Tide turns towards wool
Website Editor • September 28, 2020
The tide is changing. People are becoming more interested in what is happening around them and when they see things that are really wrong they are prepared to do something about it,
writes Martin Curtis, Wool Carpet Focus Group
In time people will realise that even making a small change in their daily lives will add up to make a big change to the world we live in. That will include buying products to last longer, look better for longer, be safer, be environmentally beneficial and make them feel better – and for the most part that means wool!
Wool Week 2020
Explore our Wool Week 2020 gallery in the online magazine - click here
In time people will realise that even making a small change in their daily lives will add up to make a big change to the world we live in. That will include buying products to last longer, look better for longer, be safer, be environmentally beneficial and make them feel better – and for the most part that means wool!
Anecdotally, when I asked our group of carpet manufacturers, many of whom produce both synthetic and wool carpets, which would they want in their homes everyone said wool!
There is so much scientific information available today which conclusively proves that wool is the best fibre for most things, including carpets and rugs, that it is a wonder anyone needs reminding.
Today more than ever information is power. Consumers want to know what they are buying, where it has come from and if it is doing damage to the planet and their children’s futures.
I believe that if a retailer speaks honestly and openly to the customer in their shop the results will be hugely beneficial for all parties. It isn’t rocket science. It is a logical and reasoned discussion as to where we want to be in the future. We look back now on how murderous it was to put lead in our petrol. The reason for doing so was to make it fractionally cheaper to run our cars but it didn’t have to be that way - it was just an easy way out.
Recycling? Weren`t those who recycled looked upon as slightly deranged and from another planet? What are we all doing now? Yes, recycling is part of everyday life and those who don`t do it are pariahs.
Carpet retailers have a significant advantage over online sellers because the consumer needs their personal help and advice. Which carpet is the best? What are the advantages and disadvantages of synthetics over wool and vice versa. There are many really clued up retailers and they are able to give their customers honest advice. Some take an easier road and will get a sale in the book no matter what and that is going to have to change.
A wool carpet will stay looking better for longer than a synthetic carpet (look at all the scientific evidence included on woolcarpetsnaturally.org). A wool carpet that costs £30 per sq metre will under normal circumstances keep looking great for 10 years or more. Let’s say that the cost is therefore £3 per sq metre per year, akin to the fashion industry referencing cost per wear data.
A synthetic one (and please remember these are actually a form of plastic and we know how bad that stuff is) that is say £20 per sq metre may only look good for 5 years (although I know this is pushing it!) so this equates to £4 per sq meter cost per year.
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