WHY ARE PRODUCERS TAKING BACK PRODUCTS?
A number of factors seem to be driving the carpet take-back initiatives in the U.S.: • Profits. Some take-back/recycling programs hold the promise of profitability – for example, as a way to replace virgin materials with lower-cost recycled nylon. • Marketing. Take-back/recycling programs are viewed as a strategy for increasing market share in a competitive industry. For example, an important customer base is architects and designers, who are demanding increased recycled content and recyclability. • Increased demand for recycled-content parts. Some auto manufacturers are setting ambitious recycled-content goals for auto parts. The large nylon producers are important suppliers (automotive products account for about one-third of nylon’s end uses) and can provide nylon made from recycled carpet for use in auto parts. • Preempting legislation. As EPR mandates proliferate around the world, the industry is worried about take-back legislation, landfill bans at the state level, and procurement
