Stainmaster Fibers Get First EPP Certification

Kennesaw, GA, Nov. 11, 2009—Invista said it is the first company to obtain Environmentally Preferable Product (EPP) certification for its carpet fibers under a new, expanded standard by Scientific Certification Systems.

Environmentally Preferable Products are defined as products that have a lesser or reduced effect on the environment when compared to competitive products that serve the same purpose.

"EPP certification is important to Invista and to our customers because it is third-party affirmation that our Stainmaster and Antron carpet fibers can have a reduced environmental impact," said Bobby Berrier, global sustainability director for Invista's Performance Surfaces & Materials business.

"It also supports our recent Life Cycle Analysis data that shows that these products can have a reduced environmental impact versus competitive offerings due to their manufacturing processes and longer first life."

To achieve EPP certification status, products must demonstrate reduced impact compared to a reference baseline, reflective of the typical products in the industry sector.

Antron carpet fibers have been previously certified by SCS as an EPP. This is the first time Stainmaster carpet fibers have been submitted for certification.

Stainmaster fibers were compared to a composite baseline of polyester, nylon 6 and other nylon 6,6 fibers, while the Antron carpet fibers were compared to a composite baseline of nylon 6 and other nylon 6,6 fibers.