Home Depot named Pergo Defense+ the second runner up in the The Home Depot’s Innovation Awards, which recognizes suppliers who deliver new products that make projects easier and more efficient for its do-it-yourself and pro customers.

“It’s incredible how our suppliers continue to make home improvement easier, safer and even more fun by applying the latest technologies to common tools and household products in every category across the store and online,” said Jeff Kinnaird, executive vice president of merchandising for The Home Depot. “Our annual Innovation Awards ceremony recognizes the remarkable work that goes into providing these new, innovative and exclusive products to our customers at the best value.”

Building on the popularity of the popular Pergo product portfolio, Pergo Defense + has antimicrobial properties built right into the planks, for cleaner, safer, more comfortable interiors, that many are looking for as we spend more time in our homes.

“We’ve layered this added technology on top of all the best benefits of flooring—durability, water resistance and authentic realism,” said Jeff Meadows, executive vice president for North America, Mohawk. “All of this with the worry-free promise of Pergo. Delivering the perfect solution to customers with a high level of concern over cleanliness of their floors, without sacrificing best-in-class styling and performance.”

Pergo Defense+ is meeting customers where they are today, adds Jessica Campbell, divisional merchandise manager at The Home Depot. “Pergo is the best known and most trusted brand in laminate flooring, and we are really excited to bring not only this brand to our customers, but to be able to really meet the needs of our customers where they are today. Home is where we’ve been working, we’ve been living here, playing here; truly everything is happening in our homes and on our floors. And it was very, very important to really talk about the health and wellness of our customer and their families.”

For more information, visit homedepot.com/c/Innovation_award.