Banana silk used to make vegan carpets

Vegans do not like to use any materials sourced from animals. A strict vegan will not buy a wool or silk carpet, as they are both materials derived from animals. However, carpet manufacturer Kymo is one of the few companies that are producing carpets made from silk extracted from bananas, making them 100% vegan.

Banana silk is not made from the banana fruit – it is extracted from the wood pulp of the banana plant. It can be weaved to make carpets that feel more like velvet than the silk produced by silkworms.

The founder of Kymo, Denis Türker, along with inhouse designers Eva Langhans and Katharina Tannous, have created a banana silk carpet called Molten Metal, which has been inspired by the look of metal heated to high temperatures. Molten metal is reflective, and this effect has been reproduced in their stylish carpets.

The banana silk carpets are handwoven in India. During the coronavirus pandemic, communication with the weavers has taken place via video conferencing technology.

Banana silk carpets are expensive, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to buy attractive, high-quality carpets in the North Wales and Chester regions. Wool is often the choice for those who want a luxury carpet, but alternatives include nylon, polypropylene or polyester carpets, which are also less expensive. There are also cotton carpets available. Cotton tends to wear quicker than other types of carpet, unless it is blended with other materials to make the carpet more durable.