Shaw to convert recycling center in Georgia to innovation plant

The carpet manufacturer Shaw Industries Group, Dalton, Georgia, has announced that it is shifting the focus of its Evergreen Ringgold, Georgia, postconsumer carpet recycling facility from a production facility to an innovation center.

The company says that in the 18 months that it operated the Ringgold facility, which recycled nylon and polyester carpet fiber, it has been unable to make it technically viable on a commercial scale. As a result, Shaw will cease collection of additional residential postconsumer carpet and will redirect the facility’s focus.

Shaw says the facility will remain open with a smaller staff that will be focused on postconsumer carpet recycling research and development for which the company has stockpiled sufficient supply to continue research, development and innovation.

In a news release, Shaw says it will continue to pursue innovation in postconsumer carpet (PCC) recycling in the context of its larger portfolio of sustainability innovation.

“The nature of innovation promises that not every effort will succeed, but we will learn from every investment. In addition to Shaw’s R&D and innovation efforts, we remain committed to seeking market driven solutions through industry collaboration via CARE (Carpet America Recovery Effort), CRI (Carpet and Rug Institute); joint ventures and partnerships; and other endeavors,” says Paul Murray, Shaw vice president of sustainability and environmental affairs.

Shaw adds that despite the change, there won’t be any impact on its commercial division’s reclamation and recycling efforts. Its EcoWorx reclamation and Re2E operations will continue, and Shaw says it will carry on its work to increase takeback of its EcoWorx-backed carpet tile, which is highly valued in the commercial market. The company’s Cradle to Cradle and NSF140 product certifications also will not be impacted on commercial or residential products.