Since its founding in 1866, Masland's focus has been to enhance the human environment, with our inspiration deeply rooted in classic design. Today, the relationship between interior architecture and ecology has added another dimension to our enterprise. The touchstone is sustainable design; the twofold proposition that environmental responsibility must be on equal footing with design, and that true design is timeless. For that, our environmental initiatives are solid and serious.

Waste elimination programs in place include the reduction in the amount of custom samples produced in the preliminary stages of product selection. In place of initial custom samples, we have instituted recyclable CAD renderings to assist the design community in its selection process before moving to a full-scale custom sample. This measure will eliminate more than 30,000 pounds of yarn waste per year.

Another initiative includes the reclamation of waste yarn by rewinding short ends of yarn at the completion of a production cycle. After combining short lots, the yarn can be returned to the manufacturing process for tufting. This single act will keep more than 330,000 pounds of yarn per year from being discarded outside the recyclable chain. Currently, an average of 3.5% of our skein dyed yarns come from this process

Beginning in spring 2005, Masland in cooperation with Invista, began sending all of our manufacturing waste from our Area Rug manufacturing facility to Invista's Reclamation Center in Calhoun, GA. This diverts approximately 100,000 pounds of post-industrial carpet from the landfill. Uses for the re-claimed carpet range from manufacturing of padding for under carpet, automobile parts and roof shingles among other products

Masland Carpets and Rugs has a commitment to people, which instills an internal environment of responsibility to nature. A program, known as War on Waste, has empowered the employees of Masland Carpets and Rugs to generate effective ways of eliminating waste. From recycling of paper, plastic and aluminum cans to advancements in the energy efficiency of machinery, Masland Carpets and Rugs has generated a respect for nature that will ensure a safer environment for the future. Reductions in natural gas and water used for the dyeing of yarn and carpet and the finishing of carpet have been reduced 22% and 17 %, respectively since 1999. In addition, electricity has been reduced by 26% during the same time period

All Masland products pass the Carpet and Rug Institute's Green Label Indoor Air Quality Testing Program for carpet. Passing these stringent tests enables all Masland Carpet's to contribute a full point to LEED Indoor Environmental Quality, Credit 4.3 Low Emitting Materials, Carpet. This is the only full point that any type of carpet provides. Selection of Masland products can also contribute toward LEED Credits in Indoor Environmental Quality, Credit 4.1 Low Emitting Materials, Adhesive and Material and Resources, Credits 4.1 and 4.2 Recycled Content and Credit 6 Rapidly Renewable Resources

We are strengthening our environmental performance by committing to three basic principles: conserving energy, managing waste, and recycling. We have set goals and measurements in each of these areas. Working with customers, employees and suppliers, our objective is to become a leading advocate for improving and preserving the environment.

Please contact your local representative or the mill for more information.