Tarkett, to engage alongside 79 multinationals calling for concrete action on climate change ahead of COP 21

 Tarkett, to engage alongside 79 multinationals calling for concrete action on climate change ahead of COP 21

Paris, November 23, 2015

Tarkett, a global leader in innovative and sustainable solutions for flooring and sports surfaces, joins a coalition of global businesses calling for concrete action on climate change, ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties 21 (COP21¹) to be held in Paris from 30 November - 11 December 2015.

This new coalition - comprising 79 CEOs from global companies operating in more than 150 countries and territories and with a combined revenue of $2.13 trillion - believes that the private sector has a responsibility to actively engage in global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Open Message², facilitated by the World Economic Forum, extends an offer to national governments to meet and co-design tangible actions as well as set appropriate and effective targets.

The global CEOs agree on the need to take voluntary action to reduce environmental and carbon footprints, for meaningful and inspirational global action and to actively manage climate risks and incorporate them into decision making, not least to realize positive growth opportunities. The coalition urges the world's leaders to reach an ambitious climate deal at COP21, aligned with the UN Post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs³).

"Our whole vision is geared to drawing on innovation and human ingenuity to transform our business towards a collaborative circular economy model, positively impacting people, planet and profits," says Michel Giannuzzi, CEO of Tarkett, "and for this reason, we had no hesitation in supporting this vital climate change initiative, as we believe that a long-term commitment, extending beyond COP 21, is required to tackle these issues. Smart businesses of the future will have to reduce their carbon footprint, one of the key goals of the circular economy. In this way, we can innovate and drive economic growth that is both profitable and fully sustainable."

Tarkett is committed to conducting business in a sustainable way, inspired by the goals of the regenerative circular economy and Cradle to Cradle principles. Since 2011, Tarkett has been deploying a comprehensive sustainability strategy based on its 'closed loop circular design' model, driven by an extensive eco-innovation strategy which positively contributes to people's health and well-being and the planet, at every step of the product life (design, production, use and recycling).

Tarkett's support for the 'Open Letter' comes one month after announcing its membership of the World Economic Forum, where it will be engaged in both the Global Challenge initiative on the 'Environment and Natural Resource Security' and as an Industry Partner for 'Infrastructure and Urban Development'. Following the long-term commitment of Desso, now part of Tarkett, to promote circular action, Tarkett will continue contributing to Project MainStream⁴, a multi-industry and CEO-led global initiative to accelerate innovation and help scale up the Circular Economy, organized by the World Economic Forum and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

Tarkett has been at the forefront of shaping transformation within the flooring industry, resulting in breakthrough eco-innovations and initiatives, such as flooring solutions that contribute to improved indoor air quality and well-being, connected living spaces for healthcare services, use of phthalate-free plasticizers, product design based on high levels of recycled content, the development of recycling programs and the implementation of an increased use of renewable energy.