by Brianna Crandall — June 21, 2013—Global carpet tile manufacturer Interface is reportedly breaking through to new levels of environmental and social responsibility, sustainability and the next wave in product design with its new modular carpet collection, Net Effect. Net Effect debuted in Chicago during the NeoCon 2013 contract furnishings show June 10-12, and will roll out globally throughout 2013.
Net Effect is inspired both by the ocean’s life-giving power and its plight—marine life and habitats that are endangered by discarded fishing nets, acidification, over-fishing, pollution and climate change.
The collection was born of Net-Works, an innovative global business and conservation association partnership that Interface helped launch in the Philippines in 2012 to tackle two distinct issues: the growing environmental problem of discarded fishing nets in some of the world’s poorest coastal communities, and the challenge of finding a viable waste stream to feed the company’s ambitious post-consumer nylon recycling goals.
Interface works with trusted nylon waste recycler Aquafil to process recovered fishing nets and other nylon waste, including yarn reclaimed through Interface’s ReEntry program, to provide recycled content nylon for Interface carpet tile. The process improves the environment and lives in the areas where the fishing net is recovered, helps Interface reach its Mission Zero goal to be environmentally neutral by 2020, and shows how creative thinking can lead to true sustainability.
The Net Effect product collection provides a subtle visual reminder of the sea on its surface, with a design reminiscent of swirling currents. Created by exclusive Interface designer David Oakey, the collection of six modular carpet tile options embraces sustainability in construction and concept. Oakey says the team wanted Net Effect to capture the beauty of the ocean and the emotions and memories associated with the beach, and even more to reflect the good work the Net-Works program exemplifies.
Net Effect’s three 50cm square tiles—comprising a neutral ground, transition tile and textural accent—evoke the sea with a texture that references the moment when waves wash over land. The three tiles can be combined to create design elements including continuous transitions, borders and inset area rugs.
The square tiles’ organic forms are designed to pair beautifully with three 25cm x 1m skinny plank styles that capture the fluidity of water and convey the expanding and contracting rhythms of the tides with more linear patterns. The square and plank tiles’ shared coastal color palette of two blues and six neutrals was drawn from the depths of the ocean, and the sun-and-salt-bleached wood and stone found on shore.
Interface will promote Net Effect through a social media engagement campaign with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram components.
