Environmental Responsibility
Materials and the Environment
At Creative Matters, we are committed to using natural materials whenever possible for all of our handmade rugs and carpets, including but not limited to handtufted, handknotted, handloomed and flatwoven. We use cotton threads for the warp and use wool, silk and linen and other natural yarns for the face and/or pile. Cotton, wool, silk and other natural yarns are rapidly renewable resources and are fully biodegradable.
The dyes used in the manufacturing process are of premium quality. Dyeing methods are reviewed by our fair trade partner Label STEP, whose role includes fostering environmentally sound carpet production and advising workers on how to handle any necessary chemicals safely. We also offer completely organic production with natural dyes.
Our woven Axminster products from Asia comply with the following strict guidelines:
- CRI Green Label Plus
- ISO14001 Environmental Management System (EMS)
- ISO9001 Quality Management System (QMS)
For projects requiring machine made carpets using synthetic fibres, we work with manufacturers who are committed to environmental sustainability. One of our North American manufacturing partners is a founding member of the U.S. Green Building Council and supports World Green Building Council activities. Our European partner has rigorous corporate social responsibility standards and has achieved CSR certification under the DS49001 standard, documenting that it complies with extensive international requirements in the CSR area.
Hand weaving
The hand weaving process produces little waste or carbon emissions. The equipment required to weave a rug is very simple and does not require electricity to operate. Weaving and finishing is all done by hand with little if any mechanization. All manufacturing is done by skilled craftspeople who live in the same vicinity as the production site. This means a significantly reduced carbon footprint. Finished rugs contribute to the overall health of the environment they are used in as they emit little to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and do not shed any synthetic fibres into the environment.
Material reuse
All rugs and carpets produced by Creative Matters are washable/cleanable and long lasting. Area rugs can be used in different locations or repurposed after their initial life span is complete. We encourage all of our clients to reuse or safely recycle old floorcovering in the most environmentally way possible rather than sending them to landfill.
Rug pads
The rug pad we recommend for use under our area rugs and carpets is the EcoNet Rug Pad by Jade Industries. Made of natural rubber and jute, it is an earth friendly construction. Through its partnership with Trees for the Future, Jade plants a tree for every EcoNet pad sold. LEED certified and green rated pads can also be recommended.
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