Captured carbon now being used to manufacture carpets

Flooring solutions company Interface has started manufacturing carpets that contain captured carbon.

Carbon capture systems are used to prevent carbon emissions from industrial processes from being released into the atmosphere. High carbon levels in the air are often linked to climate change.

From April 2nd, 2025, captured carbon has been used in carpets made in Interface's USA and Europe manufacturing plants. Luca Achill, the global innovation & sustainability projects director at Interface, said:

“Carbon is not only the problem – we also see it as the solution to making progress on our climate commitments. We need less carbon in the air and more stored in our products."

Interface says that storing carbon in its carpets does not compromise its design and performance standards.

This carbon storing process is part of Interface's goal to be a carbon negative company by the year 2040. They have already reduced the carbon footprint of their carpet tiles by 84%.

Interface has stopped investing in carbon offset projects. Instead, it now concentrates on direct carbon reduction in all aspects of the business, including decreasing carbon emissions in the supply chain and the raw materials used in carpets.

Interface is one of many flooring material manufacturers that are reducing their impact on the environment by creating more sustainable products. Manufacturers are including more recycled materials in flooring or making it easier to recycle floor coverings after they are worn or damaged.

For help in finding environmentally friendly flooring options, talk to a local flooring retailer in Chester or North Wales.

Old traditional Kashmir carpet designs becoming digitised in India

To safeguard the cultural heritage of traditional woven carpets, the Handicrafts and Handloom Department in Kashmir, India is creating digital copies of around 1,000 traditional carpet designs.

Kashmir carpets woven by skilled craftspeople have unique patterns, knots and dimensions. Designs are recorded manually on talim paper in the form of coded instructions that provide colour, knot counts and other information required to re-create traditional carpet patterns. However, over time, the talim paper documents are known to deteriorate. The solution to preserve them is to convert the designs to digital form. So far, the Indian project has digitised 500 carpet designs out of an estimated 1,000. The designs are available to view at the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT).

The Director of the ICCT, Zubair Ahmad, says that these preserved traditional designs can be printed out and used as inspiration for modern carpet designs. He suggests that motifs, colours, size and patterns can be modified to create new unique modern designs.

Every year, carpet manufacturers launch new carpet styles and patterns. Carpet designers often take older patterns and update them for modern design tastes. This is why it is important that records are kept on traditional carpet designs.

Hand woven Kashmir carpets are colourful and typically feature vibrant patterns inspired by natural flower and plant shapes. However, purchasing these carpets for North Wales home or offices is very expensive. A more affordable alternative is to find a carpet or rug whose design is based on traditional carpets.

Wood flooring trends that are no longer fashionable

If you are renovating a room with new wood flooring, design experts warn that several past flooring trends should be avoided in 2025.

Natural and engineered wood flooring looks good but is too expensive for some. Laminate flooring is a more affordable option. New types of laminate flooring are available with realistic looking wood grain patterns. However, design experts do not recommend basic cheap laminate flooring, as it does not look stylish and is not very durable.

If you install natural wood flooring, avoid ones with a very glossy finish. Designer Kerry O'Dubhir says:

"Matte and satin finishes are now preferred for a more natural, low maintenance look."

Very dark hardwood is no longer as fashionable as it once was. Walnut and other lighter woods are trending. There is also a move away from grey wood flooring that was once a popular design trend, but designer Gala Magriñá says that greys can suck the energy out of a room.

The recommended flooring choice by many design experts is natural wood flooring. This is seen as a good investment as it lasts a long time and is easy to maintain.

Engineered wood is a good alternative as it is less expensive than solid wood but has a top layer of real wood. It is available in a wide range of wood types, from dark to light.

Engineered wood flooring in Wrexham and Chester homes and commercial properties is popular for its natural aesthetic appeal that matches most decor styles. Visit a local flooring retailer to view their full range of engineered wood flooring.

Innovations in luxury wood-effect vinyl flooring

In recent years, there have been several innovations in luxury vinyl flooring that have improved their look and quality, especially in wood-effect flooring.

Innovations in manufacturing have made wood-effect luxury vinyl tiles more realistic looking and with better protective top layers that make them last longer.

New printing methods make luxury vinyl mimic real natural wood grains. Blond and walnut are popular wood types that vinyl tiles recreate. Texture printing adds an authentic feeling of wood grains. Broader tiles are popular as they reduce the number of seams and enhance the wood look.

New types of 100% water-resistant luxury vinyl flooring tiles are ideal for bathrooms and other wet areas. Click-lock joining systems create tight joints between vinyl tile planks that prevent water reaching the subfloor. Slip-resistant vinyl also makes them safe to use in damp environments.

For environmentally concerned users, there is an increasing number of luxury vinyl options made with up to 80% recycled materials that don't compromise on looks and quality.

Protective layers have been developed that repel dirt, prevent scratching and are quick to clean. Antibacterial solutions in vinyl stop mould and mildew growing, making vinyl a healthy flooring option.

Modern luxury wood-effect vinyl flooring combines aesthetics with practicality for floors that have the natural look of wood, last a long time and are easy to maintain. Luxury vinyl is suitable for both residential and commercial use. To see the latest wood-effect luxury vinyl flooring for your Chester or North Wales rooms, contact a local flooring retailer.

Which? publishes carpet buying guide

Consumer organisation Which? recently published its updated guide to buying a new carpet.

There are three important questions Which? recommends you ask before purchasing a new carpet.

How much can I spend?

Carpets cost from £5 a square foot to over £100 for a hand-woven carpet. Premium-quality wool carpets are more expensive than synthetic polypropylene, but they add luxury comfort to a room.

Who will walk on the carpet and how often?

High-traffic areas in busy households with several members will see more foot traffic in hallways and living areas than in bedrooms and other less used areas. High-traffic areas need more durable carpets. If there are young children and pets in the home, go for a carpet that is easy to keep clean.

How do I want the carpet to look and feel?

Do I want a soft carpet with a deep pile or a flatter one? What colour goes well with the room decor? Do I prefer a pattern or a plain colour carpet?

The Which? guidance details carpet material types, synthetic, wool or plant-based, with each material having its pros and cons.

If you choose an expensive carpet, Which? warns against cutting costs by buying a poor quality underlay. A good underlay improves the carpet's look and feel and makes it last longer.

The guidance from Which? may help consumer choose the next carpet for their homes. However, for more help in choosing the best carpet, talk to a local carpet retailer in the North Wales and Chester region.