Shaw Converting Evergreen Recycling Center to Innovation Facility

Dalton, GA, December 21, 2016—Shaw has announced that in December 2016, the company will shift the focus of its Evergreen Ringgold post-consumer carpet recycling facility from a production facility to an innovation center.

In the 18 months that Shaw’s Evergreen Ringgold facility has been operating, the first-of-its-kind process to recycle nylon and polyester carpet fiber has not proven to be technically viable at commercial scale.

As a result, Shaw will cease collection of additional residential post-consumer carpet and will redirect the facility’s focus. The facility will remain open with a smaller staff focused on post-consumer carpet recycling research and development for which Shaw has stockpiled sufficient supply to continue research, development and innovation. The company anticipates that all 85 of the associates pursuing this innovation will be offered the opportunity to continue with Shaw in other area operations.

Shaw will continue to pursue innovation in 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, CRI; joint ventures and partnerships; and other endeavors,” notes Paul Murray, vice president of sustainability and environmental Affairs.

Given the plant’s focus on a residential carpet recycling solution, this shift will not impact Shaw’s commercial division’s reclamation and recycling efforts. Its EcoWorx reclamation and Re2E operations will continue, and Shaw 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 will not be impacted on commercial or residential products.

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