Over the past 45 years, our Southern California roots have inspired us to exceed expectations. California’s stringent standards aren’t just benchmarks to meet; they’re opportunities to lead. From minimizing our environmental footprint to maximizing our positive impact on society, Bentley approaches responsibility holistically, addressing climate action, fostering community connections, and partnering with like-minded organizations to create meaningful change.

Moving Beyond Sustainability: A Commitment to Total Responsibility

In 2024, Bentley embarked on a transformative journey to redefine our approach to sustainability. Recognizing that sustainability—upholding the status quo—is no longer enough, we partnered with Prowl, a women-owned industrial design and research studio, to think bigger and bolder. This collaboration reshaped how we approach our vision, shifting toward total responsibility: creating superior products, strengthening communities and protecting the planet.

This vision drives every aspect of our business, and is amplified by our California roots. By aligning with experts and investing in initiatives that reflect our values, Bentley ensures that responsibility is not just a goal but a way of doing business.

Leading the Way with High-Quality Materials

At Bentley, quality and responsibility go hand in hand. Our Bentley Premium Nylon system exemplifies this commitment. Rather than manufacturing our own nylon, we choose to collaborate with industry leaders—including Universal (Thrive) and Aquafil (Econyl)—whose yarns feature high recycled content, low carbon footprints and exceptional supply chain transparency. This partnership approach ensures our operations remain nimble, and our products meet the highest standards for performance, sustainability and innovation.

A Legacy of Environmentally Friendly Flooring

From day one, Bentley has produced PVC-free carpet. Today, we’re proud to be certified by the International Living Future Institute as 100% Red List Free and PFAS Free. Achieving these certifications is no small feat, and they reflect our unwavering commitment to creating flooring that’s safer for people and the planet.

Buildings That Tell Our Responsibility Story

Responsibility isn’t just about what we produce—it’s about how we operate. Even our facilities embody our dedication to responsibility. Bentley operates the only LEED-EBOM Gold-certified carpet mill and recently earned an EPA ENERGY STAR certification for our warehouse, demonstrating energy efficiency superior to 79% of similar properties nationwide. These achievements underscore our commitment to reducing environmental impact across all operations.

Looking Ahead

Bentley’s focus on responsibility is not a destination but a continuous journey. As we mark our 46^th year in business, we are more committed than ever to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in commercial flooring. With bold initiatives, strong partnerships, and a deep connection to California’s unique landscape, we’re shaping a future where innovation and responsibility go hand in hand.

When you choose Bentley, you’re not just choosing a floor. You’re choosing a responsible partner, a champion for community and a company dedicated to making the world a better place—one floor at a time.

California-based manufacturer means Bentley has been at the forefront of sustainable development and progress for more than 40 years. The golden state has long led the nation in establishing and meeting rigorous and ambitious “green” standards and goals. It set the first economy-wide greenhouse gas limit and is committed to 100% renewable energy by 2045. It was also the first to require a statewide carpet recycling program design and implemented by carpet manufacturers with CalRecycle oversight—leading to the creation of the California Carpet Stewardship Program, which continues to achieve or surpass its goals, including and beyond recycling rate performance. The California carpet recycling rate has more than tripled since 2015, according to CARE (Carpet American Recovery Effort).

Simply put, just by way of operating and manufacturing in California, Bentley is inherently more environmentally responsible than others in the industry. The standards are high—and we keep them there. However, success requires partnership, which is why Bentley purposefully and strategically aligns with those who share our passion and commitment for the same. 

Closing the Loop on Carpet Manufacturing with Aquafil

Aquafil is one such like-minded partner. The only company in the world that produces regenerated nylon (ECONYL® nylon) from 100% waste, Aquafil sources material from fishing nets, fabric scraps, carpet flooring and industrial plastics to recover all the nylon possible and divert waste from landfills. Bentley recently had the opportunity to visit one of Aquafil’s four U.S. Carpet Collection Centers located in Anaheim, Calif., seeing first-hand part of the reclamation process that regenerates nylon into ECONYL® yarn, a 100% regenerated and regenerable nylon. 

Bentley proudly manufactures many of its carpet products with ECONYL® nylon, including our newest collection, Screen Door.

