Product News 5: Floor coverings with a sustainable twist

International Floor Coverings specialises in natural fibre flooring and rugs that offer an environmentally sustainable, healthy alternative.

“Statistics show that carpets cover up to 70 per cent of the floors in Australia, while up to 90 per cent of all carpets and contemporary rugs are made from nylon, polypropylene, polyester and other synthetics. These petroleum based floor coverings contribute to the exhaustion of limited natural resources and require vast amounts of energy and water to manufacture.”

International Floorcoverings is offering an alternative with a product range made using natural, rapidly renewable materials from plants such as sisal, jute, abaca, seagrass and coir, as well as from paper or animals, namely wool. With the use of sustainable farming practices, these fibres may be harvested over and over again without damaging the environment.

“Rapidly renewable materials come from plants that regenerate quickly. In fact Sisal grows so quickly that the fibre may be harvested twice a year from the same plant.”

“Sustainable rugs also undergo very little processing. Natural fibres generally require fewer resources than synthetics to become finished products. They do not contribute to climate change since they do not produce CO2. Through photosynthesis, plants actually soak up CO2 and release oxygen.”

“Our floor coverings are backed with natural latex derived from rubber trees and may even be chopped up and used as fertilizer at the end of their useful life.”

The natural tannins present in sisal also help reduce the presence of dust mites, resulting in a health-enhancing floor covering.

“When you choose a sustainable carpet or area rug, you are not simply buying a home accessory. You are helping to create a world where quality, beauty and a sustainable way of life are essential.”