Better for Business, Better for the Planet: Our New Recycled Core Initiative

At Feltex, our commitment to sustainability and continuous improvement has led us to explore innovative solutions in our manufacturing processes. We are committed to delivering carpets that Australians trust underfoot – but just as importantly, we’re committed to doing our part for the environment. In line with our dedication to reducing environmental impact, we have initiated a project to trial recycled PVC cores in our carpet manufacturing.

Previously, our carpet rolls utilised disposable cardboard cores and imported polypropylene cores from the United States. Seeking a more sustainable and locally sourced alternative, we partnered with Think Fencing, a Portarlington-based company renowned for its expertise in recycled PVC products. Together, we are trialling cores made from 98% recycled PVC, aligning with our goals of reducing waste and supporting local manufacturing.

To make this all possible, Think Fencing arranged for specialised tooling to be manufactured in China on our behalf. This custom tooling is designed to support the extrusion process, allowing recycled PVC plastic to be formed into strong, high-quality carpet cores that meet the demands of our production environment.

The project commenced 12 months ago and is currently being trialled in Plant 5. We’re working closely with our teams on the ground to ensure the new cores meet the high standards of durability and performance. This initiative reflects our ongoing efforts to integrate sustainable practices into our operations, ensuring that our products not only meet the highest standards of quality and comfort but also have a low environmental footprint.