We choose not to make our own nylon in house. Rather, we rely on and purchase from the absolute experts in the field of yarn manufacturing, like Aquafil. Why does it matter? By working with the marketplace to source the finest yarn, we remain nimble. We ensure our standards – in quality, performance, service and sustainability – stay where we need them: high.

Bentley strongly believes that “where it’s made matters.” Who we partner with matters just as much. Aquafil is at the forefront of sustainable innovation—and together, we’re producing products the A&D community loves and the planet accepts.

Bentley Premium Nylon Now Exclusively in Thrive®, Universal Fibers’ Solution Dyed, Type 6,6 Yarn

LOS ANGELES (JANUARY 2025)—Bentley Mills continues to strengthen its leadership in responsible commercial carpet manufacturing, announcing today that it will exclusively offer Thrive® in its                      Universal Fibers’ solution-dyed yarn bank, the industry’s first and only U.S. company to do so. Part of the Bentley Premium Nylon yarn systems, Thrive—a Type 6,6 solution-dyed nylon—is among the most sustainable, high-performance carpet fibers available to the market today.

“Bentley chooses not to make its own nylon in house,” explained Jay Brown, President and COO, Bentley Mills. “Rather, we source and purchase from the absolute experts in the field of yarn manufacturing to create Bentley Premium Nylon. We are a premium brand and so are our yarn partners—Universal Fibers among them.”

The Universal/Thrive partnership raises Bentley’s minimum percentage of recycled content to 75% in its yarn, while also creating lower carbon impact scores and increasing waste diversion from landfills in the yarn creation process. The use of Thrive has reduced the company’s carbon footprint by almost 50% on some products.

In addition to Thrive, the current Bentley Premium Nylon yarn system includes ECONYL® from Aquafil, the world’s only 100% regenerated and regenerable nylon.

“By working with the marketplace to source the finest fiber, Bentley remains nimble while ensuring our standards—in quality, performance and service—remain high,” added Brown. “We are accountable for our choices.”

All Bentley-manufactured carpet products are PVC-free, PFAS free, and Red List Free, Cradle to Cradle Certified, NSF^® 140 certified, CRI Green Label Plus certified, and produced in a LEED^®-EB:OM Gold-certified manufacturing facility. They carry third-party verified Declare labels, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Health Product Declarations (HPDs). 

For more about Bentley’s products and commitment to responsible manufacturing, visit bentleymills.com.

About Bentley
For more than 45 years, Bentley Mills manufactures and markets award-winning broadloom, carpet tile, LVT, and Prima Vista wool area rugs for interiors across the globe. The California-based brand is recognized for its innovative designs, responsible manufacturing practices and unwavering commitment to quality. Its partnerships with other industry leaders contribute to the company’s ability to deliver premium solutions that define style, color, quality and service while benefiting the environment, community and end-user. All Bentley-made carpet—produced in the only LEED®-EBOM Gold certified carpet mill—is PVC free, PFAS free, and Red List Free. Visit Bentley at bentleymills.com or on Instagram, LinkedIn Facebook and Pinterest.

One standout is EliteFlex (EF6), Bentley’s premium backing system designed for durability, flexibility and sustainability. Its 6-foot roll format makes it a well-regarded, practical solution for schools with reduced seams, added performance and durability, and compatibility with cleaning equipment for easy maintenance.

These solutions also make EF6 an ideal luxury solution for multifamily interiors. Its cushion provides added comfort under foot, absorbs excess noise, and maintains the carpet’s luxe feel longer. And because of its size, it’s easier to deliver and install in compact spaces—including urban locations and high-rise corridors.

Among the myriad benefits of EF6:

• Easy maintenance: Impermeable layers prevent damage and simplify cleanup.
• Durability: Cushion options reduce fatigue, absorb impact, and extend carpet life.
• Sustainability: Made with up to 65% recycled content, Certified Cradle to Cradle Silver and PVC-free

LuxFelt is another innovative backing option that combines luxurious comfort with responsible materials. With an ultra-soft feel and high acoustic performance, LuxFelt excels in spaces where comfort and sound control are priorities.

LuxFelt and EliteFlex backing systems require no RH or pH testing, and the latest generation of water-based adhesives create complete moisture tolerance. 

In addition to EliteFlex and LuxFelt, Bentley offers a range of carpet tile and broadloom systems—all of which are PVC free and Red List free, meeting high standards for sustainable performance.

