One billion sq. ft. of EcoWorx-backed carpet tile has been installed in more than 222,000 projects in 80 countries, according to Shaw Industries Group. The milestone comes less than a year after the product's 10th anniversary.

"Producing one billion sq. ft. of EcoWorx is a landmark for us -- and our industry," said Tim Baucom, vp of Shaw's commercial division.

Jeff West, Shaw's commercial director of sustainability and environmental affairs, added that producing EcoWorx has saved the company valuable resources such as energy, water and raw materials.

"EcoWorx is one of our flagship examples of Shaw's commitment to sustainability through innovation," West said. "EcoWorx is made with materials that have been evaluated for their environmental and human health and safety ... as part of the rigorous MBDC Cradle to Cradle certification process."

He noted that compared to Shaw's traditional carpet tile product which was discontinued in 2004, EcoWorx has saved 594,785 barrels of oil, 224.6 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions, and 3.5 trillion BTUs of energy.

EcoWorx products, which currently contain 40 percent pre- and post-consumer recycled content, are available through the Shaw Contract Group, Patcraft, Philadelphia Commercial and Queen Commercial brands.