Mohawk and Dupont Win Permission to Reclassify PTT

Calhoun, GA, March 23, 2009--The Federal Trade Commission said that PTT fiber, the fiber used in Mohawk SmartStrand carpets that DuPont sells under the brand name Sorona, can have its own subclass called "triexta" rather than be classified as traditional polyester.

Mohawk called it an historic decision for the carpet industry because it's the first extension that the FTC has approved for textiles in five years and the first extension for residential carpeting since nylon in June of 1959.

In early 2006, Mohawk Industries and DuPont jointly petitioned the FTC to establish a new fiber subclass within the existing classification of polyester.

“We petitioned the FTC for reclassification because our retail partners told us that the current generic name was misleading to consumers and that retailers found it difficult to clearly communicate the benefits of this different and superior product when it fell into the same category as traditional polyester products,” said Mohawk CEO Jeff Lorberbaum.

“We are thrilled with the FTC’s ruling, particularly because of the business benefits it brings to our retailers. Carpets with triexta offer a true performance advantage to consumers.”

Mohawk said that retailer and consumer testimonials, along with independent testing, have continually confirmed that carpet made with triexta performs better than conventional polyester.

The creation of the triexta subclass gives retailers the ability to emphasize and focus on the outstanding features and benefits of the product, instead of defending the negative perceptions sometimes accompanied with the word "polyester."