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Shaw Industries’ EcoWorx carpet tile is among the first in the world to be Cradle-to-Cradle certified under the Version 4.0 standard

EcoWorx® achieves Cradle-to-Cradle Certified® Silver, becoming the first product in the United States and the first built environment product globally to do so under the new, more rigorous sustainability standard

by Rashmi Naicher

Shaw Industries Group, Inc., the parent company of Shaw Contract announces that EcoWorx® carpet tile has achieved Cradle-to-Cradle Certified® Silver under the new, more rigorous version 4.0 standard. The product is among the first in the world to do so, including being the first in the built environment globally and the first of any product made in the U.S. 

“The Cradle-to-Cradle Certified® Product Standard Version 4.0 is the most ambitious and actionable standard yet for designing and making products today that enable a healthy, equitable and sustainable future,” states Christina Raab, vice president of strategy and development and incoming CEO for the  Cradle-to-Cradle Products Innovation Institute. “Cradle to Cradle Certified® Version 4.0 reflects significant advancements in knowledge and understanding of what it takes to make products with a positive impact. Shaw’s achievement is indicative of how manufacturers can create products made for tomorrow.” 

“We are committed to helping create a better future and a better world, a world in which we collectively value and invest in the health & wellbeing and the success of all people and our planet,” shared VP of Global Sustainability Kellie Ballew. “ Cradle-to-Cradle design philosophies and the Cradle to Cradle Certified® Products Program provide us with a multi-faceted framework and third-party validation of our efforts as we seek to sustain[HUMAN]ability®. Twenty years after beginning this journey, we remain committed to continuously evaluating and improving our design and operational processes and meeting increased levels of expectations like the Version 4.0 standard. I couldn’t be prouder of this monumental achievement.” 

Cradle to Cradle Certified Version 4.0 features new and enhanced requirements in all  

performance categories, including:  

  • Improved alignment of Material Health requirements with leading chemical regulations and other standards, including a new Restricted Substances List. 
  • New frameworks for Product Circularity and Social Fairness that define global best practices.  
  • More rigorous requirements in Clean Air & Climate Protection to promote urgent action to address climate change.  
  • Expanded requirements in Water & Soil Stewardship to ensure clean water and healthy soils are available to people and all other organisms.