KB to Use Recyclable Carpet in New Homes

Through a partnership with Shaw Floors, KB Home is outfitting all homes that started production after June 30 with Nylon 6 carpet that can be recycled continuously into new carpet.

This includes Shaw’s Anso carpet line, which is produced using recycled nylon. While many types of carpet are recyclable, recycled carpet is frequently reprocessed into plastic lumber or railroad ties.

KB's homes will now feature recyclable carpet. To recycle residential carpet, your dealer is a good place to start to find local solutions for recycling. Photo: Sanjosemagazine.com

Shaw opened a facility in 2007 that has collected more than 225 million pounds of carpet, which is broken down into material used for new carpet.

Using more recycled/recyclable content in its homes is one of the goals KB has targeted for future construction.

The company is also looking to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in carpet and paint, minimize construction waste and install only ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances.

“As a national homebuilder, we take seriously the opportunity we have to change the way new homes are built today for the sake of a better tomorrow,” said Jeffrey Mezger, president and chief executive officer of KB Home. “Shaw has been an outstanding partner to work with in our company-wide commitment to sustainability.”

While carpet can last many years, the EPA estimates it accounts for 2 percent of annual solid waste. The Carpet America Recovery Effort, of which Shaw is a member, is looking to recycle 25 percent of carpet by 2012. This would equal 1.7 billion pounds of recycled carpet.