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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

enough pressures on-site, so our role is sustainability alone. Kate pointed out waste are all part of that proposition.’
to connect them with the right solution that adhesive-free systems can reduce Milliken recently showcased many of
and ensure material reaches the most subfloor preparation requirements, these ideas at Clerkenwell Design Week,
appropriate reuse or recycling outlet speed up installation and make future where the company focused heavily on
through Milliken’s network of partners. reconfiguration significantly easier for reuse, sustainability and neurodiversity in
Welltek is our leading partner in the UK, building owners. workplace design.
who can provide end-to-end support ‘It’s an investment for the future ‘CDW gives us a fantastic opportunity
including site audits, uplift, palletisation because the flooring can be uplifted, to engage directly with the architecture
and collection services, tailored to specific reused and reconfigured as spaces and design community on topics we know
project needs.’ change,’ she said. ‘For contractors matter to them,’ Kate said.
For Kate, however, one of the biggest working on square metre rates rather The company’s interactive reuse display
opportunities for improving circularity lies than hourly rates, there should also be proved particularly popular, encouraging
in adhesive-free installation. good economics in being able to complete visitors to distinguish between reused and
‘We see adhesive-free installation as installations more efficiently.’ new carpet tiles.
a key driver of reuse because it allows Labour shortages across construction ‘It’s incredibly thought-provoking
products to be uplifted cleanly without and flooring make that efficiency because it genuinely changes perceptions
damaging either the carpet tile or the increasingly important. around product longevity and second-life
subfloor,’ she said. ‘There’s a genuine concern across the suitability,’ she added.
Milliken’s TractionBack friction coating industry around labour availability,’ Kate The event also featured appearances
system is factory applied and enables noted. ‘Anything that helps contractors from retail expert and broadcaster Mary
carpet tiles to be installed without complete projects more quickly, without Portas, whose advocacy around reuse and
adhesive, helping contractors achieve compromising quality, has real value.’ circularity resonated strongly with Kate.
faster and cleaner installations while Milliken’s most recent flooring launches, ‘Mary Portas has done a huge amount to
supporting future reuse. Quiet Statement and Open Studio, reflect champion reuse within fashion and retail,’
‘It provides a cleaner, faster installation the company’s wider sustainability she said. ‘It was inspiring to hear how
method for contractors, especially where strategy. Manufactured at its Wigan facility, those same principles can now influence
programmes are tight,’ Kate explained. now celebrating 40 years of operation, the interiors and construction.’
‘At the same time, it eliminates adhesive collections incorporate up to 70% recycled For Kate, though, the message
waste and removes VOCs associated with content, including ECONYL yarn. ultimately comes back to practical
traditional adhesive systems.’ According to Kate, the ranges combine collaboration across the supply chain.
She believes the wider market is gradually strong acoustic performance and comfort ‘I’m passionate about the difference
shifting towards these approaches. underfoot with long-term durability and design can make to wellbeing,’ she said.
‘There will come a tipping point,’ she ease of reuse. ‘But sustainability only works when
said. ‘In some markets overseas, adhesive ‘They provide a broadloom-style manufacturers, contractors, designers
is barely considered anymore because the aesthetic but with all the benefits of and clients all work together. That’s how
benefits are so clear.’ modular flooring,’ she said. ‘Ease of meaningful change actually happens.’ 
Those benefits extend beyond installation, uplift and significantly reduced www.milliken.com

Mary Portas and Katie Treggiden in Conversation in Milliken’s London showroom during CDW

www.contractflooringjournal.co.uk 45
@CFJMagazine CFJ July 2026