Propex Operating Company announced on October 23, 2012 that it was awarded a patent by the United States Patent Office for the yarn manufacturing technology it developed and currently uses in its proprietary EX3 line of lightweight carpet backings.
Propex is a global infrastructure and packaging solutions provider and a leading producer of synthetic carpet backing. The patented technology allows Propex to efficiently produce uniquely textured tape yarns for use in applications such as carpet backing, geotextiles and packaging. For example, in carpet applications, EX3 backings made with this technology enable carpet manufacturers to produce patterned carpets with higher resolution using lightweight backings.
Carpet manufacturers also benefit from 20 percent larger rolls, meaning fewer backing changes are needed on tufting machines. EX3 also translates to a reduced carbon footprint, including as much as twelve percent less energy consumed during manufacturing.
“As an established leader in the industries we serve, Propex is thrilled to have another example of a protected technology patent offering our customers a differentiated technological advantage,” said Dave Gartshore, business VP for furnishings at Propex. “We are also continually looking at ways to leverage this technology in other Propex products and solutions in the future.”