Shaw’s StrataWorx expands user needs

[Chicago] At NeoCon 2017, Shaw rolled out carpet tile collections from Philadelphia Commercial and Patcraft featuring StrataWorx, a new modular backing that is the industry’s first lightweight, efficient backing.

Designed to match the needs of end-users with budget constraints, StrataWorx is a polyolefin composite with a fleece back that is fiberglass reinforced and dimensionally stable, according to Quentin Quathamer, commercial brand marketing manager at Philadelphia Commercial. “It is significantly lighter weight than Shaw’s EcoWorx carpet tile backing, making it easier to handle and ship,” Quathamer noted. 

Shannon Cochran, vice president creative and design at Patcraft agreed, saying, “StrataWorx expands the reach and accessibility of carpet tile to a broader audience of consumers. It has potential in short term lease spaces for offices and retail as well as other budget-driven environments,” adding, “StrataWorx rounds out our backing options, fitting a desired level of performance, benefit and cost needs. The market is demanding a modular platform that meets their diverse space-driven needs, requiring performance, design, quality and value.”

Philadelphia’s Design Smart Collection, the first line of products to feature StrataWorx, was created to extend the accessibility of carpet tile to environments previously untouched with carpet tile. The collection features three 24" x 24" styles in six colors each. All of the initially launched styles offer Quickship and are Green Label Plus certified with a 10-year warranty. 

The Design Smart Collection is not a “cheap” product, Quathamer said. It has a nylon face fiber and great styling. For spaces where Cradle to Cradle and/or LEED qualification is not important, Design Smart offers fashion, performance and value. StrataWorx is a great complement to Shaw’s premier EcoWorx backing.