Sustainability Claims vs Circular Reality
In today’s market, sustainability claims are everywhere. But how do you know which products are truly contributing to a circular economy and which are simply adding to landfill?
The truth is, just because a product is marketed as “recyclable” doesn’t mean it actually gets recycled. Without a reliable and accessible take-back program, even recyclable products often end up in landfill right alongside non-recyclable ones.
Key Questions to Ask Before You Specify
To confidently specify sustainable, low-carbon flooring, ask:
- Is there a proven, accessible program for returning products at end of life?
- Do the product’s Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) show a circular end-of-life scenario in Module D?
- Is there evidence that recycling is actually occurring and reducing the product’s carbon footprint?
At Tarkett, We Turn Claims Into Action
We don’t just talk about circularity, we’ve built the systems to deliver it:
- Global ReStart® Program: More than 124,000 tonnes of flooring collected and recycled globally through our industry-leading take-back program.
- ReStart® Australia: Running locally for over two years, offering a clear and supported pathway for returning Tarkett Vinyl and DESSO Carpet Tiles.
- Transparent EPDs: Our EPDs show real, verified end-of-life outcomes, not just theoretical recycling claims.
- Lower Carbon by Design: Through closed-loop recycling and material optimisation, Tarkett delivers some of the lowest verified carbon footprints in the industry.
Recognised by Industry Leaders
Tarkett’s circular economy achievements are independently verified by global rating agencies and industry bodies:
- EcoVadis Platinum Medal (2025): Tarkett is rated in the top 1% of 130,000+ companies evaluated globally, making us the only multi-product company in the flooring and sports surfaces industry to achieve this level of ESG rating at EcoVadis.
- CDP “A” Rating for Climate Action (2025): Tarkett received an A score from CDP, placing us among the top 2% of nearly 25,000 companies for outstanding transparency and performance on climate issues.
- Advancing Circularity Award – Vinyl Council of Australia (2024): Recognising our local efforts in closed-loop vinyl recycling, including the return of 30 tonnes of Homogeneous Vinyl through ReStart® Australia.
These accolades reflect not only our ambitious sustainability goals, but also meaningful, measurable progress.
Why the No Time to Waste Report Matters
Australia’s No Time to Waste Senate Report has sent a strong signal: we must urgently transition from a take–make–waste model to a truly circular economy. Among its key recommendations is the introduction of mandatory product stewardship schemes — requiring manufacturers to take responsibility for the full lifecycle of their products, including end-of-life recycling.
At Tarkett, we’re not waiting for legislation to catch up. Our ReStart® program already delivers what future policy will demand and more:
- A working, accessible take-back scheme for Sheet Vinyl and Carpet Tiles
- Closed-loop recycling that turns old flooring into new flooring
- Transparent, third-party verified lifecycle data
- Tangible climate impact, with over 30 tonnes of material diverted from landfill in Australia and 113,000 kg of CO₂ saved
While others are making plans, we’re putting circularity into action - today.
Design for Circularity Without the Guesswork
Specifying truly sustainable flooring doesn’t have to be complex. By choosing Tarkett’s ReStart®-ready products, you can:
- Stay ahead of regulations with products that meet future policy expectations
- Reduce lifecycle emissions through proven, closed-loop recycling
- Meet client demands for low-carbon, circular design solutions
- Build a credible sustainability story backed by data, not just claims
Our team is here to help you specify with confidence by:
- Explaining how to read and interpret Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)
- Identifying flooring options with genuine circular end-of-life pathways
- Guiding you through how ReStart® works for both Vinyl and DESSO Carpet Tiles
We’ll equip you with the tools and insights you need to make informed, future-ready decisions.