Tarkett said its ReUse/ReStart program, which recycles commercial market installed flooring, installation waste and product samples, recycled 154 million pounds globally last year. In the company’s North American plants, 19 million pounds were recycled; this year’s reclaimed and recycled volume is projected to hit 35 million pounds.

“The results to date have been extremely positive, demonstrating our program can significantly diminish the environmental impact of these materials well into the future,” said Diane Martel, Tarkett North America’s vp environmental planning and strategy.

The post-consumer content collected through the ReUse/ReStart program is used in the production of Tarkett VCT, specifically the Expressions and Azrock lines. Martel noted that Tarkett is developing methods to incorporate the waste stream into a full range of products, including commercial vinyl and rubber flooring and accessories. Future plans call for the company to use these materials in residential products as well.