Awards have been presented annually since 1996 to recognize businesses and individuals who have discovered innovative ways to significantly reduce pollution at its sources and have used chemistry to improve the environment. Winners must demonstrate utilization of technology in achieving their pollution prevention goals.

Shaw won the award for developing a carpet tile alternative to conventional PVC carpet tile that may be sustainably recycled, has less embodied energy, and equal or greater performance vs. PVC, according to the EPA.

To test its materials for sustainability, Shaw now uses the Cradle-to-Cradle Design Protocol, a third-party system created by renowned designer William McDonough and German chemist Michael Braungart. The Cradle-to-Cradle Design Protocol assesses individual material used in a product to determine whether safe for the ecosystem. Shaw's Eco Solution Q fiber and EcoWorx backing are among the first products to be fully assessed through the Cradle-to-Cradle Design Protocol.