If you’re looking for a new carpet but would like to do your bit for the environment by choosing an eco-friendly one, there are plenty of options available.
What does eco-friendly mean?
The dictionary definition of eco-friendly is ‘not environmentally harmful’, or ‘earth friendly’. Usually, this refers to products that contribute to green living, prevent contributions to pollution (like air and water pollution) and practices that help to conserve essential resources (like energy and water). To be truly eco-friendly, a product must be non-toxic (as a minimum), both environmental and human safety should be taken into consideration and sustainable practices, fibres and/or ingredients used.
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What are sustainable practices?
Sustainable practices are ones are that maintain the quality of the environment, like wind and solar energy. When it comes to carpet, this means choosing one that is manufactured with environmentally responsible policies and practices as well as using sustainable fibres. Many carpet manufacturers have such policies and corporate responsibility practices as well. For example, Wilton Carpets hold the Environmental Management Strategies ISO 14001 certification. They do not use any chemicals at all during the manufacturing process, use fully recyclable packing and, where possible, bought-in materials from recycled sources. Miliken are also champions of sustainability and recycling and are striving for a goal of zero waste.
What carpets are eco-friendly?
Traditionally, many carpets were the opposite of eco-friendly but times have changed and there are now many options available. There are a few factors to consider when choosing an eco-friendly carpet; how it was manufactured, if it can be recycled, if it contains toxic chemicals and what it is made from. Here are some of the most popular fibres that are eco-friendly;
Wool
Wool is a great natural fibre that is durable, insulates, absorbs sound and offers warmth. It is naturally flame retardant and significantly improves indoor air quality, by absorbing common pollutants. This environmentally friendly choice is sustainable, renewable and biodegradable and also looks and feels luxurious in the home. Herts Carpets work with a number of wool carpet specialists like Axminster Carpets; they support The Campaign for Wool, raising the profile of wool as a natural, sustainable fibre. Axminster Carpets locally source wool to further reduce any environmental impact. Alternative Flooring also have a hand woven collection of wool carpets which is both ethically and environmentally friendly.
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Other Natural fibres
Seagrass, organic cotton, jute, bamboo coir and sisal are all examples of sustainable, natural fibres that carpet can be made from. These renewable, eco-friendly materials make wonderfully textured, luxury carpets which are becoming increasingly popular.
For a true eco-friendly carpet, choose a company that has sustainable policies, uses natural fibres and little or no chemical treatment. It should also have backing made from natural materials, like untreated wool, which is either glued using non-toxic materials or sewn on.
Alternative Flooring have a wide range of natural fibre carpets in their collection, including many sisal options, which can also be made into rugs and runners.
Perfect for the on-trend natural look and the New Nordic look, these fibres are hard-wearing and versatile.
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Recycled carpet
Another alternative is recycled carpet, made from pre- and post- consumer plastics. PET carpet is made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles.
Some manufacturers offer a service like the Miliken Carpet Take Back programme; they will reclaim used residential or commercial carpets. It is then either recycled into new carpets and donated to the voluntary sector, or turned into another product. Miliken is a founder member of Carpet Recycling UK (CRUK).
Whatever you’re looking to achieve in your home, we can help with all your flooring and carpet needs. Contact us here or book a free estimate with our friendly and professional Herts Carpets team today!
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