Diane Martel has been promoted to vp, environmental planning and strategy, for Tarkett North America. The 22-year industry veteran will be responsible for driving the company’s sustainable messaging, programs, education, training and industry awareness.
Martel will appear at the NeoCon World’s Trade Fair 2010, June 14-16 in Chicago to discuss the company’s sustainable initiatives, introduce new, environmentally friendly products from sister company Johnsonite, and host an interactive design event benefiting Architecture for Humanity.
“For more than 50 years, Tarkett has encouraged environmental stewardship across the industry -- through our actions and our commitment to the broader sustainable picture. In 2009 we recycled 19 million pounds of material and we aim to double that number this year,” said Martel. “We are dedicated to addressing long-term sustainable issues to ensure ongoing improvements that meet current and future market needs. I am excited to be a part of the continuation and expansion of Tarkett’s environmental efforts and look forward to bringing even more programs, products, systems and solutions to the market in the future.”
Martel began with Tarkett in 1988, working in several facets of marketing. She has played an active role in the development and implementation of Tarkett’s sustainable initiatives since 2003. Using her wealth of knowledge and experience, Martel spearheaded the development of the company’s ReUse Reclamation program, designed to address the recycling of product samples, installation waste and installed flooring materials in the commercial market. As the company continued to expand upon the program, it became known as ReUse/reSTART, which incorporated the Johnsonite and Azrock brands. Martel also worked with the company’s product development team to redesign existing products to reduce LLC and chemical use, as well as introduce environmentally friendly products such as SpraySmart adhesive and Smart Pad.
Martel is a member of the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) for Tarkett, as well as the NSF-332 committee for developing sustainable product standards and ASTM E-60 on sustainability.
