The introduction of Thrive® matter fibre a few years ago has made a significant mark on the carpet industry’s drive to deliver carpet tiles with sustainable attributes for commercial specifiers. In this blog, we examine what makes this carpet yarn with Thrive matter fibre so important for lower impact carpet products and why the context in which it is used is equally important for specifiers to consider.
What makes Thrive matter yarn so different?
Thrive matter’s manufacturer Universal Fibers® claim it as ‘the world’s first carbon negative yarn’. With an impressive 89% reduction in carbon emissions compared to most virgin nylon yarns, it’s easy to see why.
Starting with 100% post-industrial recycled resin as its primary material, the yarn in its final form once dyed and processed, results in a total of 90% recycled content. What’s more, over 99.9% of the waste in production is captured and fed back into the manufacturing process. As the final yarn with its industry’s lowest CO2 footprint, Universal Fibers has delivered a robust carpet fibre at just 1.5kg CO2 eq (carbon dioxide equivalent) compared to 9.6kg CO2 eq for a virgin Nylon 6 yarn. As part of this meticulous process, the yarn’s final footprint is brought below zero through the company’s carbon-offsetting programme of partnerships with forest conservation and reforestation projects around the world.
The result of years of research and textile engineering, this achievement has been recognised with Recycled Content GreenCircle® Certification. To support its carbon credentials, Thrive matter is a solution dyed yarn that also delivers on durability, performance and colour vibrance. However, when it comes to carpet tiles, it’s important for specifiers to be mindful that the yarn in the face fabric is just one part of the story. Simply selecting a carpet tile because it includes this yarn is just one, albeit important, element that specifiers need to factor in when evaluating sustainable carpet tiles.
Other low impact carpet tile factors to consider
Carpet in tile form typically generates significantly lower product wastage than full-width carpet. So, having made the decision to choose a modular carpet product, you are already on the road to minimising waste compared to selecting a broadloom option.
Given the enormous array of carpet tile products available, even just those with the lowest of carbon ratings, it is important to take a holistic view. This means striking the optimum balance between a low carbon rated product and ensuring that it meets some other key criteria:
Longevity
A carpet tile’s wear performance in-use, durability and lifespan are crucial to its ultimate carbon impact. This requires additional material content which, while supporting a low carbon/high-performance yarn, must also be manufactured with sustainably in mind. Backing materials such as Milliken’s 90% recycled polyurethane WellBAC® Comfort cushion backing is engineered to deliver maximum life cycle benefit by absorbing wear from foot traffic and minimising crushing of the face fibre.
Circularity
Thinking beyond a carpet’s useful life in its first installation must also now be factored into today’s carpet tile specification as part of the circular economy. While manufacturers offer a take-back service to recover used carpet tiles, those supported by a product circularity programme will ensure that the recovered product will have a further life, where possible, in another installation.
You may also be interested to read our blog: EMBRACING THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY: HOW CARPET TILE RE-USE WORKS
Glue-free installation
A glue-free installation option will not only minimise waste and VOC’s but will also ensure that carpet tiles can be recovered efficiently while reducing any chance of damage to the tile or the sub-floor beneath. This will help to facilitiate any re-use potential of the carpet.
Transparent manufacturing processes
A manufacturer’s credibility and commitment to sustainability is vital in supporting a low carbon carpet tile product. Transparent environmental reporting, with some key certifications, we believe should include Cradle 2 Cradle Certification, CRI’s Green Label Plus, Declare® transparency, Third-party EPDs and a carbon off-setting programme for any remaining carbon sequestration.
Carpet tile design aesthetics
Ticking all the boxes above is nothing without a design that supports the aesthetics of your project. Designs and colour palettes that support well-being are increasingly important for today commercial environment and a key requirement for many specifiers. We believe that a carpet tile that aesthetically supports well-being and is engineered for comfort, acoustics, performance AND with sustainability in mind, is perhaps the ultimate carpet tile?
Thrive matter in use - a breakthrough in lower THE impact OF carpet tiles
In July 2024, Milliken launched three carpet tile collections that not only feature the Thrive matter yarn but also hit all the additional criteria listed above. These initial design collections incorporating the Thrive matter yarn include:
Major Frequency
A striking plank collection inspired by the movement, rhythm and power of sound. Featuring two rich and textural designs, Vibration and Distortion are available in six co-ordinating tonal neutrals. Learn more
Northward Bound
Inspired by the vast polar landscapes with its glacial layers and meandering crevices, this high-performance carpet collection combines luxurious aesthetics with minimised material content. Learn more
SCULPTUREd Forms
An elegant carpet collection that delivers complex patterning through rich textures. Geometry and intricate linework mingle with soft organic forms for a balanced architectural look.
Learn more
These three sophisticated designs maximise the aesthetic possibilities of Thrive matter yarn and truly showcase what can be achieved with this ultimate in low carbon footprint yarn solutions.
Sculptured Forms Collection
See also our GUIDE TO SPECIFYING LOW CARBON CARPET TILES
