Polyurethane Technology from Dow Stays in Step with Green Trends

Dalton-GA - November 15, 2006

At The Dow Chemical Company, sustainability is more than just a trend, it’s a way of life. Dow has developed its polyurethane backing technology to not only meet today’s demands for high-performance commercial carpet, but also to address the desire for sustainable flooring solutions.

As the unmistakable trend to implement sustainable development measures in the commercial marketplace continues to gain momentum, Dow combines its technological advances with sustainability practices. Seen as a necessary step to ensure the present and future health of our planet and population, sustainable development is a concept first articulated in 1987 by the Brundtland Commission: “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present world without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

Dow understands that success is measured not simply by profit, but by the triple bottom line of economic prosperity, environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility. Besides simply making good common sense, adhering to the principles of sustainable development also fulfills compelling business needs such as: encouraging innovation and stimulating growth; enhancing brand image and reputation; increasing customer loyalty; and strengthening relationships with our communities.

Dow’s efforts in polyurethane carpet backings are designed to meet the specific needs of the commercial marketplace. “Our research program is focused on reducing the environmental footprint of high-performance carpet backings,” said Scott Lowrie, business manager for Dow Polyurethane Floor Coverings Group. “By maintaining an active program with the design and specification community, we stay current on green trends that influence floor coverings in the commercial marketplace.”

As part of Dow’s commitment to sustainability, the company has developed its ENHANCER™ Technology¹ and ENFORCER™ Technology to create carpet with a longer lifecycle, as well as other environmental benefits. Universal Textile Technologies developed and manufactures BioCel™ Polyurethane Backing Systems which utilize DOW™ ENHANCER™ Technology and ENFORCER™ Technology. BioCel backing is made with recycled content and a renewable resource (soybean oil), which helps with meeting the federal government’s environmentally preferred product purchasing programs. BioCel backing can also contribute toward meeting many state and local environmental objectives, including the California Gold Carpet Standard.

As a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, Dow is working to provide its customers with the latest environmental information and the best product options under the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System^®. Carpet systems meeting the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Indoor Air Quality Test Program are eligible for one point in the LEED system, a requirement made easier through the low-volatile organic compound (VOC) characteristic that has been designed into polyurethane carpet backings made using Dow technology. BioCel backing systems made with Dow polyurethane technology may also qualify for one point in each of the following Materials and Resources categories: MR 4.1-Recycled Content; MR 4.2-Recycled Content; MR 5.1-Local/Regional Manufacturing; MR 5.2-Locally Harvested Building Materials; MR 6.0-Rapidly Renewable Resource.

To find out more about polyurethane carpet backing technology from Dow, visit us at Greenbuild, Booth #1514, at Denver’s Colorado Convention Center, November 15-17, 2006. Or go online to www.dowcarpetbackings.com.

®™^* Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow") or an affiliated company of Dow

^{¹ To offer these benefits, ENHANCER Technology must be used together with a polyurethane pre-coat}

For Editorial Information:

Janet Hansen
The Dow Chemical Company
(800) 735-3129

Shawn Zwilling
The Branding Firm, Inc.
(706) 812-1824
shawn.zwilling@thebrandingfirm.com

Lauren LeGodais
The Branding Firm, Inc.
(706) 812-1824
lauren.legodais@thebrandingfirm.com


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