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SECTOR FOCUS CARPET TILES

installation across all our modular products.
That means at the end of a product’s life, we
can lift it cleanly without damaging the subfloor
or raised access floor below. It’s simpler for
the client, reduces waste, and saves significant
carbon and cost.'
This approach supports Shaw Contract’s
Second Location Warranty, a unique promise
that allows carpet tiles to be reused in
another building. 'If a client decides to move
or refurbish, those tiles do not need to go to
landfill,' says Andrew.
Legislation, takeback and product passports
As governments tighten environmental
regulations, Andrew sees takeback schemes
and traceability becoming central to flooring
manufacture. 'In the near future, we expect
legislation to require manufacturers to take
responsibility for end-of-life materials,' he
says. 'We're ready for that change through
our takeback programme re[TURN], where we
operate a closed loop recycling process for our
EcoWorx product and for other carpet tiles we
give them a second life through our partnership
with The Salvation Army Trading Company.'
Linked to this, the idea of digital product
passports is gaining ground in the EU.
'Passports will record every aspect of a
product, including materials, location, age,
and installation data, so when it reaches end
of life, you know exactly what to do with it,'
he explains. 'It’s a simple concept with huge
implications for circularity. Imagine a facilities
manager overseeing a school or office estate.
They could scan a tile, see that it was installed
seven years ago, and instantly arrange for
its collection and recycling. That kind of
transparency will make sustainability practical,
not just aspirational.'
The design advantage
Of course, the appeal of carpet tiles isn’t just
technical. Design flexibility remains one of their
strongest selling points. 'You can mix colours,
textures and patterns across different price Poetic Form Collection - Elemental Style
points without losing visual consistency,' says
Andrew. 'That’s something Shaw Contract
does particularly well. We build colour families
that carry across collections so designers can
combine products freely without compromise.'
This flexibility is being amplified by modular
thinking. 'Modularisation doesn’t mean one
size fits all,' he explains. 'It’s about freedom.
Carpet tiles can define zones, add warmth,
and complement and contrast with resilient
flooring. As workspaces evolve and hybrid
layouts become standard, that adaptability is
invaluable.'
Beyond bitumen and towards better
materials
Material innovation is another key
differentiator. 'Most of our carpet tiles are now
bitumen-free,' Andrew notes. 'We’re exploring
Shaw Contract manufacturing facility in Sanquhar, Scotland
new backing systems and recycled content 

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@CFJMagazine CFJ February 2026