Commercialization story behind keystone biomimicry innovations at Interface
How would nature design a floor?
This was the question on the minds of a team of textile designers from Interface when they took a field trip to the local forest with Biomimicry 3.8 Co-founder Janine Benyus.
The answers would yield great results for Interface.
Thanks to a drive towards sustainability in 1994 and the use of biomimicry as a key sustainable design approach later in the 90s, Interface has taken the concept of modular carpet designs and applied principles of biomimicry to create a company that is leading a green revolution among carpet manufacturers.
The patented i2 modular carpet line and the TacTiles glue-free installation system mimic what we can see around us every day in nature. Inspiration from the forest floor has given rise to a carpet revolution that has changed the face of Interface as a company, even as Interface is changing the face of the industry.
Interface carpet is inspired by nature
The best-selling i2 line of products has become the face of the company. It has opened large new markets that Interface can capitalize upon, allowing it to become an industry leader by showing that market innovation is not only possible, but that it is profitable, and that it can lead to a larger industry-wide push that has driven many of the other industry leaders to push for greener manufacturing and production techniques. With a reinvigorated focus on the principle of biomimicry, Interface is set to continue as a market leader and a trend-setter in green technology and clean carpet manufacturing well into the 21st century.
Bonus! Download includes a beautiful set of presentation slides to share this story with others.
Key Lessons Learned
The path to innovation is never a straight line. In fact, all the company stories featured in our case studies outline some key lessons learned along the way. Here's a few from the journey towards i2 and TacTiles from Interface:
1
Be prepared to creatively adapt to changing conditions
Market diversification around a singular, disruptive technology can yield positive financial results. A company must be constantly evolving as the world around it continues to evolve if it hopes to remain at the forefront of its industry and avoid being left behind in the marketplace.
2
Stay the course
Sustainable change requires patience, dedication, passion, commitment, and focus from company leadership to the cause. Sustainable biomimetic innovation needs to be made a part of the corporate culture and instilled in all company personnel from top to bottom.
3
Innovation can drive necessity just as much as necessity can drive innovation
As the market moves towards eco-friendly, sustainable production processes and products, biomimicry can provide revolutionary, disruptive innovations to support green technology.
Preview Biomimicry Case Study
i2 and TACTILES
BY INTERFACE
Case study researched and written by
Biomimicry Advisory Services (BAS) is an independent financial market research and advisory organization that provides strategic advice and ongoing intelligence on emerging biomimicry technologies. BAS is a project initiative of Biomimicry Switzerland.
A World Empowered with Nature's Genius
Help us achieve our vision by sharing these biomimicry resources with the creative problem solvers in your network.