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Interface Releases 2007 Ecometrics

Interface Releases 2007 Ecometrics

Published 04-22-08

Submitted by Interface, Inc.

ATLANTA "“ April 22, 2008 - Interface, Inc., the world's largest manufacturer of modular carpet, today released ecometrics for 2007, reporting that net absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are down 82 percent from the 1996 baseline, while total energy intensity (use per unit of output) is down 45 percent from 1996. In addition to typical financial metrics like profit and loss, Interface began tracking 'ecometrics' in 1996, measuring energy and water intake, waste streams, greenhouse gas emissions, and raw materials streams, to evaluate its progress towards the goal of sustainability and doing business in ways that minimize the impact on the environment.

"We are making the business case for sustainability by reducing our carbon footprint through process and product efficiencies, while sales "“ and therefore production "“ are on the rise," said Dan Hendrix, president and CEO of Interface, Inc. (NASDAQ: IFSIA).

Highlights include:

  • QUEST (Quality Utilizing Employee Suggestions and Teamwork) waste reduction efforts resulted in a 50 percent decrease of waste cost per production unit since 1995.

  • Total energy intensity for carpet manufacturing is down 45 percent since 1996. In addition, 27 percent of total energy use is either made renewable through the purchase of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) or received directly from renewable sources.

  • The use of recycled and bio-based raw materials increased to 25 percent of total raw materials used in 2007. This percentage is expected to increase as a result of InterfaceFLOR’s recently introduced technology that allows the company to recycle some Nylon 6,6 carpet face fiber.

  • Water intake per production unit in manufacturing facilities is down 75 percent from 1996 levels, which is key in drought-stricken communities in the U.S. where Interface manufactures, including Georgia and California.

  • Total waste sent to landfills has decreased by 66 percent from 1996 levels. In a related metric, Interface has diverted 133 million pounds (60 million kg) of used carpet from the landfills since 1996 through the company’s ReEntry(R) program, now efficiently recycling both carpet backing and face fiber.

    Interface "Cool" Programs Continue to Grow

    Climate neutral products and employee engagement programs continue to grow including:

    Cool CarpetTM: In 2007, Interface sold a record 26 million square yards (22 million square metres) of third party verified climate neutral carpet. The carpet was made climate neutral through the purchase of 390,000 metric tonnes of verified emission reduction credits to offset the entire life cycle of the products sold.

    Cool CO2mmuteTM: Nearly 20 percent of Interface associates participated in the company’s program to neutralize carbon emissions from personal commuting, by planting over 7,000 trees through American Forests, and over 500 trees through Tree Canada.

    Cool FuelTM: Interface offset the impact of 334,000 gallons (1.3 million litres) of gasoline used in company vehicles by purchasing almost 4,000 metric tonnes of verified emission reduction credits.

    Trees for TravelTM: Air travel by Interface associates was neutralized by the planting of more than 12,000 trees to reduce the impact of 19 million business-related air miles (31 million km) flown.

    Interface, Inc. is the world's largest manufacturer of modular carpet, which it markets under the InterfaceFLOR(R), FLORTM, Heuga(R) and Bentley Prince Street(R) brands, and, through its Bentley Prince Street brand, enjoys a leading position in the designer quality segment of the broadloom carpet market. The Company is committed to the goal of sustainability and doing business in ways that minimize the impact on the environment while enhancing shareholder value.

  • Interface, Inc. logo

    Interface, Inc.

    Interface, Inc.

    Interface, Inc. is the world’s largest manufacturer of modular carpet, which it markets under the InterfaceFLOR, FLOR, and Bentley Prince Street brands. Bentley Prince Street also is a leader in the designer-quality broadloom carpet market. In the mid-1990s, Interface’s Chairman and CEO Ray C. Anderson shifted the company’s strategy, aiming to redesign its industrial practices to instead focus on sustainability without sacrificing its business goals. Interface is committed to doing business in ways that minimize the impact on the environment. Interface companies have adopted an aggressive vision - To be the first company that, by its deeds, shows the entire industrial world what sustainability is, in all its dimensions: People, process, product, place and profits — by 2020 — and in doing so, to become restorative through the power of influence. In respecting that vision, every creative, manufacturing and building decision Interface makes, moves it closer to the goal of eliminating any negative impact Interface companies have on the environment.

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