Importance

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Abstract

A method for recovering carpet comprising polymeric fibers. A seller, i.e. retailer, manufacturer or distributor installs a carpet at a consumer location and establishes and maintains a database of installed carpet information comprising carpet type, installation date and consumer identification data. The useful lifetime of the installed carpet is estimated, and the seller contacts the consumer within a determined period of time of the end of the estimated useful lifetime of the carpet. The seller then preferably provides the consumer with an incentive to replace the carpet, such as a credit towards the purchase of a replacement carpet from the seller. The seller then collects the used carpet and sorts the collected carpet according to polymeric fiber type. At least one type of polymeric fiber is converted into a recovered polymer composition, such as by depolymerizing it into its monomeric components and then repolymerizing the monomeric components to form a recovered polymer composition. The recovered polymer composition may then be formed into an article such as fibers which are used to form a new carpet. The seller preferably provides the consumer with a replacement carpet. This invention serves to facilitate carpet recycling and promote repeat carpet sales.

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First Claim