Natural Fiber Floor Coverings
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These floor coverings are woven from sisal, coir, and seagrass. Nature in turn embellishes each rug with a wide spectrum of color tones and textures.
GreenHomeGuide Subject Editors’ Note: This GreenHomeGuide listing refers to products made from natural fibers like sisal, reed, wool, coir, etc. This company also manufacturers products made with vinyl, which we do not consider a green choice.
Approved by Subject Editors on August 26, 2004
Reviewed by Marian Keeler
These natural vegetable/plant fibers (grasses and bark from various species of trees) are predominantly rapidly renewable resources. They are harvested in various regions (see below) outside the US. Some fibers are found closer to the Northern California region than others. Factories appear to be located in Western Europe. Fiber sources are China (African fiber), Mexico, Portugal, Greece, France, Belgium, Denmark, Holland, India, Finland, Brazil.
Refer to company website for a complete description of the fibers used for the manufacture of rolled goods carpets. These include: Sisal Fiber (a strong Mexican plant fiber harvested for a seven year cycle per plant); Seagrass Reed (a perennial grass from the pacific Ocean basin); Mountain Grass (a perennial grass from the Pacific Rim); Coir (fiber extracted from the inner husk of the coconut, a renewable harvest); Jute (canes growing in monsoon climates);
Natural grass fibers have several key issues that affect durability and performance. Sisal and coir are two of the most durable types of plant fibers. Other fibers are naturally anti-static and less flammable. But in general, they are susceptible to furniture impressions and shifts in climactic conditions, particularly humidity. They also have specific environmental and space considerations to factor in while making the decision to use them or not. Water based, low or no VOC adhesives are preferable, provided this meets manufacturer requirements.
Issues of concern include the embodied transportation energy expenditure, the apparent water intensity of some fiber sources, and the lack of information on company environmental policy. It's unclear whether any of these source products have been treated with pesticides or preservatives before, during or after manufacture. In general, natural fibers are absorbent and should only be used indoors; they are also susceptible to mold, mildew and fading from sunlight.
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Manufacturer Information
Design Materials, Inc.241 S 55th Street
Kansas City, KS 66106
Toll-free: 800-654-6451
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Eco-terric
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Greendepot
1 Ivy Hill Road
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Toll free: 800-238-5008
Retail Locations
Mail Order
North Central
Design Materials, Inc offers floor coverings & area rugs through independent retailers and interior designers throughout North America.
GreenHomeGuide does not sell or resell any of the products listed on the site. We cannot be held liable for issues that arise from the use of these products.
