A carpet backing composition comprising: (1) a binding amount of a copolymer binder that is polymerized from a monomer mixture comprising: from 10 to 50 weight parts of a first low T.sub.g monomer (A) comprising an alkyl acrylate monomer and, optionally, an additional low T.sub.g comonomer; from 50 to 90 weight parts of a second high T.sub.g monomer (B) comprising vinyl acetate and, optionally, an additional high T.sub.g comonomer; and, optionally, up to 5 parts of a carboxylic acid monomer (C); wherein the total of A, B and C is 100 weight parts monomers; and (2) a filler; with the proviso that the monomer mixture is substantially free of ethylene.