Beyond Reclamation: Why True Recycling Matters in Trade Show Flooring

Sustainability is becoming a shared priority across the exhibit and events industry. As conversations evolve, so should our solutions.

For years, the industry has relied on reclamation programs to reduce landfill waste. Reclamation plays an important role by collecting and diverting used materials away from landfills. But diversion is only part of the solution.

At Graphic Image Flooring, we believe in going further.

That is why we have developed our program to support true recycling for select products, including Infinity Carpet, Prestige Vinyl Flooring, and Endurance Vinyl Flooring, and more.
 

Reclamation vs. Recycling: What Is the Difference?

Reclamation focuses on logistics. It is the process of collecting, sorting, and diverting materials from landfills for reuse or future processing.

Recycling focuses on manufacturing. It is the process of breaking down used carpet fibers and vinyl components into raw materials that can be used to create new products, such as automotive parts, insulation, or new carpet backing.

Both approaches aim to reduce landfill waste. However, recycling creates a circular lifecycle where materials are reprocessed rather than simply redirected.
 

Why We Chose True Recycling

True recycling requires greater coordination, transportation planning, and financial investment. It is more complex than reclamation alone.

We chose this path because it delivers measurable environmental impact. By returning materials to our manufacturing partners, we ensure they are processed and transformed into new usable products.

Sustainability should not stop at the end of the show floor. It should extend to what happens after dismantling.
 

How the Program Works

Our recycling program is available for:

• Carpet
  • Infinity® Carpet
• Vinyl Flooring
  • DuraLite™ Vinyl
  • Small Coin™ Flooring
  • Prestige® Vinyl Flooring
  • Endurance® Vinyl Flooring
  • Expressions XD™ Flooring
• Floor Mats
  • Select Floor Mats
     

Carpet may be returned to Dalton, Georgia or Las Vegas, Nevada.
Vinyl may be returned to Emporia, Kansas or Randolph, New Jersey.

We have designed the process to be straightforward:

1. Let us know you would like to return and recycle your flooring.
2. We provide a freight quote for return shipping.
3. Upon approval, we issue an invoice for shipping.
4. We provide shipping labels and a bill of lading.
5. At the end of the show, roll carpet onto its original core and secure it. Vinyl can be rolled or palletized.
6. Coordinate removal with show management and provide the bill of lading.

Our team supports you through each step to ensure the process is as seamless as possible.
 

A Commitment Beyond Materials

Our sustainability journey reflects more than environmental responsibility. It reinforces our commitment to community engagement, responsible partnerships, and reducing the collective footprint of our industry.

We understand that trade show environments are temporary by nature. That makes it even more important to consider what happens after the event concludes.

At Graphic Image Flooring, sustainability starts from the ground up and continues long after the show floor closes.