by Ann Withanee — October 3, 2011—Elevating industry standards of sustainable carpeting, Mohawk unveils SmartStrand Contract, a bio-based fiber system. First introduced as a broadloom offering by Mohawk Industries for residential use in 2005, this proven, next-generation fiber made with DuPont Sorona polymer has been specially engineered for the unique needs of commercial facilities, according to Mohawk.
The need for carpet flooring by facilities executives extends beyond surface appearance. SmartStrand Contract, available for both broadloom and modular applications, responds to needs expressed by facilities managers for carpet tile that delivers improved underfoot comfort, enhanced durability, and unprecedented stain protection and colorfast capabilities.
DuPont Sorona contains 37 percent renewably sourced ingredients and is the branded name for the triexta fiber used in SmartStrand Contract. Reportedly a breakthrough advancement in commercial carpeting, SmartStrand Contract utilizes triexta fiber, which was recently designated as its own fiber class by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). It is the first to be recognized by the FTC as a separate fiber class in more than 50 years. With unprecedented stain and soil resistance inherent to the fiber for easy maintenance, it is naturally designed to perform while minimizing the impact on the environment.
As a bio-based product, the SmartStrand fiber system technology reduces the use of petroleum ingredients. Supporting a sustainable manufacturing process, it requires less energy and reduces CO2 emissions over traditional products.
SmartStrand Contract complies with the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Credit MR 6.0 (LEED for New Construction and Major Renovations) for rapidly renewable materials. In its partnership with DuPont, Mohawk has demonstrated that SmartStrand Contract is able to be recycled back into carpet and diverse end-use products. As the recovery supply chain matures, broad-based carpet-to-carpet recycling will be initiated.
Sustainable and high-performing, SmartStrand Contract provides superior stain and bleach resistance engineered right into the fiber an advancement over traditional fiber options allowing soil and stains to be repelled without added topicals or treatments. With permanent stain protection inherent to the fiber, it will never walk, wear or wash off, and the colors will remain vibrant and resist fading, says Mohawk.
Since its commercial debut, SmartStrand Contract continues to receive ongoing industry-wide recognition, including a 2011 Best of NeoCon Gold Award in the Fiber Category.
