Campaign for Wool Canada
Following the previous blog, in which the benefits of wool carpets was discussed, IWTO are taking a deeper look into wool as a sustainable material for carpets and rugs.
Although wool has been used in the production of carpets for years, pure wool carpets are now comparatively rare. Fabrics such as polyester, nylon and olefin have become the most common choices for carpet makers. This is changing however, as producers, decorators and homeowners start to recognise the benefits of woollen carpets. The International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) discusses all you need to know about wool carpets and why you should make them your first choice for your home’s interior.
The Beauty and Practicality of Wool Carpets
Wool carpets are not only beautiful; they also have many practical benefits. Here are some of the reasons why wool is an ideal choice for carpets.
Better for People and the Environment
One of the main reasons why people are turning to wool, is because it is sustainable and eco-friendly, having a minimal impact on the environment. In addition, it is also a far healthier alternative for human use than any of the alternatives.
New Zealand lifestyle store Big Save Furniture has become one of the first converts to wool furniture and décor, having introduced several ranges of wool products into their stores around the country. “It was the start of a journey for Big Save to look at how we source products that can have a positive impact on the environment and how we deal with plastic waste as a company,” says the company’s national buyer Daniel Norman. “We were blown away by the positive way our customers reacted to our products.”
For one thing, wool neutralises volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which cause mild to severe health issues. VOCs are common in homes where synthetic materials are used, but where pure wool is used, these are almost entirely absent.
Wool is also extremely durable. Carpets need to maintain their shape under constant foot traffic, and under the weight of heavy furniture. Wool is better at this than any other material. The springiness of wool makes it perfect for all parts of your home, but particularly the busy areas.
They Offer a Natural Resistance to the Absorption of Dirt
The natural structure of wool also makes it less inclined to absorb dirt. Its natural resistance to contaminants makes it much easier to maintain, and you will have less need to worry about pet stains and the resulting odours since wool cleans the air around it.
Understanding these benefits, many consumers and furniture suppliers have increased their demand for wool products. In New Zealand, Bremworth is one carpet producer that has been working closely with furniture stores to build substantial lines of wool carpeting. In the UK, British Wool is supporting the efforts of local wool producers and carpet designers to bring the material into the mainstream as far as home décor is concerned. With the benefits being so apparent, and with a range of beautiful designs already available, you will not regret making the change to wool carpets.
Maxwell Rodgers Fabric, a leading maker of carpets and throws in New Zealand, is another company that is wholeheartedly embracing the rise in popularity of wool products.
“Humankind has tried, for years, to replicate the benefits of wool by developing hostile environmental chemicals and failed,” says company founder Roger Green. “Chemical treatments promoted as a way to increase the appearance and retention of synthetic fibres have created not only health implications but huge environmental impacts. Chemicals are used to meet fire codes and fabrics are synthetically backed to increase wear.”
He notes that his company’s pure wool fabrics naturally boast all of these desirable qualities without any of the negative side effects.
Read Next: 5 Wool Takeaways from the Digital Trade Fairs
Learn More About Wool and All Its Uses and Benefits
The IWTO is the global authority for standards in the wool textile industry. Learn more about the fascinating material that is wool by browsing our fact sheet. Not only is this material great for carpets, but it is also sustainable. Bring wool into your home’s interior today and reap the benefits.
Now Read: 2030 Strategy and Generation Z Headline the IWTO Congress