Natural carpet backing & Synthetic carpet backing

Looking for natural carpet backing materials is just as important as finding an environmentally friendly carpet. This article looks at various natural and synthetic carpet backing materials. Find out their environmental credentials below to make an informed choice when buying carpet.

Natural carpet backing materials

Jute

Made from 100% natural renewable resources.
Look for untreated jute from manufacturers.
Jute backing is suitable for laying loose sisal carpet with tape.
An excellent choice when adhesive cannot be used e.g. for rented accommodation.
Material processing creates low levels of embodied energy.
Fibres are biodegradable.

Hessian

Made from 100% natural renewable resources.
Look for untreated hessian from manufacturers.
Material processing creates low levels of embodied energy.
Fibres are biodegradable.

Woollen felt

Made from 100% natural renewable resources.
Look for untreated felt from manufacturers.
Some manufacturers use recycled wool (check with manufacturers for toxic/chemical content).
Material processing creates low levels of embodied energy.
Warm and comfortable underfoot.
Thickness is approx 10mm.
Fibres are biodegradable.
Reduces noise from impact into rooms below.
Reduces sound transmission and echoes.

Natural rubber (latex)

Suitable for residential and commercial use including heavy traffic areas e.g. hallways, stairs.
Latex backing requires adhesive for installation (check with manufacturers for toxic/chemical content).
Made from 100% natural renewable resources.
Material processing creates low levels of embodied energy.
Material can be recycled (including production waste and post consumer waste).
Low levels of VOC emissions.
Biodegradable.
Thickness is approx 5mm.
Can provoke an allergic reaction for those who suffer from multiple sensitivities (especially workers who handle the product continually).

Synthetic carpet backing materials

Recycled content

Manufactured from recycled fibres e.g. cotton, hemp, jute and natural rubber.
Some synthetic backing materials can be added to the blend e.g. acrylic & synthetic rubber (check with the manufacturer for details).
Recycling materials uses less energy during manufacture than virgin materials.
Depending on natural/synthetic content � VOCs are low or zero.

Synthetic rubber (latex)

Containing Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR).
Styrene is associated with provoking respiration problems e.g. asthma, inflammation of the lungs.
Resistant to solvents and oils.
Manufactured with chemical processing, using non renewable resources which create high embodied energy.
Offgases toxic VOC emissions.
Chemical content is not biodegradable.
Waste becomes an issue, if placed in an incinerator this creates more toxic emissions.

Synthetic foam

Containing polyurethane (some may have recycled content).
Resistant to solvents and oils.
Manufactured with chemical processing, using non renewable resources which create high embodied energy.
Offgases toxic VOC emissions.
Chemical content is not biodegradable.
Waste becomes an issue, if placed in an incinerator this creates more toxic emissions.

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