InterfaceFLOR Wins Major Manufacturing Award for Leadership and Strategy

InterfaceFLOR, a worldwide leader in the production of environmentally-responsible modular floor coverings, and part of Interface Inc., has won the prestigious Leadership and Strategy Award at the Manufacturer Awards 2006, held at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry UK on 20th September.

The award, which was presented by BBC Radio 4’s Today programme host John Humphrys, is given to the company that best demonstrates the value of inspirational leadership and a properly constituted and communicated corporate strategy.

Interface caught the judges’ eye through its corporate vision of becoming the first completely sustainable company by 2020. In the mid-nineties, Interface published a vision statement which laid down the gauntlet to change itself into a new kind of industrial company and which is demonstrated through it’s Mission Zero message which promises to eliminate any negative impact that the company might have on the environment by 2020.

“The award acts as a testament to the hard work being put in by everybody at the company to communicate the Mission Zero message throughout the business. We have tried to incorporate sustainable practice into each and every aspect of the manufacturing process to engage, educate and progress the company’s mission,” says Lindsey Parnell, President and CEO of InterfaceFLOR Europe, Middle East, Africa and India.

Since embarking upon this journey, the company has seen a 63% reduction in its total waste going to landfill. This has been a contributing factor to the $299 million of costs avoided through its waste reduction programme worldwide. In addition, Interface’s energy efficiency programmes and its commitment to renewable energy has resulted in a 56% reduction in CO2 emissions on an absolute basis since 1996. All InterfaceFLOR’s manufacturing facilities in Europe now run on 100% renewable energy.

“We’re not there yet. We recognise that we’ve got a long way to go but the desire and determination of the company is evident. Hopefully other businesses will learn from our experience, that it is possible to be environmentally responsible whilst still improving the company’s bottom line,” added Lindsey Parnell.

In addition to the Manufacturer award, other recent accolades won by InterfaceFLOR include: The Queens Award for ‘Sustainable Development in the UK’, with a BRE 'A' rating on all of its products and the main Business Commitment to the Environment Award (BCE) in the UK. In France, the company has won the Janus Design and Innovation Award for its new product, Straightforward.

Ends.

Date issued: 25 Sept 2006

Notes to Editors:

Interface Carpet /Interface Inc.

Interface is a recognised leader in the commercial interiors market, offering floorcoverings and fabrics. The company is committed to the goal of sustainability and doing business in ways that minimise the impact on the environment while enhancing shareholder value.

Interface was founded in 1973 by Chairman, Ray Anderson, considered to be a pioneer from the start - a trailblazer of the modular carpet industry in the United States. The company promotes sustainable business practices - within its global community and in the products it makes. For Interface, sustainability is a belief that is built into the business model, an underlying corporate value, ensuring that business decisions are weighed against their potential impact on economic, natural and social systems. It's a means for associates to deliver superior value to customers and shareholders.

Interface is a global company with manufacturing locations on four continents and offices in more than 100 countries.