Article Number: 3546
Mohawk and 3M Win RadTech Award for Scotchgard Hardwood
DALTON (August 12, 2008)—Scotchgard™ Protector Advanced Repel Technology for hardwood isn’t just winning over consumers. It’s being recognized for innovation by a key industry group.

Mohawk Industries and 3M Corporation were recently presented with an Emerging Technology Award by RadTech, the Association for Ultraviolet and Electronic Beam Technologies, for their development of the Scotchgard application for hardwood.

RadTech cited Mohawk and 3M for creating an “advanced class of pre-finished solid and engineered wood floors” with “highly desirable easy-care properties.”

RadTech judges noted that “the new Scotchgard protective technology allowed Mohawk to incorporate proprietary chemistry, developed by 3M, into the topcoat which utilizes the UV curing process. This new wood flooring has unprecedented stain, soil, and mar resistance due to the imparting of an easy-release physical property. This is accomplished without any adverse effects on floor properties such as du rability, appearance, and slip resistance. The improved easy clean properties have been shown to be extremely durable to traffic wear and cleaning.”

“The easy care and easy cleaning benefits of Scotchgard Protector Advanced Repel Technology give Mohawk retailers a unique advantage,” said Ben McNabb, Mohawk Brand Manager for Hard Surface. “Most hardwood purchases still revolve around a few key species and finishes. This technology lets dealers offer something extra that their competitors can’t. That’s making a significant difference on the sales floor.”

Over time, hardwood finishes develop microscopic imperfections that can trap dirt and diminish the floor’s shine. Even after cleaning, the floor may appear dingy. On a floor treated with Scotchgard Protector Advanced Repel Technology, the treatment forms a barrier that helps stop dirt from accumulating in minute scratches and crevasses. Since it’s on the surface, it can be more easily cleaned away.

The lack of dirt not only helps keep the floor looking new, but it also provides a cleaner, more hygienic surface to protect today’s busy families.

Eight leading-edge organizations were recognized by RadTech at the group's recent biennial Conference in Chicago. Other award winners included General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and the U.S. Air Force.

Ultraviolet and electron beam technologies are high value, rapid throughput processes offering the virtual elimination of harmful emissions and lower energy consumption compared with traditional methods- providing manufacturers with a safe, fast and efficient pollution prevention technology. As a result, the industry continues to grow at over twice the rate of traditional methods.

Mohawk is a leading supplier of flooring for both residential and commercial applications. Mohawk offers a complete selection of broadloom carpet, ceramic tile, laminate, wood, stone, vinyl, rugs and other home products. These products are marketed under the premier brands in the industry, which include Mohawk, Karastan, Ralph Lauren, Lees, Bigelow, Dal-Tile, American Olean and Quick-Step. Mohawk's unique merchandising and marketing assist our customers in creating the consumers' dream. Mohawk provides a premium level of service with its own trucking fleet and over 250 local distribution locations.


Dr. John Chang of 3M (L) and Carl Cothran of Mohawk