Carpet tiles made from fishing nets win prestigious Good Design Award for Sustainability
A collection of carpet tiles made from discarded fishing nets sourced from some of the world’s poorest fishing communities has taken out the 2014 Good Design Award® for Sustainability.
The Award was announced at the 2014 Good Design Awards held in Sydney on 28 May at White Bay Cruise Terminal, in association with VIVID Sydney.
Net-Effect, made by carpet tile manufacturer Interface, is a modular carpet collection that demonstrates sustainable design in both construction and concept.
Judges in the Good Design Awards were impressed by the collection’s innovative manufacturing process and installation, beauty and simplicity and environmental and social responsibility practices.
“This is a highly resolved product in every regard with an inspirational sustainability story behind it. This project sets a global benchmark in environmentally sustainable, economic and social design practice,” commented the judges.
“The innovation here from a sustainability perspective is that the designers have connected recycling to commercial outcomes and the “net-effect’ is a better, more beautiful and sustainable world – just brilliant.”
The Net-Effect carpet tiles are made from recycled nylon waste sourced from used fishing nets and processed into new nylon carpet fibre. Addressing the growing environmental problem of discarded fishing nets, Interface, in collaboration with the Zoological Society of London, Aquafil (global supplier of synthetic fibres) and Project Seahorse Foundation for Marine Conservation, developed community-based supply chain for collecting the fishing nets.
Known as Net-Works, the program provides poor fishing communities with an income-driven incentive to keep nets out of the water and protect their local marine life. Communities are encouraged to get the best possible price for the nets and to clean up their coastal areas and waterways. An associated community-banking system has also been established to empower village members to set up micro- insurance, savings and loans to protect the income they earn. The Net-Works pilot program was launched in June 2012 in the Philippines. There are now some 26 participating villages.
Designed with flexibility and durability also in mind, the carpet tiles feature non- directional installation making selective replacement easy. In addition, Net Effect carpet tiles are performance driven and withstand even the most heavily trafficked interiors.
Other products in the running for the Good Design Award for Sustainability included:
The Green Wing – a hybrid point combining the ideal features of both a direct drill planting point and a cultivating point with a product life in excess of 10 times that of a pressed metal point. It addresses three environmental issues faced by farmers today.
Glass Solar Brick – durable green energy decorative outdoor lighting products. It is a combination of crystal-like glass crafts, solar technology and LEDs lighting technique.
Braemar “Super-Six” Ducted Gas Heating Range – the world’s most energy efficient ducted gas heater with 6 star rating.
D900 LED Downlight – a versatile low-energy recessed interior downlight with an interchangeable fascia system to allow users to alter the style, colour and lighting effect of the downlight.
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