Last month, modular carpet tile manufacturer Interface hit Greenbuild 2012 with a lineup of speakers and presentations all aimed at the topic of biophilic design, which incorporates inspiration from nature to improve the quality of the built environment and enhance intangible elements like productivity and health. The company has adopted this philosophy in its own products with UR501, part of the Urban Retreat line.

The term biophilia, which means "love of life or living systems,” was first used by social psychologist Erich Fromm and later popularized by biologist and author Edward O. Wilson

One of several patterns in the collection, UR501 has a mosslike appearance available in Urban Retreat’s 16-color palette, which includes eight bright colors that create new options for installation. The line’s new 25-centimeter-by-1-meter tile size can also create a look inspired by rough-hewn hardwood planks. Tiles have a total recycled content ranging from 79 to 81 percent, 35 percent of which is post-consumer.

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About the Manufacturer: Interface is the world's largest manufacturer of commercial carpet tile. For 39 years, the company has consistently led the industry through innovation and now leads the industry in environmental sustainability. Interface is setting the pace for development of modular carpet using materials and processes that take less from the environment, and is well along the path to "Mission Zero," the company's promise to eliminate any negative impact it has on the environment by the year 2020. Interface's worldwide carpet manufacturing facilities maintain third party registration to the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System standard, and the company obtained the first-ever Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for the commercial floor covering industry in North America. The company is recognized globally for its commitment to build environmental considerations into its business decisions.