Invista Names Sustainability Trends Consultant

Kennesaw, GA, Nov. 15, 2010 -- Fiber maker Invista said it has hired Five Winds International, a leading sustainability management consulting firm, to provide a market analysis of the key sustainability trends, as well as an assessment of life-cycle trends and methodologies that are influencing sustainability efforts today and in the future.  

The research conducted for Invista will include the Performance Surfaces & Materials (PS&M) business unit, which produces Antron carpet fiber, among other flooring, bedding, airbag and industrial products.  The analysis will focus primarily on North America but also account for global trends.

“We commissioned this analysis by Five Winds to gain a more comprehensive perspective on the market trends shaping sustainability, as well as provide a high level analysis of life-cycle analysis practices, a key area of focus for our business,” said Derek Young, global sustainability director for Invista PS&M. 

“The results of the analysis will help us continuously improve our analysis processes, enhance our strategic planning and be prepared for future regulatory and market dynamics.” 

In the last year, Invista has focused on the benefits of conducting LCAs on Antron carpet fibers and taken it a step further by also accounting for the longevity of the first use of carpets made of Antron fiber, which the company defines as the product’s First Life. 

In a separate announcement, Invista said it has added a new online tool, the Life Cycle Impact Calculator, available at antron.net and antronfirstlife.net.

The calculator is designed to show architects, designers and end-users the potential energy and greenhouse gas emissions savings that can be achieved by specifying carpet made with Antron fiber.

Invista saidi that carpets made with Antron fiber can last up to 75% longer than most competitive carpets, which can result in up to 38 percent lower energy consumption and 42 percent lower greenhouse gas emissions.