The Mohawk Group's SmartStrand Contract carpet, which was awarded a 2011 Best of NeoCon Gold award for its bio-based fiber system, is now the featured carpet incorporated into the design of the Georgia Department of Agriculture building in Atlanta. The partnership comes at a time when the Department of Agriculture is revamping its Georgia Grown campaign, which helps retailers promote locally grown produce and locally manufactured goods to consumers.

“The Georgia Department of Agriculture shares our deep rooted commitment to building sustainable communities,” said Tom Lape, president of residential and commercial business at Mohawk. “We are honored that they recognize SmartStrand Contract as a ‘Georgia Grown’ carpet with an innovative fiber system, bio-cell backing and numerous green attributes.”

To show its support for the Georgia Grown philosophy and local businesses and famers nationwide, The Mohawk Group donated all of the SmartStrand Contract included in the Georgia Department of Agriculture building. SmartStrand Contract is made with DuPont Sorona renewably sourced polymer, which replaces more limited petroleum ingredients with corn. 37 percent of SmartStrand Contract’s DuPont Sorona polymer is made from this renewable resource. In addition to being highly sustainable, SmartStrand Contract is engineered specifically for commercial and hospitality applications, with inherent stain, soil and bleach resistance that won’t wash off or wear away over time, according to the company. Its unique triexta fiber is extremely durable, resisting crushing and matting, thus giving SmartStrand Contract a remarkably long lifespan, the company added.

“I believe the future is bright for Georgia, thanks to innovative companies such as The Mohawk Group, who have a real passion for developing and manufacturing sustainable products,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black. “These products make our world a better, healthier place, and I am proud we could utilize SmartStrand Contract in the Georgia Department of Agriculture building.”

For more information visit www.TheMohawkGroup.com. For additional information on the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Georgia Grown campaign, visit www.agr.georgia.gov.