Choosing the right backing can make all the difference in the longevity and usability of your carpet. With a full suite of backing systems, Bentley helps ensure every project is as functional as it is beautiful. Discover our products by backing type now.

Welcome back to Bentley! How have you seen the flooring industry evolve in the 10 years since you’ve been with us? 

“Hard surfaces like sealed concrete, terrazzo, and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are becoming increasingly popular due to their affordability and versatility. LVT in particular is the fastest-growing product in the commercial flooring market, thanks to its ability to replicate the look of natural materials without the high cost.

However, carpet still plays a crucial role, especially in areas where acoustics and comfort matter most. Large corridors and office spaces benefit from carpet’s noise reduction and underfoot comfort, making it a preferred choice for spaces that prioritize a quieter, more comfortable environment. It’s exciting to see Bentley’s LVT portfolio growing as we create solutions to fit the needs of every environment and blend carpet and hard surface seamlessly from one room to another.” 

Catherine Prossen

How are area rugs being used in commercial spaces?

“As commercial spaces lean toward hard surfaces, area rugs have emerged as a key design element to soften and define large open spaces. They offer definition, warmth, and comfort in otherwise stark environments, making them essential for softening large concrete spaces such as atriums and ancillary areas.

This trend is particularly prominent in retail environments, where multi-location stores benefit from consistent yet customizable designs. Rugs offer versatility in these settings, creating warmth and texture to improve customer experience.”

C.P.

What are some key considerations for buyers who are in the midst of flooring decisions?

“Performance and lifecycle cost are as important—if not more so—than upfront pricing when making long-term flooring decisions. Investment in durable materials can result in significant savings over time, especially in terms of maintenance costs. Carpet requires fewer man hours and less specialized equipment than hard surfaces, making it a cost-effective option over the long run. This is especially relevant in high-traffic areas such as healthcare and educational facilities, where durability and ease of maintenance are key concerns.”

C.P.

Education settings are constantly evolving. What is the outlook for education design in the years to come? 

“Initially, there was a push to remove carpet from schools during the pandemic due to uncertainty around hygiene and safety. However, as more research became available, educational institutions began to recognize the many benefits that carpet offers—particularly in terms of acoustics and durability. Since carpet is a low-touch surface, it is being embraced by students and teachers because of its ability to absorb sound as well as add warmth and comfort to learning environments like classrooms, corridors and media spaces.” 

Today, schools are making more intentional flooring choices, balancing hard and soft surfaces depending on the specific needs of each space. Indoor air quality, moisture control, and acoustic performance are now top considerations, and carpet remains an important part of creating functional, durable and healthy learning environments.

C.P.

What are some of the biggest opportunities you’re seeing right now?

“One of the most exciting opportunities for Bentley in particular is how diverse our offerings really are. Outside of corporate settings, we’ve seen growing demand in sectors like government, aviation, and hospitality, where high-traffic environments require flooring that can stand up to constant wear and tear. Our Eliteflex backing system, for example, is gaining traction in these markets for its ability to handle heavy foot traffic without compromising on aesthetic appeal. That’s why we work so closely with our clients, to create custom solutions that fit their needs across every aspect of the space.”

C.P.

What’s your personal favorite design trend?

“I’m a big fan of the private office disappearing and seeing more environments blend comfort with functionality. The shift away from private offices to more open, collaborative spaces is much more common across sectors like education and corporate spaces, adding a sense of warmth and flexibility to previously rigid environments.”

This trend reflects the evolving nature of work—spaces now need to be inviting and adaptable to various needs, from focused work to group collaboration. Soft surfaces like area rugs and plush carpet are key players in this trend, helping to create inviting, collaborative spaces that cater to both work and socialization. It’s exciting to see this approach transforming commercial interiors into more approachable and comfortable spaces. 

C.P.

Finishing collaboration spaces or classrooms? Refreshing corporate offices to adapt to evolving work styles? Designing multi-family or mixed-use interiors? Whatever your project, you need more high-quality, high-design flooring options—fast. We get it. And we’re delivering it to you.

