In the early 1990’s Feltex Carpets realised that they not only had a responsibility to offer consumers high quality floor covering solutions, but they also had a responsibility to care for the environment in which we all live.
This resulted in an extensive review of all manufacturing plants and facilities in the Feltex New Zealand operation to determine how the company could improve its systems. The company had a clear vision to become an Environmental Choice supplier to the building industry. Environmental Choice is the official eco-labelling programme in New Zealand, which operates independently from the Government, but the label is Government owned and endorsed.
In March 1994 Feltex Carpets was the first manufacturer in Australasia to become an Environmental Choice licensed supplier for the manufacture of wool pile and wool-rich pile carpets, which demonstrates the company’s long-standing commitment to minimising its impact on the environment.
In the past two years Feltex Carpets has been encouraged by the significant changes in the building industry as Government Departments and other companies have become aware of the environment and joined Feltex in their mission to protect nature earth.
The Lifecycle of Carpet
The majority of Feltex tufted carpets are manufactured in New Zealand, using locally grown New Zealand Wool.
The carbon used to produce New Zealand wool comes from grass, not fossil fuel. This means that wool comes from carbon cycled out of the atmosphere, not fossil fuels.
Sheep manure is a great fertiliser, sheep meat enters the food chain, and wool breaks down into organic products on disposal.
Wool is a luxurious, natural, durable, sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable fibre thus making it the most superior component for quality carpet.
A recent study commissioned by the Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand showed that wool carpets have the least energy use over their lifetime compared to competitive fibres, and that doesn't take into account the additional energy savings on heating costs provided by carpet.
The latex used on Feltex New Zealand tufted carpets is water soluble and biodegradable.
The secondary backing on Feltex New Zealand tufted carpets is made from a natural fibre called jute.
Feltex Carpets actively encourage the decision maker to take the 'whole life approach' when selecting carpets. Spending more money on items such as a quality carpet can be offset by reduced energy, waste and other savings over the life span of the product.
A series of trials have been completed to investigate the use of post consumer wool carpet as an aid to plant establishment.
Trials indicate that once wool carpet has reached the end of its useful life on the floor, it can be used to help with re vegetation, moisture retention, weed suppression, moderation of soil temperature and soil stabilisation.
The backing of the carpet (facing upwards) was degraded by weathering (sunlight and rain), progressing from the outside jute, to the latex and finally the polypropylene. The pile decomposed by soil microbes independently to the backing and consequently direct soil contact and elevated moisture are important.
Naturally good for the indoor environment
Indoor environment quality (IEQ) refers to the quality of the air and environment inside buildings, based on pollutant concentrations and conditions that can affect the health, comfort and performance of occupants.
A large proportion of New Zealand's work force spend a lot of time in the office environment. The quality of the air they breathe is important to both short-term and long-term health. Office items can release volatile organic compounds (VOC's), formaldehyde and other emissions, as well as exposing staff to toxins and allergens. Feltex have a large range of carpets which have low VOC emissions making them a healthier choice for your office environment.
Wool and wool-rich carpets can improve indoor air quality through naturally absorbing common contaminants in indoor air.
Wool carpets dissipate unwanted dampness by absorbing excess moisture from the air. This humidity absorption does not affect the carpet. A drier room is not only more comfortable, but better for your health, visibly reducing the presence of moulds and mildews.
Wool carpet fibres are not a food source for dustmites.
Wool is a non-allergenic fibre and does not give off harmful emissions.
Pure wool carpets can significantly reduce heat loss through the floor, which helps to keep your environment warm during winter and cooler during summer. Combined with a quality underlay, thermal insulation is even more pronounced.
Acoustics are important in any environment. Wool carpet absorbs noise travelling through walls, ceilings and floors. Coupled with a quality underlay, sound reduction is further enhanced.
The New Zealand Green Building Council
The New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) is a Non-Government organisation, which was officially formed in February 2006.
In 2007 the NZGBC released ‘Green Star NZ Office Design v1’. Office Design v1 is a rating tool which has been developed to assess the environmental impact of offices.
The Green Star NZ rating tool system will also be developed for different building types such as retail, health, education, residential, industrial and so on. .
How does Feltex carpet fit into Green Star NZ Office Design v1 Rating System?
Carpet fits into the Materials-9 and Indoor Environment Quality-13 sections of the Green Star Office Rating system.
Feltex Carpets have a range of products, which provide credits in the Green Star Office Design rating tool for both Materials-9 and IEQ-13 sections.
(Govt3) The New Zealand Government Sustainable Procurement Initiative
As at June 2008 there is no minimum standard for carpet floorcoverings set within the New Zealand Government's Sustainable Procurement Initiative (Govt3) .
Govt3 are currently recommending that procurement managers use the Ministry of the Environment's guidelines (A guideline to sustainable office fit-outs December 2005) to assist in the specification of carpet floorcoverings.
A range of Feltex Carpets meet the recommendations set out in this guideline for carpet floorcoverings.