Eco wool carpet

The 100% natural floor covering

Description
Wool is a natural fibre harvested from sheep
To date wool carpet and wool floor coverings cannot be replicated with synthetic materials and sets the bar for fibre quality and performance
Content of natural wool floor coverings range from 100% to blends with other fibres

Backing
100% natural carpet backing materials available which contain zero VOCs or indoor air pollutants e.g. jute
Typical backing materials contain plastics such as polypropylene which are hazardous to health through offgassing VOCs - avoid!

Advantages
Resilient from wear and tear – over nylon equivalents
Naturally buoyant, fibres do not crush or indent easily
Good resistance to static electricity
Good sound insulating properties
Excellent thermal insulating properties
High level of resistance to fire, combustion and self extinguishes when the source of the fire is lost – due to the protein content
Fibres will not burn or melt from dropped cigarettes
This surface characteristics also means the wool fibre does not absorb water easily
Able to absorb humidity very well, without noticeable wet or damp patches
Able to take dyes
Natural characteristic of the wool fibre means that dust and dirt are kept on the surface making it easy to clean
Appearance improves with age
The feel of this natural material is superior to synthetic alternatives

Disadvantages
Air-conditioning or heated air systems stir up dust trapped in the carpet lowering indoor air quality
Needs to be cleaned often, either dry or wet cleaning uses energy and water resources

Cost
Expensive, yet offset with the long term durability and self renewing characteristics

Embodied Energy
Locally sourced wool has low levels of embodied energy
Wool sourced from overseas very high levels of embodied energy due to transportation and distribution

Source/Origin
Origin can be anywhere sheep farming is possible
The majority of wool sourced in the UK is manufactured in the UK
Wool sourced and manufactured in New Zealand is a popular choice with their strict standards regarding minimal environmental impact during farming, excellent animal welfare and a ban on pesticides

Renewable
100% renewable and abundant fibre

Environmental & Health
Animal agriculture uses a large amount of resources
Farming methods such as sheep dipping may involve toxic chemicals
Allergies can be caused by the large amount of dust in woolen carpets – especially during hoovering
Insecticide treatments for moth repellent contain toxic chemicals added during carpet manufacture
Manufacturing processes can create amounts of chemical / toxic waste
Some untreated wool carpets are avaialable which are backed with jute and are coloured with natural dyes
Non toxic, solvent free and water based adhesives available for installation
This floor covering helps improve indoor air quality
Wool fibres absorb air pollutants, VOCs and formadelhyde, which are trapped within the fibre without release, even when a heat source is applied

Performance
Highly durable Wool carpets have the ability to clean the air for up to 3 decades
The longest lifespan of all carpet materials

Maintainence
Regular hoovering
Avoid moist environments which may encourage mildew

Recycled content
N/A

Recyclable
Yes fully

Disposal / Biodegradable
Yes fully

Ethics
Local farmers benefit from the demand for wool
Manufacturing the woollen fibres near by to the source helps the local economy and trade

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