EcoWorx®, the predominant backing used for Shaw Contract Group tile products, has received numerous awards for its environmental attributes. These honors recognize Shaw for developing a carpet tile that may be sustainably recycled and has less embodied energy than traditional PVC carpet tiles, while maintaining equal or greater performance. Due to the success of EcoWorx®, Shaw Industries has completely exited PVC carpet tile backing in December 2004.

Awards include:

• GPEC 2006 Environmental Stewardship Award   [press release]
• NeoCon Most Innovative Product Award
• Governors Award of Pollution Prevention
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Presidential Green Chemistry Award.   [press release]
• 2005 GSA Evergreen Award in the Furnishings category   [press release]
• 2005 North Carolina Sustainability Award in the category of Product Stewardship   [press release]

Shaw’s EcoWorx® backing and Eco Solution Q® have been assessed through the MDBC design protocol, a third party evaluation designed to strengthen products’ environmental benefits, and are certified Cradle to Cradle products, ensuring they are safe for human health and the environment.

Numerous other acknowledgements have been bestowed upon Shaw Industries for its environmental initiatives including the Green Salute Award for waste minimization and recycling efforts, and recognition for its charitable contributions to the Nature Conservancy, Conasauga River Alliance, Georgia Aquarium, Keep Dalton/Whitfield Beautiful, Weekend of Wildlife Program, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and the Tennessee Environmental Council.