Domotex still going strong

It’s still eight months to go till Domotex opens its doors for the 2014 exhibition and despite our personal view on the validity of exhibitions, it would appear that interest is high even this far out from the January event.

We’ve often questioned whether in a struggling economy businesses and individuals still place exhibitions high on their list of priorities. Deutsche Messe, the event organisers have said that “given the strong response to date, we’re feeling very optimistic about next January. The solid registration levels and the high proportion of exhibitors from outside Germany, testify to Domotex’s position as a key fixture in the marketing calendar of the international carpet and floor coverings industry.”

Domotex is probably the biggest event in our industries calendar and despite cut backs and budget management taking place across the globe, it would appear that Domotex is still drawing the crowds.

However we would like to ask a very simple question. Are companies exhibiting because they feel they should, or are they exhibiting because they genuinely believe exhibiting draws sales?

In our humble opinion, long standing exhibitions are successful because of the amount of exhibitors that feel they have to appear otherwise they would be conspicuous by their absence. Having a presence at a trade show as large as Domotex is seen by many companies as a “need to” rather than a “must have” project and we feel that this is the same for other trade shows.

The proof of whether a show is successful shouldn’t be gauged by the amount of exhibitors, it should be judged on the amount of visitors and the quality of the leads. And don’t think that it’s just exhibitors that are assessing the validity of exhibitions. Visitors  are going through the same financial assessment also. Can they afford time out of the office, can they afford the hotel costs, can they afford the travel fees?

This is just our observation, but one thing missing from Domotex’s statement is the actual numbers. Are they releasing this statement to generate much needed interest and therefore improved numbers, or are they genuinely delighted with the uptake so far?

Conspiracy theorists, start your engines.

Cutting the Vinyl with Forbo

Forbo’s Back to the Floor recycling scheme has been a flagship programme that has seen tonnes of carpet off-cuts sent off for recycling. Forbo have now added cushioned vinyl flooring installation off-cuts to their scheme which is a first in the UK for any flooring recycling initiative. These off-cuts can then be re-processed and used in the backing for the next generation of carpet tiles.

Matt Charlton, the Back to the Floor scheme co-ordinator said, the ability to collect and recycle cushioned vinyl off-cuts typically from domestic installations, sets Forbo’s initiative apart from other schemes and widens the recycling options for flooring contractors and installers. In turn this also increases the sustainability credentials of new flooring products whilst also helping divert more flooring waste from landfill. It’s a win – win for the sector as a whole.”

To get set-up on the scheme, you will firstly need to register with Forbo and they then take of the logistics for you. You will be provided with colour coded polythene bags and bulk bags which Forbo will then collect from site. Alternatively they can be dropped off at participating distributors when filled with the specified materials.

Forbo are a giant in the flooring industry and their Back to the Floor scheme is a project that we should all aspire to. Having now opened up their initiative to include vinyl flooring, they have shown their intent to make our industry as green as possible.

To find out how to how to become an accredited member of the scheme, please contact Forbo by visiting http://www.axionconsulting.co.uk/what-we-do/collection-services/

Are Carpet Tiles on the up?

We have a biased opinion when it comes to carpet tiles. We of course think they’re a fantastic way of transforming a building and a very cost effective option to the consumer. However it would appear that the customer is once again falling in love with carpet tiles and we think we know why.

Firstly the economy is still bleeding and any savings that can be made are vital to businesses in their efforts to survive. Carpet tiles offer a more economically viable solution to other flooring systems thanks to the flexibility that they can provide. For instance, it’s becoming increasingly popular to invest in refreshing a select area of the floor rather than the entire space. Reception areas for instance where first impressions are often made, can be updated by utilising a few boxes of tiles instead of paying through the nose for expensive carpets or other systems.

Secondly, carpet tiles are a doddle to install so the need to get professional fitters is immediately negated again saving on unnecessary expenditure. By following some very basic installation procedures, (which by the way you can find on our website) anyone with due care and attention can fit carpet tiles.

Our third reason for the possible rise in interest is maintenance. Carpets have a terrible wrap and are often considered difficult to clean and keep looking fresh. In many cases they are correct, but don’t tarnish a carpet tile with the same brush. Thanks to the fibres and the yarn construction of modern day carpet tiles, they are built to withstand punishment. A scheduled maintenance procedure of vacuuming will help negate any build-up of dirt and debris. But the real beauty is if there is damage, swapping a carpet tile is much simpler than replacing the carpet!

It’s not rocket science when you look at the facts. Architects and specifiers are looking at ways to save on materials and new build properties are becoming increasingly home to carpet tile areas. This is of course our opinion and what we have observed over the last few months. We would be delighted to hear from any specifiers out there to see if they feel our observations are justified.

How to extend the life of a carpet tile

Let’s face it, carpet tiles are the most cost efficient way of flooring a commercial property. It’s a fact. They are also diverse meaning that you can brighten up a reception area for instance by mixing and matching different tiles to create a bespoke and colourful welcoming area.

