CWS GreenMats: CWS's most sustainable dirt trap mat

(Image rights: CWS International GmbH)

– The new CWS Standard Dirt Trap Mat is environmentally sustainable and resource-efficient throughout its entire lifespan
– Recycling: Up to one million PET bottles are processed annually into CWS GreenMats
– First dirt trap mat free of phthalates (plasticizer)
– CWS is involved in the European research project CISUFLO (Circular Sustainable Floor Coverings)

With the CWS GreenMats and CWS GreenPremium Mats, CWS introduces two new sustainable products in the Floor Care (CWS Hygiene) sector. The new CWS GreenMats are highly effective and durable dirt trap mats, whose high-twist yarn is made exclusively from recycled polyester. Approximately 10 discarded PET bottles are reused per square meter, corresponding to a recycling volume of over one million PET bottles annually. Additionally, a newly developed rubber compound is used for the backing, which is completely free of phthalates, i.e., free of rubber softeners.

Alexander Glatzer, Senior Product Manager CWS Floor Care, comments on the new mat: “The CWS GreenMats are a milestone in our journey to make our products even more resource-efficient. The currently available CWS Standard Mats will gradually be replaced by the new CWS GreenMats once their product lifecycle ends. Any other approach would be less sustainable and not aligned with the CWS guiding principle Think Circular.” All projects and products that meet the circular economy criteria are labeled with the Think Circular label. This is being used for the first time at the product level with the CWS GreenMats.

Sustainable mats for increased safety and performance

The upgraded CWS Standard Mat uses fully dyed polyester yarn that does not fade or wash out over time. This ensures not only high color stability but also an extended lifespan. Alexander Glatzer explains additional advantages over nylon mats: “The heat-resistant polyester yarn dries faster and experiences less shrinkage during washing. This ensures that the green mats lie flat and securely, and over the course of their lifespan, water and CO2 emissions can also be reduced.”

Glatzer is proud of the combination of sustainability and performance: “I am pleased that, in addition to all the optimizations we have implemented to maximize sustainability and durability, we have also been able to further improve our standard mats in terms of performance and safety. With this, we send a clear signal at CWS for a healthier and safer future in the market.”

A challenge remains in the final disposal of discarded mats. “We proactively address this challenge and are involved, together with numerous research institutes, recycling companies, and public authorities, in a large-scale EU project. The goal of the CISUFLO project is to completely close the recycling loop for floor coverings, for example by recycling old mats directly into new ones. We also want to be pioneers in the industry and bring about improvements,” says Glatzer.

The CWS GreenPremium Mat is the new premium dirt trap mat in the CWS mat range. It is also made from recycled polyester and phthalate-free rubber. The special feature of this new type of mat is a hard-woven hard top, which ensures that the mat functions flawlessly even under extreme conditions and prolonged use. Reinforced backing also leads to optimal laying properties and increased safety. The longer service life of the mat, as well as the service intervals, also reduce emissions. “The GreenPremium Mat is cleaned exclusively with our CWS Flat Mat Washer, an innovative and resource-efficient washing system,” explains Sabrina Kohne-Wyes, Department Head of Operations Transformation & Continuous Improvement. “Since the required Flat Mat Washer is operated at the Dutch mat laundry in Den Bosch, we have deliberately decided to offer the product only in North-West Germany at this time. This allows us to focus initially on the region where logistics are feasible and environmentally sensible,” adds Kohne-Wyes.

Service Model by CWS – Think Circular!

The basis of circularity at CWS is the service model. Products are rented rather than sold. Through the purchased service around the product, customers receive professional service that includes pickup, exchange, washing, drying, inspection, repair, and re-delivery. An optimized logistics network keeps emissions low, and CWS mats are washed in proprietary specialized laundries that use certified washing processes, thus protecting the environment and ensuring long-lasting cleanliness and reliable functionality.

The Purpose of Dirt Trap Mats

The benefits of a dirt trap mat are simple yet vital: they prevent dirt and moisture from being carried into buildings, ensuring hygiene and safety. Using dirt trap mats also offers economic advantages for property operators. By catching dirt and moisture early, cleaning costs can be significantly reduced, moisture damage prevented, and the lifespan of floors extended. From a safety perspective, mats also score points: approximately 20 percent of reportable work accidents are caused by slips or falls. “The key factors for hygiene, safety, and cost reduction are that the mats used are fully functional. Many dirt trap mats no longer fulfill their purpose after a few weeks because they become flattened. However, through regular washing services, they are fully reactivated, and their functionality is always maintained,” says Glatzer.