Navigating Forward: Making Progress at The Carpet and Rug Institute
Dalton, GA – Nov 21, 2023 – Friends and colleagues, this time of year is ripe for thoughtful reflection, gratitude and thanksgiving. With that in mind, I want to reflect on our work at The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) and share some thoughts on where we’re headed in 2024.
As the new steward of the CRI, I’m proud to report a positive year for your trade association. In an industry shaped by resilience and innovation, we find ourselves propelled by a commitment to not just adapt to change, but to lead it. And, while external challenges persist as formidable tests on our path, I am happy to say that the carpet and rug industry is not merely weathering the storm — it is growing steadily.
We’re making profound strides with our signature programs, Green Label Plus and Seal of Approval, which continue to be industry-leading programs. Green Label Plus adds new products and participants each year, making it the premier program for indoor air quality testing of carpet, cushion, and adhesive. The program maintained its ANSI certification this year with a spotless program audit for the third straight year, and it continues to be recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED program, the EPA, and other environmental programs. The Green Label Plus program is very much of global significance, with participants coming from 25 countries across 6 continents.
Similarly, the Seal of Approval program has an international reach with participants from six continents. The products certified by Seal of Approval are recognized by LEED as green cleaning and recommended for commercial maintenance.
With regard to government relations, there is a great deal of activity regarding Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in numerous states and we continue to push forward with a message of market-based solutions over government mandates. Please know the CRI will continue in its efforts to counter EPR legislation and promote market-based solutions for post-consumer recycling in 2024 on behalf of the industry.
We’ve renewed the mission statement of the Carpet and Rug Institute in an effort to stay laser-focused on what we need us to accomplish. We’ve also renewed our work to tout the benefits of carpet, and aim to do more of that as we step into a new year.
There are certainly challenges ahead for us, but I know the CRI and its members will meet these challenges head on, helping to make a better industry and an even brighter future.
Thank you for helping shape the future of the carpet and rug industry. In the meantime, we’d love to hear from you.
About The Carpet and Rug Institute
CRI is the leading industry source for science-based information and insight on how carpet and rugs create a better environment for living, working, learning, and healing. CRI’s mission is to serve the carpet industry and public by providing facts that help people make informed choices. Its best practices promote a balance between social, economic, and environmental responsibility for the long term. CRI does this for its industry, yet it strives to be a model corporate citizen for all industries.
