CE Delft conducted a comprehensive carbon footprint assessment for Object Carpet, comparing their DUO carpet tile to a traditional carpet tile. The study evaluated various end-of-life scenarios, including the collection of used carpet tiles followed by either re-use or recycling through mechanical, thermomechanical, or chemical processes.
Unlike conventional carbon footprint calculations, which typically focus on emissions over a single product lifecycle, Object Carpet requested a consequential, or societal, approach. This method accounts for all emissions, both direct and avoided, including those from previous or subsequent material life cycles. By doing so, the assessment ensures that environmental benefits are not shifted to other products or actors, but instead reflect the total societal impact.
The analysis shows that the full-loop carbon footprint of a DUO carpet tile is 95% lower when re-used at end-of-life compared to incineration.