Pioneering Change: UKSFA’s Vision for a Sustainable Tomorrow

The United Kingdom Sustainable Flooring Alliance (UKSFA), formerly Carpet Recycling UK, has embarked on a new journey in the last 12 months under the leadership of its most recently appointed CEO, Cathie Clarke. With experience and a passion for driving collaboration and innovation within the sector, Clarke is steering the organisation towards a future defined by transformation, collaboration, and change. Against the backdrop of evolving legislation, heightened environmental concerns, and an urgent need for sustainable solutions in the flooring industry, she sees both challenges and exciting new opportunities.

Connecting people and breaking down barriers

Cathie Clarke’s career has been shaped by a passion for bringing people together to create meaningful change. Her journey began in construction in 2003, where she played a key role in the Leader+ European-funded project, a £2 million initiative with a strong educational focus on traditional building skills. Recognising the knowledge gaps in the industry, she established the Heritage Skills Hub, a social enterprise aimed at connecting construction professionals and educators to preserve historic skills and craftsmanship.

Her ability to unite stakeholders and build networks led her to the National Heritage Training Group as General Manager, where she worked to bridge the gap between training providers and industry needs. She then transitioned into trade associations, first with the Single Ply Roofing Association (SPRA) in 2015, where she tackled industry fragmentation, promoted collaboration, and expanded the association’s influence in key national organisations such as Build UK and the Construction Products Association (CPA).

Clarke’s experience in membership organisations, technical best practices, and advocacy, uniquely positions her to lead UKSFA through a critical period of change. Her expertise in fostering collaboration among competitors and engaging with policymakers will be instrumental in ensuring the industry’s voice is heard as new regulations take shape.

Navigating change in flooring recycling

One of the biggest challenges facing the carpet and flooring industry is the introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). This legislation, which is set to reshape waste management across multiple sectors, places financial and logistical responsibility on manufacturers and distributors for the end-of-life disposal of their products. The impact on flooring is particularly significant, with potential cost implications for producers and consumers alike. Clarke sees this as a crucial moment for the industry to take control of its future.

“The EPR is coming, and it’s going to change everything,” Clarke explains. “Landfill tax is increasing, and we need to find viable alternatives for all flooring waste. Right now, a significant portion of textile flooring waste is burned for energy, but as the majority of textile flooring is made from synthetic fibres which are produced from oil, this is not a long-term solution. The industry must innovate to reduce waste, improve recycling rates, and create a circular economy for flooring.”

Clarke emphasises that working together is the only way forward. UKSFA is committed to helping its members navigate the evolving legislative landscape, ensuring they stay ahead of regulatory changes while fostering sustainable practices.

A rebrand to reflect a broader mission

One of the most significant steps under Clarke’s leadership is the rebranding of Carpet Recycling UK to UK Sustainable Flooring Association. A name change, she explains, is a strategic move that allows the organisation to represent the entire flooring sector in the future, whilst continuing to focus on carpet and textile flooring.

“When EPR discussions first began, the Government focused solely on carpet and textile flooring, leaving out resilient flooring like vinyl and LVT. This created an uneven playing field. We advocated for a broader, fairer approach, and now flooring as a whole is being considered. To continue influencing these decisions effectively, we need a name that accurately reflects who we represent, and what we do.”

But the rebrand is not just about optics; it’s about positioning the association to best collaborate with other industry stakeholders and lead on sustainable flooring solutions. Clarke envisions USFKA becoming the organisation responsible for managing an EPR scheme for the flooring industry, ensuring the sector has a voice in shaping its own future, rather than having regulations imposed upon it.

Transformation, collaboration, and change

With an estimated 400,000 tons of carpet and textile flooring waste generated annually in the UK, the need for scalable recycling solutions has never been greater. Clarke is determined to drive innovation by fostering partnerships with manufacturers, recyclers, and waste management companies.

She adds: “Recycling carpet and flooring is not just about avoiding landfill; it’s about creating a viable industry around it. We need to invest in research, improve collection and sorting processes, and support businesses that are developing new manufacturing and recycling technologies. If we can turn textile and flooring waste into valuable new goods, and support the industry to increase eco-designed products, we make sustainability a commercial reality.”

She is also keen on improving data collection within the industry. “Understanding what waste is out there and where it goes is crucial. By gathering accurate data, we can create smarter policies and drive investment in recycling and reuse infrastructure.”

The collaboration between UKSFA and the CFA marks a key partnership aimed at conducting baseline research on the UK’s current take-back scheme landscape. This project will explore both the commercial and local authority operations, serving as a crucial first step in understanding the challenges and identifying opportunities for industry-wide change.

Industry-wide action

Under Clarke’s leadership, UKSFA is shifting from being a facilitator of conversations to an active driver of industry-wide change. The message to members and stakeholders is clear; transformation cannot happen in silos.

“We all talk about collaboration, but it has to start within our industry. If we strengthen both our internal and external relationships, we can present a united front to the Government and regulatory bodies. This is not just about compliance; it’s about future-proofing our industry. Working together makes adaptation easier, minimises costs, and ensures sustainability is embedded in everything we do.”

Clarke acknowledges that change can be daunting, but remains optimistic about the road ahead. “Yes, there are challenges. Yes, there will be costs. But if we embrace this moment, we can lead the way in sustainable flooring solutions, setting an example for other industries to follow.

“I want to inspire people with the same enthusiasm and energy as I have – to do the right thing and explore all the possibilities. We can turn adversity into an opportunity.” 

As UKSFA embarks on this new chapter, the focus remains on transformation, collaboration, and change. With Clarke at the helm, the association is not just reacting to industry shifts – it is shaping them.

uk-sfa.com

For more information on sustainability visit the CFA Guide to Sustainability 2025–2026.