The Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) recognized two leaders from the post-consumer carpet recycling segment at the organization's ninth annual conference recently at Amelia Island, Fla.

Los Angeles Fiber was recognized as Recycler of the Year for its continued success in diverting post-consumer carpet from the nation's landfills. Established in 1983 by Stan and Ronald Greitzer, Los Angeles Fiber quickly became one of the world's largest carpet recyclers.

Los Angeles Fiber accepts post-consumer carpet and recycles it into synthetic carpet cushion through its sister company, Reliance Carpet Cushion. Reliance Carpet Eco-Cushion, a high-performance fiber pad for hospitality and residential applications, is manufactured from 100% post-consumer carpet and is completely recyclable.

Recovered carpet material that does not find its way into Reliance carpet cushion is used in other applications, including carpet fibers and backing, and engineered resins for automotive parts.

"Ron is the essence of an entrepreneur. His success in the difficult field of carpet recycling has inspired others and served as an example of what can be achieved in this field. He is also generous in sharing his experience and knowledge with others," said CARE Executive Director Georgina Sikorski.

In recognition of his exemplary leadership as a carpet recycling advocate and member of the CARE board of directors, Eric Nelson, vp Interface Americas, was named CARE Person of the Year. Since joining the CARE board in 2008, Eric has devoted countless hours to CARE in the form of committee and workgroup participation.

As the innovator behind Interface's ReEntry 2.0 closed loop process that recycles all types of carpet fiber and carpet backing into new products, Nelson's efforts have helped to significantly increase the amount of carpet material diverted. ReEntry 2.0 currently recycles approximately 40 million pounds of carpet annually.

At Interface, Nelson works with the plastics industry to repurpose recycled carpet material for use in parts manufacturing for consumer and industrial markets. He also coordinates with Interface vendors to explore how their services may be aligned with the ReEntry 2.0 model in a way that best fulfills those companies' strategic business needs.

"For his innovative leadership in the technology of carpet fiber shearing, Eric is widely recognized as being on the leading edge of carpet recycling technology. He has contributed immeasurably to both the body of knowledge surrounding the process of carpet recycling and to the CARE organization. He is a great leader, an irreplaceable team player, and a genuinely warm and generous person," Sikorski noted.