Desso Chairman Stef Kranendijk Attends Davos Summit 2013 to Make the Case for the Circular Economy

Waalwijk, The Netherlands (ots/PRNewswire) -

During January 23-27 2013, Stef Kranendijk, Chairman of the
European carpet and sports pitches company Desso, will be speaking at
the World Economic Forum's summit in Davos about the benefits of the
circular economy.

Based on Desso's own experience of developing Cradle to Cradle(R)
processes and products since 2008, Kranendijk will be able to speak
from direct experience about how you can develop a new business model
on these lines.

He will say that the circular economy provides the most effective
way to reignite the world economy and generate wealth in a
sustainable way.

Kranendijk says: "We decided to become a Cradle to Cradle(R)
Company in 2008 to enable us over time to build a business model that
will turn waste into nutrients to be recycled in the manufacturing
process or through the biosphere, to encourage the greater use of
renewable energy in our production processes and the design of our
goods with the healthiest possible ingredients, benefiting people's
health and wellbeing and the environment."

"I hope the world leaders at Davos hear this message," says
Kranendijk. "In particular, I hope they realise that the Circular
Economy boosts innovation and profits as well. It is right from all
angles: people, planet and profit. The more businesses that sign up
to this concept, the faster we can rebuild economic prosperity in a
truly sustainable way."

"Since developing our Cradle to Cradle(R) strategy our market
share in carpet tiles in Europe has increased from 15% in 2007 to 25%
in 2012[1], which is in part due to the changes we have made. And
last year the report Towards the Circular Economy[2] produced by the
Ellen MacArthur Foundation and Mckinsey demonstrated that European
industry could save up to $630 billion per year by moving to the
circular economy."

It is a long haul though, Kranendijk adds.

"It is tough to do and you need a long-term vision. But we are
convinced it is imperative to develop these new business models
taking us away from the unsustainable 'take, make and waste' linear
economy into a circular one, which is why I am delighted to be able
to contribute to the discussions on the topic at Davos this year."

NOTES TO EDITOR

Desso is a leading provider of carpets and sports pitches to
markets in more than 100 countries. Its flooring products are
supplied to corporate offices, education, healthcare, government,
homes and also hotels, cruise liners and airlines. Desso has a strong
long-established reputation for reliability, quality, design,
functionality as well as environmental responsibility. More
information available at http://www.desso.com/Desso/EN,
http://www.twitter.com/dessogroup.

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1. External sources used for calculation of market share date
include: BMW, Palmer, Fedustria, UFTM, real estate agencies,
architectural billings and supplier information (yarn and other
components). Internal data is based on local management estimates

2. The report is available online at:
http://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org

ots Originaltext: Desso Group BV
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Contact:
MEDIA CONTACTS: To arrange interviews with Stef Kranendijk on
Desso and the circular economy contact: Morice Mendoza - mobile:
+44(0)7944-128298 or Liezelotte Rijk: mobile: +31(0)651224448 or
email:
lrijk@desso.com.