Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) has appointed Rachel Palopoli as Vice President of Circularity and Innovation, further strengthening the organization’s leadership in advancing carpet stewardship and circular economy solutions.
A recognized sustainability and recycling leader with more than 20 years of industry experience, Palopoli brings a proven 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.
“Rachel’s appointment represents an important investment in CARE’s future and our mission to build a circular economy for post-consumer carpet,” said Bob Peoples, CARE Executive Director and CEO. “Her intellectual capacity combined with extensive experience in recycling, product stewardship and circular systems, combined with her deep understanding of the flooring industry, will allow her to make an immediate impact as we continue to expand market-based solutions for carpet recovery and recycling.”
In her new role, Palopoli will lead CARE’s efforts to drive innovation, strengthen industry partnerships, and advance programs that increase the recovery and beneficial use of post-consumer carpet across North America.