Tarkett Adds to Sustainability & Design Teams

Solon, OH, February 28, 2023-Tarkett recently expanded its sustainability and design teams.

The additions to the sustainability team include Rachel Palopoli, director of circular economy, and Rachel Berkin, sustainability product manager.

As director of circular economy, Palopoli will oversee the Tarkett take-back program, ReStart, which has collected over 112,000 tons of vinyl, linoleum and carpet globally since 2010. With more than 20 years of recycling experience, Palopoli will evaluate and establish take-back pathways for each product type, as well as evaluate internal waste streams. Prior to her position at Tarkett, Palopoli worked for her father at Planet Recycling, then transitioned to Aquafil.

Whereas Palopoli will focus on products’ end-life, Berkin will help uphold the sustainability standards Tarkett has set throughout product conception. This includes facilitating the implementation of healthy materials, product certifications and related processes, working with both internal and external partners.

Since September, Omoleye Simmons has led these efforts as vice president of design for the company’s commercial business, a newly created role.

In February, Simmons welcomed the addition of Rachelle Roberts as director of design for soft surface. In her role, Roberts will be responsible for directing the design development of impactful soft-surface products. Along with several key design initiatives, Roberts will collaborate with the entire product design team to develop coordinated flooring solutions for all market segments, focusing heavily on education, workplace and senior living environments.