CARE Names Rachel Palopoli VP of Circularity & Innovation

Dalton, GA, September 21, 2026—Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) has appointed Rachel Palopoli as vice president of circularity and innovation.

A sustainability and recycling leader with more than 20 years of industry experience, Palopoli brings a history of driving innovative material recovery programs, expanding recycling infrastructure and accelerating circular economy initiatives throughout the flooring sector.

Before joining CARE, Palopoli served as director of circular economy at Tarkett, where she led the company’s nationally recognized Restart take-back and recycling program. She previously held leadership positions with Planet Recycling and Aquafil, where she successfully expanded recycling operations, built strategic partnerships, and developed programs that increased the diversion and reuse of valuable post-consumer materials.

Palopoli has also been a long-time advocate for carpet stewardship and industry collaboration. She has served on the California Carpet Advisory Committee since 2016 and previously contributed to CARE’s mission as a member of its Board of Directors. Most recently, she earned a master’s degree in Sustainability Leadership from Arizona State University, further deepening her expertise in creating scalable solutions that advance a circular economy.