Shaw Marks Launch of Green Products Institute

Mountain View, CA,  May 21, 2010--Representatives from Shaw Industries Group joined California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and architect William McDonough at Google’s headquarters to mark the launch of the Green Products Innovation Institute (GPII).

The first non-profit institute of its kind in the U.S., the GPII is dedicated transforming the way companies design and manufacture products by advancing the Cradle to Cradle framework developed by William McDonough and chemist Michael Braungart.

Shaw CEO Vance Bell said that Shaw, an early adopter of Cradle to Cradle design, was at the event as an example of an organization innovating to commercialize the Cradle to Cradle concepts.

“Over 10 years ago, Shaw’s EcoWorx carpet tile was the first product in the flooring industry designed according to Cradle to Cradle principles," Bell said.

"With the encouragement and assistance of Bill McDonough, our commitment to the Cradle to Cradle design philosophy has evolved to fully embrace the concepts of reverse engineering, elimination of waste, safe chemistries, and closed loop technical nutrients.”

One of the first companies in the United States to adopt the Cradle to Cradle® framework, Shaw holds its place on a high-profile list of companies already demonstrating the viability and benefits of products designed and manufactured according to  Cradle to Cradle principles, including Herman Miller, Steelcase, Ford Motor Company, and Aveda.

The GPII will bring together thought leaders and practices from industry, academia, government, and communities to further advance the Cradle to Cradle philosophy, said Shaw Vice President of Sustainability Rick Ramirez.

“The GPII is truly a groundbreaking initiative in terms of its potential to influence the entire cycle of product design, manufacture and reclamation,” Ramirez said.

Using the Cradle to Cradle certification protocol, GPII will work with leaders from academia, the NGO environmental community, government, and industry to establish both metrics and a rating system for evaluating products. Products that meet the criteria will receive the Cradle to Cradle network certification mark.

(See today's interview on Floordaily for more information.)

Related Topics:Shaw Industries Group, Inc.