Mohawk SmartStrand’s PTT Fiber Reclassified by the FTC as Triexta
Image Courtesy of Mohawk
A couple of months ago I wrote an article about why Mohawk SmartStrand is Smart Choice.
Today, an exciting development was announced that will have a huge impact on the residential carpet industry and gives Dupont and Mohawk well deserved bragging rights.
In a very rare decision by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (whose role is to protect America’s consumers) Mohawk and DuPont have been successful in changing the classification of PTT fiber (DuPont’s Sorona polymer which is used to make Mohawk SmartStrand) as Triexta instead of Polyester.
This means the FTC believes what DuPont and Mohawk have been saying for the past 41/2 years regarding the superior performance of this product. The FTC confirmed today in a unanimous decision that the performance aspects of PTT fibers is so much superior to PET (traditional polyester) that it deserves an entirely new classification.
Remember, the PET polymer is classified as Polyester. The new PTT polymer (also referred to by the proprietary term 3GT as designated by DuPont) is now classified as Triexta.
Welcome Triexta. Why is this important to you the home owner?
Image Courtesy of Mohawk
You will be hearing a lot about this new fiber in coming months and years and so should you. In fact, this is the biggest big news in the textile industry since 1959 when Nylon was classified as a fiber.
Tom Tape, Mohawk’s Residential Flooring Business President talked about the FTC decision in a 15 minute audio interview with Kemp Harr of the Floor Daily and summarized the following benefits of SmartStrand:
- Fantastic softness. Mohawk constantly hears stories from retailers such as how a customer after feeling how soft the product sample is, puts it under their arm and carries it around the store!
- Enhanced durability. It is far superior to Polyesters. In some cases, it is even comparable in performance to higher priced Nylon.
- Permanent stain resistance. (That is why Get Fresh Carpet Cleaning has recommended it in the past to customers for kids and pets.)
- Sustainability. 37% of the content of SmartStrand is derived from Corn. (Note: Not all Triexta has this bio component – Only Dupont’s Sorona which is used in Mohawk’s SmartStrand.)
Tom concludes by saying: “We are getting closer to finding the ideal fiber for carpets” and “since SmartStrand has been on the the market for almost 5 years, Mohawk feels it has stood the test of time.”
If you live in Calgary and are looking for new carpet options, Get Fresh Carpet Cleaning invites you to drop by Kensington Carpet One Floor & Home and “feel” the softness for yourself.
teleskopy astronomiczne
Very nice blog, your article is interesting, i have bookmarked it for future referrence
Dec 29, 2009 @ 5:35 am
Susan Brown
I am experiencing an allergic reaction of upper respiratory, rash, congestions, eye problems, etc since installation. Have you had any similar problems from other people? I have previously had carpets installed and never had a reaction.
Feb 01, 2010 @ 8:46 am
admin
Hi Susan, I have not heard of that problem with SmartStrand. I would contact Mohawk directly and see if they have tracked any concerns. It may be the under pad used in the installation. Do you know what under pad was used?
Feb 01, 2010 @ 11:02 am
Mark
We have just had a smartstrand carpet installed in our basement and have notice our son has had symptoms of allergies.
I pray that this is not a reaction to the carpet. The installation cost a small fortune and we can not afford to do this again.
I will keep my eye onthis website for any new information smartstrand allergies as well as contacting Mohawk.
Thanks for any information you provide.
Mark
Feb 22, 2010 @ 10:17 am
admin
It is most likely the under pad. Do you know what under pad was used?
Feb 22, 2010 @ 7:19 pm
Carol Chandler
Just wanted to add my experience – I had my Smart Strand carpet installed about 5 weeks ago and think it’s gorgeous! However, I am wondering if I’m allergic because I’ve been having ongoing upper respiratory, headaches and congestion for for at least 3 to 4 weeks. I’ve been thinking it’s an ongoing cold or flu now I’m wondering if it’s allergies. Additionally, my 2 dogs are scratching and their eyes are watering.
Yesterday I called the store I purchased it from just to see if there had been other report of this. The owner called me back concerned and told me they have never had a report of anyone being allergic to this carpet and that If I find out it’s allergies, they have an unconditional 60 day return policy. He said the pad they sold me is the one recommended by Mohawk. I have no idea, nor did he of how I can test to find out.
I am really hoping this is not the case because I LOVE this carpeting. I’m also going to stay tuned to this page and may even all Mohawk to ask if they’ve had other similar reports.
Mar 14, 2010 @ 7:14 am
admin
I have asked Mohawk to reply to these concerns. Check back for further updates.
Mar 17, 2010 @ 2:40 pm
fredzini
Any responses from Mohawk about these issues regarding “allergic” symptoms or “off gassing” from SmartStrand?
May 05, 2010 @ 7:33 pm
Pieter
Hi, I also want to know which answer we will get from Mohawk? I see the real gains for this new sort of carpet in comparation with regular polyester.
But i surely want to know what causes the allergic reaction. Is it really the new polymer? But why we do not have allergic reactios with regular polyesters ?
Thank you in advance
May 19, 2010 @ 11:44 pm
Patrick
After taking the IICRC classes, they explained that old carpet that has been down and taken out for replacement is actually the problem. Old carpet is supposed to be wrapped up before taken out of the house. This is rarely done by installers but is required before putting in new. All the dust etc. gets put in the air and ‘lingers’ in the room.
I’m only repeating what was taught. Maybe the room should be ‘air purified’ and then see if that makes a difference?
May 21, 2010 @ 6:23 am