Interface launched the Vertical Circles^TM Collection, its first commercial modular carpet product collection utilizing biobased fiber, during the 2004 NeoCon World’s Trade Fair.

Vertical Circles consists of 3 products – Metamorphic^TM, Synchronicity^TM and Kinesis^TM. Each features geometric pieces that change in shape and structure as they connect and reconnect to create a wondrous, large scale pattern on the floor.

Non Directional Modular Carpet From Interface
Vertical Circles adds to the growing i2^TM New Monolithic category of non directional products that also feature mergeable dye lots. The concept for Interface’s i2 category stemmed from product designer David Oakey’s exploration of biomimicry, a science that studies nature’s great achievements – photosynthesis, natural selection, selfsustaining ecosystems, etc. – in order to utilize these designs and processes to solve our own problems without depleting or further damaging the natural world. The benefits of i2 include:

• Faster installation – modules may be installed in any direction.
• Less material waste – 1.5% with i2 New Monolithic vs 3-4% with typical carpet tile and as much as 13-20% or more with roll good products.
• Mergeable dye lots – new modules installed for selective replacement will always match, even years after the initial installation.
• No attic stock required – product ordered years later will match product installed today.
• Longer life of the floorcovering investment.
• Certified Cool Carpet^TM by the Climate Neutral Network – Cool Carpet certification means that all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions emitted during the life cycle of the product are offset or balanced. The product life cycle includes raw material acquisition, manufacturing, transportation, use and maintenance, and end-of-life disposition. By purchasing Interface products, you can contribute to other initiatives that will offset or balance the environmental impact that a product's lifecycle has on the environment.

Hybrid Product Utilizing Bio-based Fiber
Interface is committed to becoming a sustainable enterprise. One of the important steps on its journey to sustainability is minimizing, and ultimately eliminating, our reliance on non-renewable, oil-based products and processes. Therefore, the development of products made from renewable fibers is a significant part of Interface’s plan to incorporate sustainable practices into every part of our business. In our exploration of biopolymers, Interface has chosen to explore fibers made from PLA (Polylactic Acid).

The dense face construction of Metamorphic, Synchronicity and Kinesis consists of 15% bio-based fiber made from Polylactic Acid. PLA is produced by harnessing the carbon naturally stored in plants through the process of photosynthesis to create a polymer that can be used for common consumer items such as clothing, cups, food containers, candy wrappers and now contract fabrics and carpets. This new process uses rapidly renewable resources such as corn or wheat to create a bio-based polymer, polylactic acid or PLA. PLA has numerous advantages for the environment over petroleum based polymers, including a 20% - 30% reduction in the fossil fuels. In addition, since the PLA molecules are based on carbon recently captured from the atmosphere by plants, the system contributes less to global climate change than petroleum based fibers such as nylon.

Structured Backing with over 30 Years Proven Performance
The Vertical Circles styles are standard on Interface’s patented GlasBac® backing system. GlasBac has over 30 years of proven performance in the commercial environment. Interface products with GlasBac backing feature:

• Fiberglas reinforced construction – lays flat with exceptional dimensional stability.
• Non-woven primary backing – won’t sprout at tile edges.
• Dimensional stability – guaranteed protection against delamination, stretching or shrinkage.
• Intersept antimicrobial preservative – permanent incorporation into the backing pre-coat for enhanced protection against growth of a broad spectrum of mold, mildew, bacteria and odor-causing microorganisms.
• Recyclable through Interface’s ReEntry Carpet Reclamation Program – backing and face are separated so that the vinyl backing can be recycled into GlasBac RE backing.
• CRI Green Label Plus certification – all Interface constructions have received certification by an independent laboratory to meet stringent criteria for low emissions. The Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI) partnered with the California Department of Health Services' Indoor Air Quality Program (DHS/IAQ) and the CA Sustainable Building Task Force to establish the Green Label Plus testing protocol for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from carpet equivalent to CA Section 01350. The main enhancement to the Green Label Plus program is the addition of ten more chemicals for testing. See the CRI web site for additional details: http://www.carpet-rug.com/News/040614_GLP.cfm

Solution Dyed Fiber & Integrated Pattern Construction
Vertical Circles feature an integrated pattern in a tufted textured loop construction of 100% solution dyed fiber. Solution dyed fiber ensures superior stain resistance and color-fastness, even when exposed to sunlight. Solution dyed fiber is resistant to most bleaches, solvents and other staining liquids that would ruin conventional carpet. It is also permanently colored throughout, not just on the surface, and solution dyeing has significantly less impact on water resources than other dyeing methods, such as printing, that are used to achieve pattern and color.

Vertical Circles Specification – Metamorphic, Synchronicity, Kinesis

Product Construction	Tufted Textured Loop
Standard Colorline	8 colors
Yarn System	Hybrid Yarn
Dye Method	100% Solution Dyed
Dye Lots	Mergeable
Soil/Stain Protection	Protekt2®
Antimicrobial	Intersept® Antimicrobial Preservative
Backing	GlasBac® Tile
Tufted Yarn Weight	22 oz/yd2
Installation	Method Non-Directional
IAQ Certification	CRI Green Label Plus

Vertical Circles are manufactured in Interface’s Troup County, GA facilities, which maintain registration to the ISO 14001:1996 Environmental Management System and ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System standards.