What makes EcoWorx BIO different from EcoWorx®?

In 1999, Shaw Contract’s investment in material health began with the introduction of EcoWorx carpet tile backing, the world’s first fully recyclable PVC-free carpet tile backing. The same attributes that have driven the success of EcoWorx® carpet tile products for the past 25 years apply to the new EcoWorx BIO – performance, durability and design. Both EcoWorx and EcoWorx BIO are PVC-free, fully recyclable, low embodied carbon and carbon-neutral carpet tiles.

The difference between the two carpet tile backings: a single ingredient polymer used to make the thermoplastic polyolefin compound found in EcoWorx carpet tile backing. By replacing a traditional polymer with a bio-based alternative, we’ve lowered the embodied carbon of the product. The bio-based material absorbs more CO2 during growth than is used in processing, making it a more sustainable choice. 

EcoWorx BIO has a carbon footprint approximately 40% lower than EcoWorx backing and is available as a custom backing option. Together, we’re helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create designs for both people and planet.

Why does this small change have such a large impact on the commercial interiors industry?

The embodied carbon of the materials and finishes used in buildings account for 11% of the global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, according to the World Green Building Council. Manufacturing, specifying and selecting materials with a lower carbon footprint is crucial to reduce the overall impact on the environment.

EcoWorx® BIO is an example of continued innovation to lower the carbon footprint of Shaw Contract carpet tile products in commercial interiors. Carpet tile styles on EcoWorx BIO backing have an average Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 2.35 kg CO2/m2, a value used to quantify the carbon impact of a product. The GWP is validated through an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) which summarizes the environmental impact throughout its life.

As individuals who contribute to the built environment, selecting building materials like EcoWorx BIO carpet tile helps reduce the overall environmental impact of the commercial interiors industry. Our planet has finite resources. We must prioritize and take action together. EcoWorx BIO is Living Building Challenge (LBC) Red List Approved. All raw materials have been third-party confirmed as being compliant with LBC Red List.

Designed for a circular economy: EcoWorx BIO carpet tile recycling innovation

As with EcoWorx carpet tile backing, EcoWorx BIO can be reclaimed and recycled through the re[TURN]® carpet tile recycling program and is turned into more EcoWorx carpet tile backing.

Together, we can design spaces that support a circular economy. The majority of a product’s environmental impact comes from raw material extraction and processing. Using products that can be recycled or repurposed helps conserve resources, lower emissions, and reduce waste - the materials we choose matter.

Join us in this effort by participating in our re[TURN] program.

- Reduce your project's landfill consumption

- Reduce your project's carbon footprint

- Low minimums for EcoWorx BIO carpet tile (100 square yards)

The first bio-based carpet tile collection: Texture Study 

The first Shaw Contract EcoWorx BIO product: the Texture Study collection demonstrates product innovation paired with beautiful design and performance.