Ray Anderson

Ray Anderson is the visionary founder and chairman of Interface Inc., recognized as the largest producer of modular carpet for both commercial and residential settings. His leadership has positioned the company at the forefront of sustainable manufacturing, particularly in the realm of industrial ecology. Notably, since 1995, Anderson has successfully reduced Interface's waste by a remarkable one-third, with an ambitious goal of achieving full sustainability by 2020.

Anderson's definition of sustainability emphasizes the importance of utilizing resources that are rapidly renewable and ensuring no harm to the biosphere. Under his guidance, Interface has made significant strides in eliminating petroleum-based materials from its production processes and advancing recycling initiatives for nylon and polyester, paving the way for closed-loop manufacturing systems.

A pivotal moment in Anderson's environmental journey occurred in 1994 after reading Paul Hawken's "The Ecology of Commerce," which highlighted the destructive impact of industrial practices on the planet. This revelation transformed his approach to business and sustainability.

His contributions to the field have been recognized through his appearances in documentaries such as "The Corporation" and "The 11th Hour," as well as interviews in "The Nature of Things" and "Ethical Markets TV." Anderson is also a Senior Fellow of the Design Futures Council. His literary works include "Mid-Course Correction: Toward a Sustainable Enterprise: The Interface Model" and "Confessions of a Radical Industrialist: Profits, People, Purpose: Doing Business by Respecting the Earth," published in 2009. Through these writings, he shares his personal journey and insights into sustainable business practices.