Carpet industry adapts to demand for sustainable products

Surveys have found that 42% of US and UK consumers say that sustainability is important when they purchase goods. The carpet industry is adopting more environmental-friendly practices to meet this preference for sustainable products.

The circular economy is a system where waste is designed out of products so that materials can be recycled. Many carpets and carpet tiles end up in landfills, but Carpet Recycling UK is working to reduce this waste and make the industry more sustainable by recycling and reusing where possible – for example, old carpets can be used to make premium quality carpet backing.

Interface, the large commercial flooring manufacture is making carpets that use yarn from recycled fishing nets. Many fishing nets end up discarded and pollute the ocean. Using yarn to make carpets protects the oceans and reduces carbon emissions.

Larta Shortall of MindClick, an environmental product intelligence company, is a supporter of sustainable interior design because it meets a:

“…growing global demand for healthier materials, products, environments, experiences, communities and an overall healthier planet.”

Wool is a natural fibre that is used to make sustainable carpets. Wool carpets cost more than most synthetic carpets, but a Sustainable Furnishings Council report in 2018 found that 76% of consumers are willing to pay more for environmentally safe furnishings. Many manufacturers are producing wool and other sustainable carpets because they know that a number of consumers will not buy non-sustainable ones.

Wool carpets are popular in Chester because they are soft and luxurious. Consumers also find it important that wool is a natural and sustainable fibre.