New carpet recycling collaboration needed

Speakers at the Carpet Recycling UK (CRUK) annual conference in July 2024 discussed the need for more collaboration between members of the flooring, construction and waste management industries to find better ways of recycling textile flooring waste.

In 2020, 200,000 tons of textile flooring and carpet waste was diverted from disposal in landfills and used in energy generation. Adnan Zeb-Khan of CRUK said that this is an important use of waste carpets, but other ways of recycling carpets are needed.

The conference heard about research into using flooring waste in cement and other construction products. Details were also given about a pilot scheme in Northampton which is the first UK dedicated recycling centre that recycles polypropylene from synthetic carpets into beads to be used in the manufacture of new products.

Artificial intelligence is helping waste management companies discover different chemicals in carpets to show what they are made from to assist the recycling processes.

It was suggested that partnerships are needed to create an Extended Product Responsibility (EPR) scheme to develop a circular economy for floor coverings. Jane Gardner of the European Resilient Floorcovering Manufacturers’ Institute (ERFMI) said:

“Sustainability is becoming mandatory in the European Union and our strategy recognises the need for waste management companies, recyclers and raw material suppliers to collaborate to ensure a workable solution for all stakeholders.”

Each flooring company in North Wales is aware of its responsibility for sustainable business practices. Old carpets can be taken away for recycling after new carpets are installed.

Biophilic inspired carpets bring nature indoors

Biophilic design brings nature into indoor spaces, often achieved through numerous house plants that mimic the outdoor environment.

This design approach has gained popularity for its ability to create a sense of tranquillity and connection to the natural world within interior settings. Biophilia is a Greek word that means ‘For the love of nature and living things.'

Inspired by biophilic design principles, carpet manufacturers have started to incorporate natural materials like wool, jute and silk into their products. These carpets are left undyed to maintain a natural colour palette, reflecting the raw materials' beauty. Not only do these carpets enhance the aesthetic appeal of a space, but they also contribute to reducing environmental impact due to their sustainable production methods.

To further enhance the biophilic environment, homeowners can try adding solid wood furniture and an abundance of house plants. Plant shelves can be attached to walls to display greenery, while plants can even be integrated into pendant lamp shades for a unique touch. For a striking visual impact, create an indoor green wall that is completely covered in plants, transforming the space into a lush and vibrant oasis.

While biophilic-inspired carpets may not be widely available yet, there are plenty of alternative options offered by flooring services in Wrexham and North Wales. For those looking to add biophilic elements to their homes or business spaces, carpets made from natural sisal or seagrass can be a great starting point. To create a more inviting and luxurious atmosphere, it might make more sense opt for a pure wool carpet.

Tarkett relaunches IQ Optima range

Swedish vinyl flooring manufacturer Tarkett has refreshed and relaunched its best-selling range of IQ Optima vinyl flooring with new designs and an extended colour palette.

The IQ Optima moving nuances range is designed great design and technical performance, with colours and patterns inspired by soft watercolour washes. The collection has four distinct colour palettes, Argil, Basalt, Oxid and Lichen. A room or space can contain different coloured tiles to create harmonious areas that promote comfort and well-being. Flooring can be made dementia-friendly and can be installed in combination with Tarkett's anti-static and non-slip ranges that help protect the vulnerable.

IQ flooring is very hard wearing, typically lasting around 30 years. The tiles are suitable for dry buffing, which is a hygienic, no-detergent process that uses mechanical friction to smooth flooring and remove wear patterns, making tiles look their best for longer. IQ Optima vinyl flooring is ideal for heavy foot traffic spaces.

Tarkett has a circular economy approach to producing vinyl flooring by using around 25% recycled materials and manufacturing flooring using 100% renewable energy. Tarkett's take back program recycles offcuts from installations and recycles worn tiles. IQ Optima tiles are made from materials that have extremely low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to improve indoor air quality. The tiles are suitable for residential use or commercial buildings and in construction or renovation projects that want to decrease their carbon footprint.

Tarkett luxury vinyl tiles are made in Sweden but available from flooring services in North Wales.

Sofa Carpet Specialist ceases carpet sales

Retailer ScS, whose initials stand for Sofa Carpet Specialist, has stopped selling carpets online and in its shops.

Flooring accounted for only 8% of the retailer's group revenue and this has not grown during the last few years. Poltronesofà, the new ScS owner, made the decision to stop selling carpets. ScS will continue to specialise in selling sofas.

This news came after Carpetright, a major competitor of ScS, recently announced its intention to appoint administrators, which could mean the closure of all its stores unless a buyer can be found.

Though carpets may no longer be available from ScS and Carpetright, this does not mean there is little demand for carpets or a shortage of carpets available. Carpet sales have declined slightly over the past few years as hard flooring has become more popular. However, the UK carpet industry revenue in 2024 is estimated to be at a healthy figure of £2.3 billion.

Independent retailers of carpets in the Chester and North Wales region report that there is still a high demand for quality carpets with consumers particularly liking luxury wool carpets.

The government has a target of 300,000 new homes each year to address the housing shortage. This will positively impact demand for floor coverings including carpets. While companies such as ScS may be turning away from carpet sales, other independent providers are more than capable of meeting the demands of homeowners up and down the country, as these homes are built.

Shopping expert reveals advantages of carpets

According to research by Dyson, three-quarters of UK homes have hard floors. However, this means that there are still many households that still have carpet floors. In a recent article by Abha Shah, The Standard's Deputy Shopping Editor, she says that carpet floors have several advantages.

Firstly, carpets make homes quieter by muffling noise from the television, footsteps and other sources.

Carpets also have insulating properties that help keep rooms warm and saves on energy bills. Thick-pile carpets feel soft and are good for bedrooms for a cosy start to the day when getting out of bed in bare feet.

The main advantage of hard floors compared to most carpets is that they are more hard-wearing in high-traffic areas such as halls and stairs. However, choosing carpets made from durable sisal that are flat woven and easily cleaned can have the same effect. To add luxurious softness to hard floors, add thick pile rugs.

While hard floors are water resistant, making them better for bathrooms, utility rooms and kitchens, carpets are more ideal for living rooms and bedrooms. Quality carpets made from good materials like wool are hard wearing and will last a long time. Wool is a natural sustainable material that is soft and a joy to walk on barefoot.

In large family homes where spills are part of daily life, consider fitting anti-stain synthetic carpets. Vacuuming keeps them looking good.

Carpets are tricky to fit, so you may choose to use a flooring company in Wrexham that includes professional fitting services in the cost of their carpets.