Carpet recycling is challenging due to the materials used in their production, such as nylon, polypropylene, and calcium carbonate. While these components can be extracted and reused in other industries, the process of recycling carpets is complex and costly.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) advocates for a shift from the traditional linear economy—where products are used and then discarded—toward a circular economy, which aims to reuse and recycle materials to minimize waste. According to the WEF, humans consume 75% more resources each year than the Earth can naturally regenerate, emphasizing the need for more sustainable practices.
The Problem with Carpet Waste
Most people don’t think about what happens to their old carpet once it’s torn out, but carpets are among the least recycled materials. For example, in the UK, only 2% of the 500,000 tonnes of carpet discarded annually is recycled, with most ending up in landfills or being incinerated.
Carpets are difficult to recycle because the majority—around 75%—are made from materials like nylon and polypropylene, which are not biodegradable. This means carpets can take centuries to break down in landfills, and incineration releases harmful emissions into the environment.
A New Approach to Carpet Recycling
In an effort to address this issue, Innovate Recycle is opening a facility in Northampton, England, aimed at recycling waste carpets by reusing their components. The company focuses on recycling polypropylene-based carpets and extracting polypropylene and calcium carbonate, which can be used in industries like automotive manufacturing, injection molding, and 3D printing. Car manufacturers such as Volvo and Peugeot Citroen are already planning to incorporate at least 25% recycled plastic, including polypropylene, into their new models starting in 2025.
In the U.S., Aquafil Group has been recycling carpets since 2011 and sees room for improvement in recycling rates. Currently, only 5% of the nearly 12 billion square feet of carpet produced annually in the U.S. is recycled. Globally, the fabric and textile industry produces a staggering 92 million tonnes of textile waste every year.
Moving Toward a Circular Economy
The global carpet waste problem is part of a larger issue, as more than 90% of the materials used in products are wasted or lost, according to the Circularity Gap report. This highlights the urgent need for a circular economy that prioritizes reuse and recycling to reduce waste. Innovate Recycle aims to lead the way by recycling post-consumer and industrial carpets at scale, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Rachel Palopoli, Executive Vice President for Aquafil Carpet Recycling, underscores the importance of individual action:
“Recycling carpets can help change our world for the better, but we must each do our part to make change happen,” Palopoli said. She encourages consumers to support legislation that promotes carpet recycling, seek out recycling facilities, and prioritize eco-friendly materials when selecting new carpets.
By embracing circular economy principles and improving recycling infrastructure, we can reduce the environmental impact of discarded carpets and move towards a more sustainable future.
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