Biobased Materials
Finding alternatives to oil-based products is a significant part of the Interface plan to develop and integrate sustainable practices into every part of our business. Making use of renewable resources, such as biobased fibers, moves us closer to our goal of sustainable manufacturing. Our research into renewable materials and biobased products has led us to explore fibers made from polylactic acid (PLA), flax, hemp and wool.
Interface introduced commercial modular carpet products using PLA fibers in 2004. PLA fibers are derived from #2 corn and other starch containing agricultural plant materials and waste products. They are similar to polyester synthetic fibers and can be used for commercial fabrics, textile backings and carpet applications, as well as garments, packaging materials and household products.
Benefits of PLA:
- Decreased dependence on oil-based raw materials
- Produced without the use of heavy metals, reducing aquatic pollution
- Production requires 20 – 50 percent less fossil fuel resources than production of fibers from traditional hydrocarbon resins
- Development of PLA polymers requires lower water usage than other petrochemical polymers
- PLA products can be recycled back into lactic acid or composted
As we develop biobased products for the future, we will need to consider the impacts of these materials. While the current technologies and processes used to create biobased products may not be the final answer in our quest for renewable technologies, they are a significant step in the right direction. For example, Interface is aware of the concerns that have been raised relative to biobased products originating from agriculture, specifically, the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), diversion from needed food supplies, and agricultural practices. We are diligently analyzing each of these issues, and are committed to addressing these as we transition our company toward more sustainable practices.