InterfaceFLOR Named as a Top Achiever at the Ninth ARENA Environment Survey

Supported by Invest NI, Environment and Heritage Service and First Trust Bank, the survey acts as a key benchmark for environmental performance in Northern Ireland.

InterfaceFLOR, a worldwide leader in the production of environmentally-responsible modular floor coverings and other textiles, was yesterday named in the top quintile of environmentally friendly companies in Northern Ireland in the ninth ARENA Network Environmental Management Survey. This repeats InterfaceFLOR’s success last year, when it was also named in the top quintile.

Supported by Invest NI, Environment and Heritage Service and First Trust Bank, the survey acts as a key benchmark for environmental performance in Northern Ireland. As the only one of its kind, the survey continues to be a major driver in encouraging best management practice.

It challenges participating companies to measure their environmental impact, principally regarding waste and energy systems.

Steve Martin, Unit Director at Craigavon said: “We have a global Mission called Mission Zero, to eliminate any harmful impact the company has on the environment by the year 2020. We still have a long way to go but to be recognised in the top quintile once again acts as a testament to the determination of our employees in Craigavon.”

Notable achievements by the company on a global scale include its energy efficiency and renewable energy programmes, which have resulted in a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions since 1996. It has also made improvements to its production processes allowing an 80% reduction in water intake per m² of production facilities. In addition, petroleum-based materials have been reduced by 28% and, since 1995, cumulative avoided costs from waste reduction have totalled $336m.

Eamonn Keaveney, Acting Director of ARENA Network NI said: “The ARENA Environmental Management Survey allows us to get an accurate snapshot of how our companies and agencies are performing when it comes to the local environment.

“At a time when the global climate crisis is topping the world agenda, I commend all organisations for their positive participation and hope others are inspired to take up the challenge for the 10th survey in 2008.”

- ENDS -

Issue date: 3 July 2007

Notes for Editors:

Interface Inc.

Interface is a recognised leader in the commercial interiors market, offering floor coverings 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.

For further information about ARENA, please contact: Allison Miller or Martin Flynn, Communications Managers, Business in the Community on Tel (028) 9046 0606 or e-mail allison.miller@bitcni.org.uk.

ARENA Network is a Business in the Community campaign.

A not-for-profit, campaigning organisation, Business in the Community has a core membership of 700 companies, including 75% of the FTSE 100. More than 220 of these companies are members in Northern Ireland.