Shaw Industries Group, Inc. (Shaw) was recently recognized by Floor Covering Weekly at the magazine’s annual GreenStep awards for sustainable work done around product, processes and people. Shaw received the top honor in both the People and International categories of the magazine's prestigious recognition, and was an honoree in the Pinnacle, Promotion/Communication and Product categories.
Kellie Ballew, vice president of global sustainability and innovation at Shaw, notes, “We’re humbled by this recognition of Shaw’s commitment to sustain[HUMAN] ability® and the work we are doing collectively to create products and solutions that support the planet and all people.”
Shaw was recognized for the following:
International Award (Winner)
The International Award is given to a company with a manufacturing facility outside of the U.S. that is exemplary in bringing sustainable practices to its area of the world.
Shaw’s ComfortWorx® carpet tile received this recognition as a new product innovation developed for the EMEA region and manufactured in Shaw’s Scotland manufacturing facility. Designed to divert landfill consumption, the ComfortWorx® backing system is made with a recycled fiber matrix pad containing 90 percent post-consumer material (PET plastic bottles) and offers enhanced acoustical benefits and comfort underfoot.
People Award (Winner)
The People Award recognizes an organization or individual who has put a focus on the sustainability of the communities in which they have a footprint and the health and wellness of those they employ.
Shaw’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture is supported by its seven Associate Resource Groups (ARGs), including its most recent ARG, Mosaic, which recognizes and harnesses the power of physical, emotional and neurological diversity. Shaw’s ARGs provide an opportunity for people of different backgrounds, life experiences and perspectives to come together to learn, overcome bias that may exist, and ultimately help drive innovation and collaboration throughout the company.
Pinnacle Award (Honoree)
The Floor Covering Weekly GreenStep Pinnacle Award recognizes a person or company that has gone above and beyond professional duty and industry norms, benefitting the flooring industry with personal and/or professional leadership in the area of environmental sustainability.
Shaw was chosen for its work in certifying EcoWorx® carpet tile to the most rigorous Cradle to Cradle Certified® Product Standard to date, version 4.0. As the first flooring product ever to be Cradle to Cradle Certified®, this latest achievement builds upon that legacy. EcoWorx® is the first product in the built environment to be certified to the new standard, the first product made in the USA as well as in China to achieve certification, as well as the first of any product globally to achieve Silver level certification.
Product Award (Honoree)
The Product Award recognizes a flooring or flooring-related product that is manufactured sustainably or promotes sustainable living.
Shaw was honored for its newest product innovation, ReWorx™. Made of 100 percent PET, including 30 percent post-consumer plastic bottles, ReWorx™ is a hybrid flooring solution boasting the warmth and acoustical benefits of a soft surface with the durability of a hard surface. ReWorx™ is also part of Shaw’s Environmental Guarantee to be picked up through the re[TURN]® Reclamation Program at no charge to the customer at the end of its useful life on the floor to be recycled and made into the next generation of ReWorx™ flooring.
Promotion/Communication Award (Honoree)
The Promotion / Communication Award honors any educational, marketing or promotional activity that promotes environmental sustainability and/or accurately conveys knowledge and information about green initiatives.
With a passion to bring together professionals from all aspects of the built environment to learn and share ways to create inspiring spaces that support occupant wellbeing, Shaw was recognized for its promotion of the December 2021 Greenbuild Design Connect + Learn event.