Interface, Inc. is a global leader in the production of modular carpet tiles and commercial flooring solutions. The company was founded in 1973 by Ray Anderson, who had a vision of creating a sustainable business that would have a positive impact on the environment. Today, Interface is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and we had the pleasure of sitting down with CEO Laurel Hurd to discuss the company’s journey and future plans.
Q: Congratulations on reaching this milestone! Can you tell us a little about how Interface got started?
A: Thank you! Ray Anderson founded Interface in 1973 as a small carpet tile company in Georgia. However, it wasn’t until the late 1980s that he had a transformative moment that would change the course of the company. He realized that Interface was contributing to environmental problems by using non-renewable resources and creating waste. From that moment on, he made it his mission to create a sustainable business model that would have a positive impact on the planet.
Q: That’s really inspiring. How has Interface incorporated sustainability into its business practices?
A: Sustainability is at the core of everything we do at Interface. We have set ambitious goals to reduce our carbon footprint, water usage, and waste generation. For example, we have committed to becoming carbon negative by 2040, which means that we will remove more carbon from the atmosphere than we emit. We are also working to eliminate all waste from our manufacturing processes and use only recycled or renewable materials in our products.
Q: That’s impressive. How has the market responded to Interface’s sustainability efforts?
A: We have found that sustainability is increasingly important to our customers and stakeholders. They want to work with companies that are committed to making a positive impact on the environment and society. Our sustainability efforts have helped us differentiate ourselves in the market and attract customers who share our values.
Q: What are some of the challenges that Interface has faced over the years?
A: One of the biggest challenges we have faced is changing the perception of carpet as a disposable product. Many people still view carpet as something that needs to be replaced frequently, which creates a lot of waste. We have worked hard to educate our customers about the durability and longevity of our products, and to promote the benefits of modular carpet tiles, which can be easily replaced or reconfigured without creating waste.
Q: What are Interface’s plans for the future?
A: We are committed to continuing our sustainability journey and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. We are investing in new technologies and materials that will help us achieve our goals and create even more sustainable products. We are also focused on expanding our business globally and reaching new markets.
Q: Finally, what advice would you give to other companies that want to incorporate sustainability into their business practices?
A: My advice would be to start small and focus on making incremental changes that will add up over time. It’s important to set ambitious goals, but it’s equally important to have a plan for how you will achieve them. And don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things – innovation is key to creating a sustainable future.
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