"We need each other to make it happen"

Meet Lars Engelke, CEO at Object Carpet

“As a young boy, I spent time at a coating plant. There was a terrible smell and my eyes would tear up. It made me question the industry’s standards,” much valued partner and CEO at Object Carpet, Lars Engelke, describes his first work experience in the industry.

The experience kick-started his sense of urgency to change the industry for the better. “Today, we know for sure that things have to change to ensure a better future. We’re all being called on to exercise our responsibility to lead the change,” he emphasizes our collective responsibility for a better future.

Better together

“What makes Object special is that we leave out the talking. We’re acting instead. We’re consistently rejecting the use of PVC, bitumen, and latex. In the future, we should move away from disposable items,” he says. 

This requires some fundamental changes to business as usual. “We have to start choosing high quality products with a long life span that can close the loop. We have to move away from single use,” he pinpoints some of the changes that are needed to change the industry for the better.

“Our biggest development challenge is in usability and functionality, as we shouldn’t forget that flooring carries the heaviest burden in any building. Our biggest shared goal is to develop functional textile flooring from assembly to use to recycling. We need each other to make it happen,” he concludes.

This story is part of our Frontrunner Partner Series, in which we celebrate our invaluable partnerships. Niaga® and Object Carpet have been collaborating on the development of fully recyclable and healthy carpet that stands out for its innovative designs.