Fast Track is Bentley’s quick-ship program, designed for maximum flexibility and expedited delivery. In addition to the growing line of best-selling carpet styles, Fast Track now includes your favorite Bentley LVT— allowing you to meet deadlines, reduce delays, and enjoy comprehensive flooring solutions from a single trusted source. To join the program, we have selected four of our most popular wood colors and textures, chosen time and time again for their versatility, enduring appeal, and beauty.

Mood Open 801992

Memory Bungalow 801983

Ground Rules Come Prepared 802013

Ground Rules Wait Your Turn 802015

These four Bentley LVT colors pair beautifully with the complete Bentley Fast Track offerings, including 18 carpet* styles with over 200 colors in a variety of dimensions and backing systems

With a 5000 square foot maximum order quantity, these selections have a higher-than-average set limit and will be ready to ship to you within 10 business days.

Fast Track Ground Rules LVT is available in the standard 6 in x 48 in, 2.5 mm thick tiles.

Fast Track Mood and Memory are available in the standard 9 in x 48 in, 2.5 mm thick tiles.

Whatever your project need, our Fast Track products and service ensure it stays on track without sacrificing style or performance.For more information on our LVT and carpet Fast Track offerings, visit Bentleymills.com or click here.

*Fast Track Carpet tiles are available in 18 in x 36 in and 24 in x 24 in AFIRMA II Hardback Tile, LuxFelt Cushion Tile, NexStep ® Cushion Tile, EliteFlex 6 ft Cushion, and High PerformancePC Broadloom. Orders of 1500 square yards or less will be ready to ship within 10 business days of order. For orders exceeding 1500 square yards please contact our Customer Care Concierge for availability.

View Products

Organized into four palettes, the Screen Door Collection reflects how seasons alter our view of color in four distinct parts of our day. Just as the sun moves light and shadows across a landscape, each palette has shared neutrals that easily move contrast and color across the floor, creating strongly-defined or soft transitions.

Early Bird is as uncomplicated as morning light. Sunday Brunch adds a touch of color to the morning. Night Owl is a blanket of rich, darker tones and Happy Hour brings a different accent to color the evening.

View Products

LOS ANGELES (August 2024) — Bentley Mills, Inc., California’s only commercial carpet manufacturer, announced today the appointment of Catherine Prossen as vice president of business development.  Prossen, a seasoned industry professional with nearly 20 years of experience in architecture and design, will focus on strengthening customer relationships and sales success while helping to drive the company’s growth across vertical markets.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Catherine back to Bentley in the business development role. Our top priority as a company is to deliver exceptional client service, meeting and exceeding their standards every day,” said Jay Brown, Bentley president and chief operating officer. “Her deep knowledge of and connections with the A&D community, combined with her expertise in sales strategy, make Catherine a key player in our continued growth and ability to deliver the quality product and service the industry has come to expect from Bentley.”

With two decades of experience in sales, Prossen’s career is marked by innovation, strategic impact, and a dedication to advancing both brand and market. She has worked in the commercial carpet industry for more than two decades, including nearly six years as an account executive with Bentley from 2008-2014. Most recently, she served as the Midwest regional sales director for Interface, following several successful years focused on the education segment with nora rubber flooring.

“I’m thrilled to rejoin Bentley and am excited for the opportunity to support our talented sales team in building relationships and solving key problems for our customers,” said Prossen, who will remain based in Milwaukee. “Throughout my career, I’ve learned the importance of collaborating with customers and understanding their strengths and challenges in order to drive success for them. I look forward to keeping Bentley ahead of market trends and finding new ways to partner with our clients and address their needs.”

Take a look at some pictures from our “Three Days in June” Bentley Showroom with all our friends and colleagues gathered at this favorite annual event. Don’t miss the video featuring Victoria deVuono, our Vice President of Product Development and Marketing, as she walks you through Pacific Standard Time’s three styles—Chronologies, Now/Then and Lot45.

The buzz around Pacific Standard Time remains loud and for good reason. This award-winning collection is an authentic reflection of all that we hold dear as a Southern California company. And as we celebrate our 45^th anniversary, we are grateful for the creative resources, innovation and inspiration that our home provides us as makers and designers.

We’ve also included video of a conversation between Victoria and Avi Rajagopal, Editor in Chief of Metropolis Magazine, touching on the inspiration for the products, our increasingly high sustainability standards, and more.

