Designing for Impact: Leaders Share Insights on Reducing Carbon & Embracing Circularity
Industry Experts Engage in a Thought-Provoking Discussion on Carbon, Chemicals, and the Circular Economy
Sustainability is no longer a choice—it is an imperative. This was the resounding message from industry leaders at the exclusive panel discussion, “Selecting Healthier Materials: Carbon, Chemicals, and the Circular Economy,” hosted by Interface, Inc. (NASDAQ: TILE), the global flooring solutions company and leader in sustainability at Conrad, Bengaluru.
The event brought together sustainability experts, architects, and industry professionals to explore the future of responsible material choices and practical solutions for reducing environmental impact. The discussion reinforced Interface is working towards becoming carbon-negative by 2040 without offsets, with a 1.5ºC aligned science-based target (SBT) to achieve by 2030.
Championing Sustainable Innovation
Opening the discussion, Mikhail Davis, Director, Global Market Sustainability, Interface, emphasized the need for immediate and science-backed climate action. “Sustainability is not an option; it is our collective responsibility. By selecting healthier materials, reducing embodied carbon, and embracing circularity, we can transform the built environment into a force for good.”
The panel addressed critical topics such as Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), Scope 3 emissions tracking, and innovative material selection strategies. Experts shared insights on integrating circular economy principles into sustainable design while advocating for greater transparency and accountability in material sourcing.
Expert Insights on Sustainable Materials
· Fancy George, CEO, Thomas Workplace, highlighted the importance of looking beyond surface-level sustainability claims. “Choosing products labeled ‘100% recycled’ isn’t enough—we must demand transparency on actual recycled content, ensuring accountability from vendors.”
· Shrutee Ganguly, Director – Net Zero & Sustainability, Turner & Townsend – India, emphasized the need for sustainability to be embedded from the inception of a project. “It’s not just a designer’s responsibility to think sustainable. Procurement teams, suppliers, finance teams and overall the policymakers must align efforts to reduce environmental impact and the dependence on virgin materials altogether.”
· Wilma Rodrigues, Chief Transformation Officer (CTO), Saahas Zero Waste, underscored the need for businesses to step up. “Too many companies are still prioritizing profits over environmental responsibility. True sustainability must be inclusive, ensuring its benefits extend to all.”
Paving the Way for a Circular, Low-Carbon Future
The discussion emphasized the urgency of industry-wide collaboration to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. Key themes included adopting innovative solutions, strengthening recycling and repurposing infrastructure, and fostering a holistic ESG-driven business performance.
As Interface continues to lead by example in sustainable innovation, the event reinforced the power of informed choices in shaping a future where both people and the planet thrive.
About Interface
Interface, Inc. (NASDAQ: TILE) is a global flooring solutions company and sustainability leader, offering an integrated portfolio of carpet tile and resilient flooring products that includes Interface® carpet tile and LVT, nora® rubber flooring, and FLOR® premium area rugs for commercial and residential spaces. Made with purpose and without compromise, Interface flooring brings more sophisticated design, more performance, more innovation, and more climate progress to interior spaces. A decades-long pioneer in sustainability, Interface remains “all in” on becoming a restorative business. Today, the company is focusing on carbon reductions, not offsets, as it works toward achieving its verified science-based targets by 2030 and its goal to become a carbon negative enterprise by 2040.
