ReSource Floors, ASID Industry Partner
Happily environmentally conscious products have become big business. The market has demanded that these options become attainable to the average consumer. No more are we stuck with ecologically friendly products that are more expensive, less durable or design challenged.
One new
product is making a big wave in the carpet industry, SmartStrand by
Mohawk. Dupont, the company that gave us
nylon in the 1930’s now makes the Sorona fiber which is sold under Mohawk’s name,
SmartStrand.
So why is
SmartStrand featured on an eco blog? Because
it is made in part with renewable material – corn. 37% of this fiber is made from renewable
resources as opposed to petroleum ingredients.
In addition, in comparison with the production of nylon 6 yarn, this
fiber uses 30% less energy to produce and emits 63% less CO2. Production of seven
square yards of 40 ounce SmartStrand carpet saves enough energy to equal one
gallon of gasoline.
So one would
imagine that you give up durability and stain resistance in order to reduce the
environmental impact. It is the exact
opposite. SmartStrand has the resiliency
of nylon with the stain resistance and color fastness of polyester. It legitimately wears beautifully. In fact, Mohawk felt so confident in the
performance that they invited Ricko the rhinoceros to live on it at this home
in the Birmingham Zoo in 2009 for two weeks.
Because of the molecular structure of this fiber the stain and soil protection
is built right in during manufacturing so it won’t wash, wear or walk off. It also has wonderful colorfast properties
that resist fading from sunlight exposure or UV light and ozone.
Obviously
this is still a man made product however it is refreshing to see that
technology in some cases can help our cause while still offering beauty and
function.ReSource Floors Inc.
http://www.resourcefloors.com/
"Service with Purpose"
