What was once underfoot in homes and businesses across America is now finding new life under the pedals of vehicles. Global flooring manufacturer Tarkett has developed an unexpected solution to the growing problem of luxury vinyl tile (LVT) waste by partnering with automotive accessory maker Avery Automats to transform old flooring into new car mats.

As LVT installations from the past 15 years reach their end of life—having grown from 10% to 40% of the resilient flooring market during that period—Tarkett faced a significant recycling challenge. The company's solution came through its ReStart take-back program, which has now found a second life for reclaimed LVT in automotive products.

"If we can't find a home for old flooring material and turn it back into new flooring, we make sure that we find someone who can use it," explained Rachel Palopoli, Tarkett North America's director of circular economy.

Since 2022, every pound of post-use LVT collected through the ReStart program has been recycled into new automotive products at Avery Automats' Dalton, Georgia, facility. This creative repurposing aligns with Tarkett's mission to build a circular economy and prevent harmful chemicals from entering landfills.

The partnership has already shown impressive results, with Tarkett's ReStart program diverting 2.1 million pounds of flooring material from landfills in 2024 alone.

"We'll keep looking for the next innovative step forward—because at Tarkett, Every Step Matters," Palopoli said.