Sustainability stories: How Interface Turned Sustainability into a Competitive Advantage

23 Apr

Interface, Inc. a global leader in modular flooring, isn’t your average manufacturer. What started as a traditional carpet company in 1973 has become a pioneer in sustainable innovation—proving that environmental responsibility and business success can go hand in hand.

Interface Inc. sustainability story: the problem

In the 1990s, Interface’s founder, Ray Anderson, had a wake-up call after reading The Ecology of Commerce. He realized the company was contributing to environmental degradation—and that needed to change. Like many businesses, Interface faced the challenge of transforming a resource-intensive operation into a sustainable one, without compromising profitability or performance.

Interface Inc. sustainability story: the solution

Anderson launched Mission Zero—a bold initiative to eliminate the company’s environmental footprint by 2020. Interface reimagined every aspect of its business:

Waste Reduction with Employee Power: Through initiatives like the QUEST program, employees were empowered to eliminate waste, resulting in innovation and cost savings. Investments in renewables brought renewable energy use up to 88%.
Clean Energy & Emissions: Overhauling processes and investing in renewable energy helped cut greenhouse gas emissions dramatically. Today, 88% of Interface’s energy use is renewable.
“Mount Sustainability”: the company developed “Mount Sustainability,” a framework with seven focus areas, including waste elimination and redefining commerce.
Data-Driven Decisions: Using Lifecycle Assessments (LCAs), the company tracked its environmental footprint and guided continuous improvements.
Products: Interface embraced circular design by incorporating recycled materials and launching partnerships like ECONYL® with Aquafil.
Culture: Sustainability became embedded in the employee experience and customer relationships. Transparency and shared goals built trust internally and externally.

The result? Mission Zero was achieved ahead of schedule—in 2019, one year earlier than planned.

And Interface didn’t stop there. With Climate Take Back, it’s now working toward becoming carbon-negative by 2040. It’s not just about doing less harm—it’s about giving back more than they take.

Product Innovation: Designing for Circularity

Sustainability became the spark for product innovation at Interface. The company redesigned its materials and manufacturing processes to prioritize circularity. Products were made using recycled and recyclable materials—minimizing waste and environmental impact. One of their key breakthroughs was the collaboration with Aquafil to create ECONYL® nylon, a high-performance fiber made from waste like discarded fishing nets. This move not only reduced environmental harm but also set new standards for sustainable product excellence.

Result: Interface built a high-performing, eco-friendly product line that appealed to both customers and the planet.

Experience Matters: Engaging People, Building Trust

Interface understood that transformation had to start from within. The company empowered its employees through engagement programs that turned sustainability into a shared mission. From the shop floor to the C-suite, employees became active participants in driving change. Transparency and regular reporting not only boosted internal trust and accountability, but also built loyalty among stakeholders—investors and clients alike. This purpose-driven culture became a competitive advantage, reinforcing Interface’s brand from the inside out.

Result: Interface earned brand loyalty and deepened client relationships through purpose-driven experience.

Beyond Interface Inc. sustainability story

Interface’s journey is a powerful example that profit and purpose can thrive together. It’s a publicly traded company in USA, which makes its commitment even more remarkable. Rather than see sustainability and profit as conflicting forces, Interface brought shareholders into the vision—proving that environmental stewardship and financial performance can go hand in hand.

Key Takeaways

Visionary leadership drives transformation
Employee empowerment fuels innovation
Circular design creates business and environmental value
Transparency strengthens stakeholder trust
Profit and purpose are not mutually exclusive

At Resilient Planet, we help companies take their first step—or their next leap—toward sustainability. From interactive training to hands-on workshops, we turn strategies like these into your company’s reality.

Sources

Hawken, P. (1993). The ecology of commerce: A declaration of sustainability. HarperBusiness.

Interface, Inc. (n.d.). Climate Take Back. Retrieved April 9, 2025, from https://www.interface.com/APAC/en-AU/sustainability/climate-take-back-en_AU

Interface, Inc. (n.d.). Sustainability highlights and progress reports. Retrieved April 9, 2025, from https://www.interface.com

Aquafil. (n.d.). ECONYL® regenerated nylon: Made from waste, not oil. Retrieved April 9, 2025, from https://www.econyl.com

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). (n.d.). Climate Take Back: How Interface is driving carbon negative goals. Retrieved April 9, 2025, from https://unfccc.int/climate-action/momentum-for-change/climate-neutral-now/interface

Claudia Antonacci https://www.networkial.com