The most sustainable carpet tile is the one that already exists: with AGAIN, OBJECT CARPET is launching a pilot project that reconditions used carpet tiles for a second life. Together with committed customers, the company is testing how take-back, refurbishment and reuse work in practice – and is inviting customers, building owners and project partners to join the initiative. In this way, disposal costs can be reduced, valuable materials preserved and the carbon footprint cut by over 90 per cent compared to new products.
Upcycling rather than disposal
Buildings in use are subject to constant change: tenants move out, brands revamp their image, and spaces are adapted to changing needs. This often leads to the disposal of components that are still in perfect condition and could be used for many more years, such as carpet tiles. With AGAIN, OBJECT CARPET is developing a reuse model as part of its initial pilot projects, which aims to retain existing value throughout the product life cycle and translate the principle of the circular economy into concrete, practical processes. The initiative thus becomes a key component of the company’s comprehensive circularity strategy, which – alongside the development of recyclable carpets made from DUO material and efficient take-back logistics – prioritises, above all, consistent reuse. Materials, embodied energy and high-quality designs are thereby efficiently safeguarded – and well-preserved carpet tiles are not simply disposed of, but refurbished.
The journey to a second life
OBJECT CARPET supports building owners who wish to return their tiles from the outset, making the process straightforward and easy to plan in detail. The take-back process begins with a project assessment, during which OBJECT CARPET first evaluates the potential of the tiles on site. For this, the tiles must be laid in a reversible manner, be clean and free from significant signs of wear and tear. Only those tiles that are in good condition and can be removed from the floor intact are eligible for reuse. To ensure the necessary logistics and make an effective contribution to the circular economy, a minimum volume of 500 m² is required. Following removal, the tiles are packed, with OBJECT CARPET organising collection free of charge. Our strategic partner, Anew Flooring, then takes over the professional processing: all tiles are inspected, sorted, cleaned and prepared for reuse, whilst unsuitable material residues are used for energy recovery. Every single take-back project is documented in detail and transparently. The result is a seamless end-of-use solution that focuses on preserving value rather than disposal.
Authentic designs with character
Reusing carpet products through AGAIN means customers do not have to make any compromises: neither on quality and variety nor on design freedom. There are already more than 50,000 m² of tiles available for reuse, with the stock continuing to grow. A high degree of design flexibility goes hand in hand with reliable performance: all reconditioned carpet tiles are suitable for intensive commercial use and meet the requirements of even the most demanding environments, such as open-plan offices, educational establishments and retail outlets. Because the tiles may show slight variations in colour or fibre texture, they possess an authentic character that can be deliberately integrated into vibrant, varied floor designs. The range combines products from OBJECT CARPET and other manufacturers, guaranteeing a wide selection of colours, textures and patterns. Second-Life tiles can also be seamlessly combined with new products: for example, the new, recyclable DUO-Material tiles from OBJECT CARPET, which provide an ideal addition for creating zoned areas, accent surfaces and cost-efficient interior designs.
Measurable benefits for building owners
In addition to this aesthetic aspect and the environmental benefits of reducing harmful impacts, AGAIN also offers building owners further, immediately quantifiable benefits: direct disposal costs can be reduced or avoided, and ‘second-life’ tiles are significantly more cost-effective than new products. From a purely environmental perspective, reuse also offers a clear advantage: compared with new carpet tiles, it reduces CO₂ emissions by over 90 per cent, as well as more than 2.5 kg/m² of material by extending the product lifespan – one of the most effective ways to reduce the environmental footprint of interior fittings. Furthermore, AGAIN can make a significant contribution to green building certifications. It supports the objectives of leading building assessment schemes such as DGNB, LEED and BREEAM, as reuse prevents waste, preserves sequestered carbon and can therefore achieve a higher rating than, for example, recycling.
From carpet manufacturer to circular flooring partner
With AGAIN, OBJECT CARPET is evolving from a traditional carpet manufacturer into a holistic circular flooring partner. The sustainability initiative aims to help preserve existing assets, integrate reconditioned second-life products into a wide variety of projects, and supplement DUO products where new materials are required. For the current pilot phase, OBJECT CARPET is now seeking committed partners, building owners and customers who wish to help put circular reuse into practice. This applies both to the removal of used carpet tiles as well as the use of ‘second-life’ tiles in new projects. Anyone interested is welcome to contact OBJECT CARPET at any time. Together with Anew Flooring, the manufacturer is continuing to test and develop this approach that combines environmental responsibility with economic efficiency – and is bringing the idea of the circular economy to life, step by step.