With an eye toward minimizing its environmental footprint, Mannington Mills announced it has begun using recycled drywall gypsum in place of limestone in portions of its resilient tile. The process, currently used in the company's Solid Point, Color Point and Brushwork lines, marks the culmination of an extensive research and development project at both Mannington and Construction Waste Management, the supplier of the post-consumer material.

According to Dave Kitts, Mannington's vp of environment, Construction Waste Management provided the missing piece in Mannington's plans to use recycled waste in a way that would retain the strength and integrity of the company's flooring.

"CWM was a big help in this," he says. "They were able to supply us with recycled gypsum without any paper or other materials remaining from its previous life as drywall."

Initially, Mannington plans to reclaim several tons of gypsum each month. The company says it is also considering adding the recycled content to other flooring products as well.

For more information, visit the environmental section of www.mannington.com.