Shaw Industries, a global flooring provider and leader in sustainability, has developed a new testing method to detect PFAS chemicals. The company created this innovative approach to prevent PFAS from entering its manufacturing processes.
Shaw had already stopped using PFAS-based materials in its U.S. carpet products by January 2019. It also required suppliers to provide materials free of PFAS. However, ongoing testing revealed that existing protocols were insufficient to detect PFAS in solid materials like soaps, oils, and resins. These substances often contain PFAS but are difficult to test accurately with traditional methods.
Kellie Ballew, Shaw’s vice president of environmental affairs, explained that current testing was designed for drinking water and not for solid materials. She stated that a new, more accurate methodology was needed, so Shaw’s scientists developed one. The new testing process, patented in December 2024, focuses on how samples are prepared to mimic real-world industrial conditions. This includes factors like time, temperature, and pH, which can influence PFAS detection.
Since implementing the new method, Shaw has identified PFAS in more than 60 materials where previous tests showed non-detect levels. The company has shared this patent-pending technology with suppliers and other organizations to promote wider adoption. Ballew emphasized that until chemical manufacturers stop producing PFAS, companies will need to remain vigilant. Shaw’s approach aims to help others identify hidden PFAS in their products and supply chains.
Developed by Shaw scientist Clay Hampton, the methodology improves detection accuracy by simulating industrial exposure conditions. The innovation marks a significant step toward reducing PFAS in manufacturing and supply chains, supporting global environmental efforts.
