In today’s world, more and more homeowners are looking for sustainable and eco-friendly options when renovating or building their homes. This increased environmental awareness extends to flooring as well, with many homeowners specifically seeking out green carpet alternatives. As a carpet provider in Newcastle and Sunderland, it’s important for us to stay up-to-date on the latest environmentally friendly carpet materials and practices.
What Makes Carpet Sustainable?
There are a few key factors that determine how sustainable a carpet is:
Materials – Using renewable, recyclable, or recycled materials lowers the environmental impact of manufacturing new carpet. Wool is a renewable resource that is biodegradable at the end of its lifespan. Recycled PET Polyester made from plastic bottles gives plastic a second life as carpet fiber.
Manufacturing Process – Using greener energy sources and efficient processes reduces the carbon footprint of production. Some manufacturers use solar power or track carbon emissions from operations.
Recyclability – Carpets designed with recycling in mind use materials that can be more easily broken down and repurposed at the end of use. Recyclable backing and fiber materials make this possible.
Indoor Air Quality – Eco-friendly carpets use natural materials like wool and cotton that don’t emit VOCs, improving health and air quality. They may also use safer dyes or be untreated to reduce chemical use.
Sustainably Sourced Materials – Choosing renewable materials from responsible, ethical sources ensures supply chain sustainability. FSC certified wood flooring follows similar ethical sourcing practices.
By keeping these qualities in mind, we can provide clients with the most environmentally friendly flooring options available.
Eco-Friendly Carpet Fiber Options
When it comes to the actual materials that make up carpet fiber, there are several sustainable options on the market:
Wool – As a rapidly renewable material that is biodegradable and recyclable, wool is a top choice for sustainable carpeting. Wool is naturally soil and stain resistant too.
Bamboo – Bamboo is a fast-growing grass that is durable and easy to renew. Bamboo fiber carpeting tends to withstand wear well.
Cotton – Treated cotton can perform like other carpeting fibers, eco-friendly dyeing processes help keep the sustainability level higher for cotton and other natural fibers.
Recycled Polyester (PET) – Recycled plastic bottles can find new life as carpet fiber, keeping waste out of landfills. Post-consumer and post-industrial polyester are common.
Low-VOC Carpet Backings
In addition to sustainable carpet fibers, new backings have been developed with the environment in mind:
Jute Backing – Made from the fibers of the jute plant, jute backings are biodegradable and designed to decompose faster than synthetic latex when discarded.
Plastic Composite Hybrid – Backings made from recycled and renewable materials provide cushioning. They are also recyclable when replaced.
Polyurethane Rebond (PUR) – PUR backings use recycled foam and rubber content to reduce waste. They are very durable and completely recyclable.
The Truth Behind Greenwashing Claims
With the rise in popularity of eco-friendly and natural products, some brands have made dubious claims using “greenwashing” to boost sales. By researching certifications and standards for environmental claims, we can cut through the confusion and provide clients truly sustainable flooring backed up by data. Requiring transparency and proof helps prevent and detect any potential greenwashing.
Things to Look For:
- Third Party Certifications like Green Label Plus for low emissions
- Validated Declare Labels indicating material red list avoidance
- Quantitative Data on energy, water use and carbon footprint reductions
- Real Scientific Evidence supporting environmental benefit claims
- Clear Explanations of processes demonstrating sustainable changes
Asking brands to substantiate statements and provide further detail helps illuminate where legitimate advancements are being made.
Installing Sustainable Carpet in Newcastle and Sunderland
Here at Crazy Price Carpets, we provide households in the North East with access to quality flooring in a responsible way. We offer flexible payment plans to help make eco-friendly carpet an affordable investment that pays dividends through improved indoor air quality and reduced environmental impact.
Our installers are fully trained to reuse and upcycle existing carpet padding when possible. We can also dispose of replaced carpeting in a sustainable manner. Any carpet remnants or scraps are donated or recycled rather than being sent to the landfill. Our fitters use low-VOC adhesives to ensure healthy indoor air quality.
Choosing sustainable carpet materials and having them installed properly gives Newcastle and Sunderland homeowners the chance to renew their floors in an environmentally responsible way. We strive to make selections that balance style, comfort, durability and now, characteristics like reduced carbon footprint or renewable biobased content as well.