But they can only remain eye catching and in tip top condition if they are properly maintained. Just because they are ideal for commercial use, doesn’t mean they can withstand years of neglect without losing their appearance or damaging their performance.

There are steps that can be taken that if adhered to can extend the life of a carpet tile exponentially. Simply stick to the four rules, construction and colour, effective barrier matting, correct installation and finally planned maintenance.

The planned maintenance is critical. Running the vacuum over the area is all well and good, but using the proper equipment is vital. Machines with cylinder brushes should be used and set so that brushes are in contact with pile surfaces. Twin motor machines with independent motors for suction and brushing are preferred for this task. Upright vacuum sweepers are best for this work while cylinder and back pack type machines are unsuitable for the cleaning of contract carpets and therefore not recommended.

Any spillages should be treated quickly and can be done easily by removing as much of the spillage as you can by gently scraping with a blunt knife, blotting up any remaining liquid spillage with an absorbent cloth or paper towel and then finally treating the area with an approved spotting agent following manufacturer’s instructions.

Carpet tiles are designed to take abuse, but just like us they need to be loved a little. Follow a simple maintenance programme and you will get the very best out of your tiles.

Sad day for Victoria Carpets

Regular readers of our blog will know that we have followed Victoria Carpets for quite some time. We’ve analysed the boardroom struggles, the threat of closure and the light at the end of the tunnel. However on this occasion we would like to concentrate purely on the history of the company and in particular the contribution of Mr Peter Anton.

Peter unfortunately passed away last month after a battle with illness aged 84. The grandson of George Anton, one of the founders, Peter spent his entire working life at the business filling the position of sales director. Peter’s son Rupert said that “he retained a keen interest in the business right up until his illness and relished the regular family meetings with the board, at which he invariably had a view”.

It was widely acknowledged that although Peter spent his working life in sales, it was on the financial side that he was particularly astute. Rupert said, “His business expertise and wise counsel was sought by and given too many at work and after his retirement as a Victoria trustee and business adviser to friends.”

Peter was also an avid motorsport fan and in his youth was a very competent racing driver. It was in fact a regular joke that business trips abroad just so happened to coincide with a Grand Prix!

The Anton name is synonymous with Victoria Carpets and Peter contributed hugely to the success of the brand and the longevity of the business.

We would like to pass our condolences to his wife Jane, son Rupert, daughter in law Louise and his grandchildren Edward and Henry.

There’s a future in rubbish

Carpet Recycling UK (CRUK) will be holding their 5th annual conference on the 19th of June at the Birmingham Institute of Engineering and Technology. Their key message will be best methods of converting waste to resources as well as many other environmental issues.

Everybody who’s anybody should be attending and learning about the incredible work that CRUK do for our industry. The beauty of the way CRUK operate is that they don’t lecture. They impart knowledge designed to help make us a more ethically minded industry. They will be aiming their advice at organisations who are seeking outlets for their carpet waste as well as encouraging manufacturers to explore new recycling technologies.

Laurance Bird, CRUK Director said, “Our fifth annual event again promises to deliver information and inspiration for attendees who can discover fresh ideas, forge new partnerships and learn more about the significant growth of the carpet recycling network in the UK over the past year.”

Topics on the agenda will be waste prevention/redesign, take back schemes and extracting energy from waste. Preceding the event will also be a networking dinner where all exhibitors will get a chance to discuss the share ideas.

We would like to ask you if you’re considering attending the conference and would love to hear from members on the benefits that you have seen working with CRUK. Please feel free to leave a comment below.

From carpets to car parts

We still find it incredible that breaking down the component parts of a carpet tile or other textile flooring, can result in the birth of thousands of new products. But it requires commitment and partnerships to get the original material into a state ready for recycling.

At the annual Ecobuild conference in London, there was obviously a large amount of carpet laid and thanks to collaboration between Ecobuild, Global  Experience Specialists (GES) and Green Venture UK, 62,000 square metres of exhibition carpet has been successfully recycled for use in new polypropylene products.

Using a unique recovery system, Green Venture transferred the uplifted carpets to a recycling plant in France. From here raw materials were extracted to make a polypropylene resin which can then be used in the manufacture of a range of products such as car parts and plant pots.

What’s so amazing about this is the planning and the way all the protagonists worked together to make it happen. Instead of ditching the carpets and sending them off to landfill, which let’s face it would have been less problematic and easier, the three parties showed real environmental awareness and dedication to make sure that every scrap could be re-used.

GES have a history when it comes to recycling as they also fitted carpets at last year’s 2012 RWM Event in Birmingham. Supported by CRUK, they helped to create value from these uplifted carpets by collaborating with South Wales-based recycler Tilon Composites, who were able to extrude polypropylene fibres for use in building products such as scaffold boards and acoustic barriers.

So next time you buy a new car, just imagine that at some point, it’s highly likely thousands of people have walked across part of your vehicle.