Mohawk Group's EcoFlex ONE Modular Backing System Achieves Significant Reduction in Embodied Carbon

Mohawk Group's EcoFlex™ ONE Modular Backing System Achieves Significant Reduction in Embodied Carbon

Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) reveals Mohawk Group’s lowest embodied carbon carpet product is now even better for the planet.

CALHOUN, GA. November 15, 2023 — Mohawk Group is pleased to announce that its EcoFlex™ ONE premium modular backing system has achieved a significant reduction in embodied carbon, as measured by its new Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). EcoFlex™ ONE's embodied carbon now measures at 5.31 kg CO2e/m2, down from 6.67 kg CO2e/m2 (20 oz face weight). This marks a 22.7 percent carbon reduction for EcoFlex ONE.

EPDs are standardized, independently verified documents that communicate the environmental performance of products throughout their life cycle. EPDs are based on ISO 14025 guidelines, which ensure that they are comprehensive, comparable, and relevant to stakeholders.

"Embodied carbon is the greenhouse gas emissions that are associated with the production and transportation of a product over its entire life cycle. Lowering embodied carbon in our products is an important goal for Mohawk Group because it helps to reduce our environmental impact and mitigate climate change. By reducing embodied carbon, we can help to create a more sustainable future for our planet and our people," said Jackie Dettmar, vice president of marketing, design, and product development for Mohawk Group.

Mohawk Group credits EcoFlex ONE's lower embodied carbon score to a combination of factors, including operational improvements such as a new boiler at their Glasgow, VA facility where the product is made. Increased manufacturing efficiencies, and a focus on holistic sustainability initiatives, such as the Living Product Challenge which requires certified products to be net-positive in carbon and water also impacted EcoFlex ONE's lower embodied carbon score.

In addition to the embodied carbon measurement, Mohawk Group’s extensive EPD for EcoFlex ONE includes product definition and information about building physics; basic material; material origin; product manufacture; product processing; in-use conditions; testing verifications; and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) results. The LCA measures the comprehensive environmental impact of a product throughout its entire lifespan, from the sourcing of raw materials to its eventual disposal. This includes all stages of the product's existence, from cradle to grave.

Mohawk Group’s EcoFlex One is designed to improve comfort and acoustics while eliminating costly moisture testing. EcoFlex ONE is also NSF 140 Platinum Certified, which is the highest level of environmental performance for floor coverings. Red List Free and Living Product Challenge Petal Certified, EcoFlex ONE uses the lowest amount of water in the manufacturing process of any carpet tile on the market, surpassing the company’s nearest competitor by 69 percent.

‘EcoFlex ONE products featuring Duracolor® Tricor are made with at least 74 percent recycled content which helps reduce the plastic waste stream. It's also lighter than other cushioned tiles and contains at least 10 percent post-consumer content. It has a life expectancy of 15 years and is salvageable and reusable in its entirety.