Flooring Giant Finds EPDs a Work In Progress

EPDs get a thumbs-up from Mohawk Industries. The best benefits for everyone are yet to come.

While many companies are experiencing the highs and lows of implementing Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), Mohawk Industries is in the “wait and see” mode. 

The Calhoun, Georgia-based flooring manufacturer has 26 active residential and commercial EPDs designed to provide transparency between supplier, manufacturer, and customer in terms of how environmentally correct Mohawk products are.

“EPDs have been required by many of our commercial Architecture and Design clients for many years,” notes Matt Redding, Mohawk’s residential sustainability marketing manager. “We continue to see an increased desire for transparency among residential customers. The obvious choice for pursuing EPDs for these products was their ability to span both residential and commercial businesses.”

The benefits of EPDs are numerous. Redding notes that EPDs can drive positive changes in product development and company practices by promoting sustainability, enhancing competitiveness, optimizing supply chains, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering stakeholder engagement.

But there’s still a lot to learn. Thus far, Mohawk has uncovered ways to positively impact their products’ carbon footprints, and it recognizes a need to implement better end-of-life solutions for products.

Mohawk Group’s ReWilded Refuge, a carpet tile collection inspired by the restoration of ecosystems within urban environments, encourages people to think about sustainability—just like an EPD. Courtesy Mohawk Group

Thanks to strong market messaging, customer knowledge of the EPD management process is solid. According to Redding, once a buyer has identified potential products or materials for purchase, they may request EPDs from suppliers or manufacturers as part of the procurement process. During the vetting process, purchasers may compare EPDs from different suppliers or products to assess their environmental impacts and sustainability credentials. 

“This evaluation helps inform purchasing decisions, allowing buyers to select products that align with their sustainability goals and criteria,” he notes.

Other points, such as customer response, are less clear. “The EPDs are too new to determine, but we don’t expect an EPD will directly influence the buying decision of consumers,” Redding says. “The documents are far too extensive and technical for the average consumer and the benefits are lost. The impacts are more directly related to product development and continual improvement, which ultimately will result in better, more refined products that have a lower environmental impact.”

But EPDs do have a direct impact on increased purchase intent for commercial products, he adds.

Mohawk Industries has more than two dozen Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) in place that are performing well. Time will tell how much the company and its customers will benefit overall. Courtesy Mohawk Industries

While Mohawk is generally satisfied with the value of EPDs within its organization, the company offers a caveat: Get more than one opinion or evaluation. “While EPDs are a fantastic tool to get a thorough look at a product’s environmental impact, there are elements of a product’s overall sustainability lacking,” Redding notes. “It is important to look at a diverse array of certifications for products to better give a holistic view of a product's impact.”

In addition to EPDs, Mohawk uses Health Product Declarations, Declare Labels, Indoor Air Quality certifications, and more. “These certifications often provide easier-to-read and easier-to-understand benefits for consumers,” Redding says.