responsible manufacturing

Life cycle assessment

We strive for environmental excellence and are committed to use materials, natural resources and energy efficiently, and to eliminate waste when producing STAINMASTER® carpet fibers.

STAINMASTER® carpets can have up to 37% lower energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions (expressed as CO2 equivalents) than the majority of competitive carpets in their respective markets, according to combined life cycle analyses (LCAs) and performance testing results.

We believe that sustainability begins with products that last, so combining third-party cradle-to-gate LCAs with our carpet performance studies helps provide a clearer view of these products potential environmental impact. We believe this helps our customers better understand the environmental benefits of our products.

The data was derived from real world performance testing of STAINMASTER® carpets versus competitive carpets in their respective markets, and an eco-profile of INVISTA’s manufacturing processes by Boustead Consulting & Associates Ltd., a renowned third-party expert in environmental life cycle evaluations. The eco-profile was conducted in accordance with the ISO 14040 standard for conducting life cycle analyses.

LCA stands for «life cycle assessment» or «life cycle analysis.» LCAs provide an analysis of manufacturing systems in order to develop eco-profiles for products, taking into account environmental inputs and outputs such as manufacturing and raw material distribution, raw material consumption, water use, energy use, emissions, waste generation, packaging, transportation, the product in use, and end of life.

LEED contribution

LEED = Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
STAINMASTER® carpet can contribute to the maximum number of LEED credits for the following categories.

Materials and Resources:

  • Indoor Environmental Quality
  • Low – Emitting Materials EQ 4.3
  • Environmentally Preferable Product

STAINMASTER® EcoSoft® carpet cushion can contribute to the maximum number of LEED credits for the following categories.

Materials and Resources:

  • Recycled Content MR 4.1
  • Recycled Content MR 4.2
  • Indoor Environmental Quality

Recycled Content

  • Contains over 90% Post-Consumer fiber
  • All of our products are 100% recyclable
  • All of our products are manufactured in U.S.A.

LEED is a third-party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

LEED is flexible enough to apply to all building types – commercial as well as residential. In fact, LEED for Homes is a rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes. Green homes use less energy, water and natural resources, create less waste, and are more durable and comfortable for occupants.

Buildings, including residential homes are awarded LEED points to gain different levels of LEED certification. Carpets and flooring come into play in three key rating categories:

  • Sustainable Sites
  • Indoor Environmental Quality
  • Materials and Resources

STAINMASTER® carpets and STAINMASTER® EcoSoft® carpet cushion contribute to LEED Credits. For the latest on LEED, visit www.usgbc.org.

you might also like: