Cavalier Bremworth has created a carpet backing product made from waste wool carpet, recycled in its entirety. In time, the new backing will replace existing imported jute used by Cavalier Bremworth and could divert 1200 tonnes of carpet each year away from landfills.

The ‘Flashbac’ product and initiative has been developed over the past two years by Cavalier Bremworth in conjunction with Auckland-based, Textile Products. Rigorous testing has proven the wool carpet backing to be an effective solution.

Those wishing to dispose of wool carpets will now be able to deposit them in dedicated carpet recycling containers stationed within four Envirowaste public transfer stations throughout Auckland, at a significantly reduced cost. It is hoped that the recycling scheme will soon expand throughout New Zealand.

A number of Auckland carpet retailers are also getting behind the ‘carpet take-back process’ making special deposit bins available on their premises for wool carpets that have been uplifted as part of a replacement contract.

The New Zealand Green Building Council is supportive of the new product, and strong interest has already been expressed from offshore manufacturers.

“There is a potential waste stream of around 5000 tonnes a year so that gives us a great opportunity to produce significant quantities for export,” said Cavalier Bremworth Marketing Manager, Desiree Keown.