In 2008 modulyss became the first European mill to use recycled nylon fibre in their carpet tiles. That fibre was Econyl 70 by Aquafil, A 70% recycled nylon.

Today an increasing number of modulyss products are made with Econyl — now 100% recycled nylon. Heritage Carpets is a strong advocate for this material and carries significant stocks of Millennium NXTGEN locally. 

Early in 2018, Heritage Carpets' Umesh Dayal visited the Aquafil plants in Slovenia to learn more about Econyl and the overall process — a fact checking mission. 

It turns out the story of Econyl goes a lot further than collecting discarded marine waste and making carpet fibre (the lovely story heard from many in the industry). Aquafil has set up multiple recovery initiatives, including partnerships with organisations such as HealthySeas, a group supported in turn by modulyss. In fact, the modulyss team has participated in dives in the North Sea, as volunteers, recovering discarded fishing nets and other materials.

Aquafil also accepts other forms of nylon waste via recycling companies, recovering post consumer and post industrial waste, including both carpet manufacturing waste, and used carpet products.

New developments for Econyl are in materials for fashion, with brands like Adidas, Levis, Speedo, Volcom and kiwi brand Koru Swimwear all releasing ranges produced with Econyl. These products increase awareness and allow consumers to support the efforts by Aquafil and other related recovery organisations.

Through modulyss, Heritage Carpets are proud to work with Aquafil’s Econyl yarn, among others. It’s an area of focus for the company and upcoming products releases will demonstrate this.