn't you be better off putting your energy into the top 20%, which makes 80% of the impact?
- Linear business models of partners that are very difficult to change.
- A market that is primarily volume and price oriented.
Spoiler alert: we haven't been able to make our current product 100% recycled yet, but we have pivoted.
Now we focus on the processes and aspects that we can influence more easily **and in which we are more flexible! (even though it is not a piece of cake)
Quote? When it is too big to change, make small changes.
Focus on where you can make an impact!
With the support of VLAIO.
