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Mohawk and DuPont Win FTC Petition: Federal Trade Commission Confirms PTT Fiber is in a Class of Its Own

Posted on: Monday, 30 March 2009, 07:00 CDT

Mohawk SmartStrand(R) and SmartStrand(R) with DuPont(TM) Sorona(R), both made with new triexta fiber, offer superior durability, stain resistance and softness compared to traditional polyester carpets

CALHOUN, Ga., March 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) today announced a significant step forward for fiber and carpet innovation. Previously classified as polyester, the FTC has recognized that PTT fiber, the fiber used in Mohawk SmartStrand(R) carpets and that DuPont sells under the brand name Sorona(R), is worthy of its own subclass called 'triexta'. With its extreme durability, unrivaled stain resistance and unmatched softness, triexta has been determined to be superior to standard polyester and shares little more than a similar chemical structure.

In early 2006, Mohawk Industries and DuPont jointly petitioned the FTC to establish a new fiber subclass within the existing classification of polyester. Mohawk's exclusive SmartStrand(R) carpets are made from triexta, which is marketed by DuPont under the trademark Sorona(R).

"We petitioned the FTC for reclassification because our retail partners told us that the current generic name was misleading to consumers and that retailers found it difficult to clearly communicate the benefits of this different and superior product when it fell into the same category as traditional polyester products," said Jeff Lorberbaum, Mohawk's Chairman and CEO. "We are thrilled with the FTC's ruling, particularly because of the business benefits it brings to our retailers. Carpets with triexta offer a true performance advantage to consumers."

Retailer and consumer testimonials, along with independent testing, have continually confirmed that carpet made with triexta performs better than conventional polyester. The creation of the triexta subclass gives retailers the ability to emphasize and focus on the outstanding features and benefits of the product, instead of defending the negative perceptions sometimes accompanied with the word 'polyester'.

This ruling is significant, if not historic, for our industry. This is the first extension that the FTC has approved for textiles in 5 years and the first extension for residential carpeting since nylon in June of 1959. This is truly an important moment for carpet and one that does not happen every day.

Triexta fiber is available in a variety of Mohawk carpets including SmartStrand(R) and SmartStrand(R) with DuPont(TM) Sorona(R) renewably sourced polymer.

For the most up to date information about triexta and Mohawk, please visit www.mohawkflooring.com, www.mohawktoday.com or www.smartstrandrevolution.com.

About Mohawk Industries

Mohawk is a leading supplier of flooring for both residential and commercial applications. Mohawk offers a complete selection of carpet, ceramic tile, wood, stone, laminate, vinyl, rugs and other home products. These products are marketed under the premier brands in the industry, which include Mohawk, Karastan, Ralph Lauren, Lees, Bigelow, Quick Step, Dal-Tile, Columbia, Century and American Olean. Mohawk's unique merchandising and marketing assist our customers in creating the consumers' dream. Mohawk provides a premium level of service with its own trucking fleet and more than 300 local distribution locations.

About DuPont

DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.

SmartStrand(R) is a registered trademark of Mohawk Industries, Inc.

DuPont(TM) and Sorona(R) are trademarks or registered trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.

SOURCE Mohawk Industries

Source: PR Newswire

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