Encouraging Q1 Results in California As Recycled Carpet Output Tops 16%

The California Carpet Stewardship Program is off to a strong start this year, according to 2017’s first quarter (Q1) results. Recycled Output has reached its highest quarterly level since the program began in July of 2011. Recycled output hit 12.8 million pounds, an increase of 73% over the 7.4 million pounds in recycled output in Q1 2016. The increase was driven in part by continued growth in the use of carpet backing material. Coupled with a decrease in sales, the recycled output rate hit 16.3% in Q1, thus reaching the target set for 2016.

“We missed the target mark by just 3 months, and we are very pleased with these numbers,” said Bob Peoples, CARE executive director. “While we are thrilled with the positive developments in technology, capacity, market development, and demand for recycled carpet material, we are very aware that one quarter does not make the year. We are redoubling our efforts to maintain and grow the recycled output rate, as required by statute…We see that our grant programs have led to growing the capacity and market for recycled output. In addition, the subsidy for Calcium Carbonate (the major component of carpet backing) is beginning to have the desired market effect.”