“My main focus is to raise awareness in the market about more sustainable carpet fibres,” says Project Floors’ Business Development Manager, Tamara Holland. “I spend most of my time presenting to architects and designers about who we are, what we do and how we can support them with innovative product choices.”
Project Floors is rolling out a game-changing new material, Tamara says. “We’ve just launched Thrive® ProTile made from a world-first, revolutionary new carbon-negative fibre called Thrive® Matter. It’s the first carbon-negative carpet fibre and Project Floors is pioneering its launch in New Zealand.” Thrive® Matter is made from 100% post-industrial recycled resin, resulting in a final product that is 90% recycled content. Nearly all of its production waste is captured and re-integrated into the manufacturing process, and it remains fully recyclable at the end of its lifespan. “Globally, there is something like 1.5 billion kilograms of carpet going to landfill each year, with only 5% being recycled,” Tamara says. “That knowledge has driven us to not only seek to mitigate the problem, but also to actively try to reduce it for future generations.”
Leading the charge, Tamara says, is Project Floors’ Founder and CEO, Jade Patel. “She is absolutely tireless in her desire for innovation. I feel extremely privileged to work alongside her. Always solution-focussed, Jade continually sources the best products, methodologies and people to elevate fit-for-purpose flooring in Aotearoa. For 20+ years, she has created a caring culture that seeks to truly make a difference that is positive for the planet and its people. As a team, we are committed to being ahead of the industry curve by embracing and driving change.”
Tamara’s role is in helping industry better understand and get on board with that change. “With a plethora of environmental and green accreditations, everything we do is sustainably focussed, but I think there’s still some work to do to educate the industry about exactly what that means for us. It’s not a box-ticking exercise; it’s in every process, every product, every bit of packaging that Project Floors uses. My role is really in building relationships and trust, and helping professionals feel confident that we are and will continue to deliver on those values.
“I find that people often don’t just buy the product, they buy into the person offering it, so it’s really important to get into rooms with clients and show them exactly what we can offer. This will be especially significant over the months ahead as we start to roll out products made with Thrive® Matter. We’re looking for early adopters in the industry who are ready to partner with us and drive a carbon-negative vision for the future.”
Alongside their carpet offering, Project Floors is also working with engineered flooring, Tamara says. “One of my favourite products to share with architects and designers is our TruTouch SPC Stone Plank Composite. This is made of natural limestone powder, polymers and stabilisers which provide a timeless timber-look design, while also offering an incredibly stable and high-performing underlay. We currently have about 20 different colours and finishes available, although hundreds of finishes are possible, all with the look and feel of natural timber. What makes this product especially attractive is its certifications including GreenGuard, Cradle to Cradle, Indoor Air Comfort Gold and many others along with being a NZ Building Code E3 internal moisture compliant product which means it can be used in spaces like kitchens, bathrooms and laundries.”
Tamara encourages industry professionals to come view these and other innovative products for themselves at Project Floors’ Design Hub in Takapuna. “The space is quite spectacular. All of our products are laid out from floor to ceiling. We have little nesting areas where we can collaborate, and many architects and designers use the space to meet with their own clients – sometimes for hours – so they can go through the huge range of options that we have available. We also put on beautiful industry events here; Project Floors is whānau and our door is always open.”
As she looks to the future, Tamara says that she is committed to sharing Projects Floors’ vision with the industry and supporting future generations with product innovations. “If we reflect on where we were five years ago, it's astonishing to see our progress today. I'm eagerly anticipating what the next five years will bring and am fully committed to the long-term journey, upholding Jade's vision and ensuring we continue to improve and evolve."
To learn more, book a visit at the Design Hub, or to connect with Tamara for a presentation visit https://www.projectfloors.co.nz/ and follow Project Floors on LinkedIn.
