SCIENTISTS at the University of York have developed a new adhesive which could reduce the impact of carpet tile waste on the environment.
Around 70 million kilogrammes of carpet tile waste is incinerated or sent to landfill sites across Europe each year because current adhesives make it difficult to recycle.
Researchers at the university’s Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence have created a new starch-based adhesive which allows the layers to be separated and recycled.
Professor James Clark, director of the centre, said the result is a sustainable alternative to the current adhesive which does not sacrifice quality.
He said: “Carpet tiles are becoming increasingly popular so it is important we find ways of producing them in a more sustainable way.
“The results of our research provide a potential solution to a serious waste problem.”
The adhesive quality of the new product can be switched on or off using an inexpensive chemical treatment which does not damage the tiles.
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