Interface Vows To Seek EPD Status by 2012

Atlanta, GA, Nov. 10, 2010 -- Interface Inc. said that as part of its "Mission Zero" commitment to eliminate negative environmental impact by 2020, the company will obtain third-party validated environmental product declarations (EPDs) on all InterfaceFlor products by 2012.

Interface also said it has released an interactive report, "2010 Mission Zero Milestones," at interfaceglobal.com/sustainability.aspx, detailing its 16 years of progress and previewing the challenges ahead in the next decade.

Interface has also challenged other companies to set bold goals in the pursuit of sustainability.

"With the multitude of environmental labels in the marketplace, adoption of EPDs is the right thing to do and Interface's way forward," said Dan Hendrix, president and CEO of Interface.

"Environmental Product Declarations require full transparency, create new standards of accountability, and will ultimately spur new levels of innovation as customers begin to understand the impacts of their purchasing decisions and demand more from business and industry."

Interface Founder and Chairman Ray Anderson said, "Our EPDs will be based on the most rigorous, third-party verified life cycle assessments used anywhere on Earth, measuring and disclosing environmental impacts throughout our supply chain, from well-head and mine to end of life reclamation and recycling."

Joining Interface in its announcement, the Environmental Protection Agency stressed the importance of full transparency.

"Mission Zero Milestones" includes:

1. Innovative solutions for reducing the company's footprint. For example, since 1996, the company has reduced net greenhouse gas emissions by 94%. Interface has also achieved $433 million in avoided waste cost since 1995.

2. Transformational redesign of products and processes to "close the loop." Interface has diverted over 100,000 tons of material from landfills through its ReEntry program, pioneering the process of turning old carpet into new.

3. An enlightened and engaged company culture is cited by Interface as one of the most important aspects of its progress to date and its future ability to meet the challenges on the road ahead.

Interface's breakthrough approach has prompted other business leaders to seek advice from the company for help transforming their operations. In 2006 Interface launched InterfaceRaise, a consulting group that works with clients to help make their businesses more sustainable.