New independent testing confirms that 100% wool Axminster carpets perform as well as wool/nylon blends in demanding commercial environments, challenging decades of industry assumptions about fibre blending requirements.
Following up on earlier research conducted by WoolSafe, a comprehensive BTTG study tested two identical woven Axminster carpet samples, one with 100% wool pile and another with 80% wool and 20% nylon pile. Following rigorous international testing standards, both samples achieved Class 33 Heavy Commercial Use classification, demonstrating equivalent suitability for high-traffic applications.
These independent laboratory results represent a significant moment for the wool industry. For decades, wool has competed against synthetic alternatives by accepting nylon blending as necessary for commercial applications.
Now, there is scientific evidence that pure wool stands on its own merits. This opens genuine opportunities for wool to recapture market share in the commercial interior segment.
Key Findings Support Pure Wool Performance
The results challenge a long-held industry belief that nylon content is essential for durability in high-traffic environments. The evidence clearly demonstrates that 100% wool delivers the performance specifications required for heavy commercial applications.
The testing programme encompassed four comprehensive performance assessments: the Hexapod Test for appearance retention, fibre shedding evaluation, abrasion resistance analysis, and soiling resistance measurements.
This testing was conducted by BTTG, an internationally recognised testing laboratory accredited to EN ISO/IEC 17025 standards. The British Wool Marketing Board commissioned the research.
Results were striking in their consistency. During the Hexapod Test, both samples maintained identical appearance retention ratings across all test cycles. At 4,000 cycles, each achieved a rating of 4.0 (slight change). Performance remained virtually identical at 12,000 and 24,000 cycles, with both registering 3.5—well within acceptable standards for commercial use.
Fibre shedding performance also proved equivalent. The 100% wool sample recorded 141mg of fibre loss at 10,000 rubs, while the wool/nylon blend shed 134mg: both comfortably below the 250mg benchmark. Soiling resistance showed similarly minimal variation between the two samples, with colour difference measurements demonstrating negligible divergence.
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Environmental and Sustainability Advantages
Beyond performance equivalence, the findings reveal significant sustainability benefits to specifying pure wool carpets. Fibre blends complicate recycling processes and substantially limit circular economy potential. Moreover, nylon fibres contribute to microplastic generation, particularly during disposal—a growing concern for environmentally conscious specifiers and end-users.
The industry is exploring natural fibre alternatives to nylon backing materials, with the goal of achieving fully recyclable and biodegradable wool carpet solutions.
In contrast, 100% wool carpets support end-of-life recyclability and circular economy principles. Wool is 100% biodegradable in soil and water, and when managed properly represents an exemplar of regenerative farming practice.
Wool carpeting also delivers indoor air quality advantages that blended alternatives cannot match. Wool naturally absorbs and neutralises common indoor air pollutants, including formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide, and sulphur dioxide. Critically, wool does not re-emit these contaminants—even when heated by underfloor heating systems—and may continue purifying indoor air for up to 30 years.
Confidence for Specifiers
For architects, interior designers, and specifiers, these findings provide clear confidence to specify 100% wool Axminster carpets for heavy commercial use. Professionals can now recommend pure wool solutions knowing they will deliver equivalent durability to blended alternatives whilst offering superior sustainability credentials and supporting broader circular economy objectives.
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For detailed technical information and test methodology, read our report, Wool Carpets Perform.
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