Interior Design: Pacific Standard Time by Bentley Mills

Metropolis: MetLikes Winner – Pacific Standard Time by Bentley Mills

View Products

Colorful design goes beyond one product—it requires cohesion across all elements in a space, especially when tapping into new design trends, or perfecting school and corporate colors in collaboration zones.  

That’s why we’ve partnered with Sherwin-Williams to bring your color vision to life through our newest launch, Free Pass. This new partnership was created to make the design process more seamless through a standardized color system that allows you to choose and communicate color choices more easily.  A designer can choose color inspiration from Sherwin-Williams’ extensive color library through its ColorSnap fan decks, that will be matched exactly in the carpet through our COLORCAST system. Once you choose your carpet, the rest of your color choices are made that much simpler with the ColorSnap system.  

To dive into the color trends currently shaping the architecture and design industry, we met with Emily Kantz, Color Marketing Manager at Sherwin-Williams, to discuss our partnership, the design process and how color is evolving across segments.

Bentley Mills: How does this new collaboration with Bentley make the decision process more seamless for designers?

Emily Kantz: When designers are specifying products to bring the vision in their head to life, finding the perfect color isn’t always achievable. There are limitations in product offerings and color choices—which is why it’s great that we’re partnering with Bentley to supply fan decks to designers, allowing them access to color inspiration right at their fingertips.

Paint color is what ties everything together in the end, so taking that and applying it to the carpet is a unique opportunity—with the fan decks you can see what needs tweaking for a spot-on color and designers count on this. They know Bentley has a great reputation, so adding color accuracy to the partnership alleviates the headache and makes the lives of designers easier.

BM: What colors are designers leaning towards and how are current trends impacting design choices?

EK: Tried-and-true neutrals and greys continue to be popular, but pastels are taking an interesting twist and turn. Sustainability continues to play a large role in design, inspiring a greyish undertone in pastels—recycled materials and content make them muted without pure white undertones.

On the other hand, the preppy look is also shifting back into designs with bright greens, pinks and yellow taking on a greater presence. Older design styles are resurfacing and inspiring jewel tones and fresh twists on older buildings. We’re also seeing designers move away from sterile white environments, instead opting for a dose of personality. Specifically, we’re seeing a post-COVID shift happening with employers offering fun and noisy areas decked in color, areas that evoke happiness and positive emotions, and colors that dictate spaces or present a sense of company culture.

BM: What design trends are you seeing where color can play a bigger factor?

EK: When looking at color trends and design overall, we’re seeing a focus on inclusivity—spaces that make people feel comfortable. Many designers are taking neurodiversity into consideration—thinking about those who are agitated by loud noises or bold color, and creating spaces so people can choose what type of environment they want to work in at different times of day for different types of work. Color plays a huge role in this, as collaborative spaces lean into brighter colors to bring energy while more neutral and muted tones designate quiet spaces for individual productivity.

Looking at specific segments, a lot of this thinking applies to education. For children, colors can act as a natural cue, designating what environments mean and the purpose of a space. We also see color directing spaces in healthcare, with private zones and public zones being designated by specific colors. Across industries, color is always playing a role in purposeful infusions in space—and designers are listening to the growing demand for visuals cues.

BM: How are you seeing color saturation play out in design?

EK: Showstopping color drenched looks are growing in popularity—and now we have a way to support this design vision. Designers create an idea in their mind and need a color to match that. With our ColorSnap fan deck they’ll be able to achieve this vision with a paint shade that’s custom made into carpeting with the development of Free Pass and Bentley’s COLORCAST technology. Even if it’s an area separated by architectural draping, sheer color, we can help designers create a fun, designated “zone.” Creating zones with color is becoming more common, as commercial interiors require collaborative or fun spaces, such as designated huddle rooms separate from individual workstations. The newfound flexibility in products allows more freedom for color throughout space—without needing to switch the product, but rather just switch the shade or color entirely.  

BM: What’s your personal favorite Sherwin-Williams color right now?

EK: One I’ve been really interested in lately is Carnelian! It’s a dark, rich plum wine color. It’s very dark and moody and looks beautiful on the wall.

Explore Sherwin-Williams hottest color trends at swcolorforecast.com and discover the full potential of these trending hues with our complete portfolio of products.  Architects, Specifiers & Designers Resources | Sherwin-Williams