Sustainability Forum Draws Carpet Representatives

Dalton, GA, Sept. 13, 2010--Deputy Assistant Secretary for Import Administration Ronald K. Lorentzen last Friday explained how implementing sustainable manufacturing best practices can improve industry competitiveness and create a more stable environment for job growth during a Sustainable American Regional Tour (SMART), in Dalton, Ga.

More than 60 representatives from the domestic carpet industry attended the event sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Import Administration and Shaw Industries.

"The U.S. carpet and floor covering industries are among the most progressive industries in addressing environmental and sustainable manufacturing challenges," Lorentzen said.

"The opportunities associated with these practices can be easily applied to most domestic manufacturing sectors."

Lorentzen and Kim Glas, deputy assistant secretary for textiles and apparel, highlighted the Commerce Department's Sustainable Manufacturing Initiative and discussed the resources available from the Federal government to address the issue of advancing competitiveness through sustainability. Participants toured local manufacturing facilities and participated in round table discussions on sustainable business practices.

Lorentzen and Glas joined U.S. Rep. Tom Graves and Shaw CEO Vance Bell for a round table discussion with industry representatives discussing the leadership and competitiveness of the carpet industry.

"The carpet and flooring industries lead by example," said Bell.

“Today’s presentations and tours demonstrate the substantive positive impacts we are having with sustainable manufacturing. This bodes well for the long-term success of the industry.”

According to the Carpet and Rug Institute, U.S. carpet mills have invested more than $400 million in new technology to improve sustainability.

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