Circular economy through recycling of PET
PET is the abbreviation for polyethylene terephthalate. This is a plastic that is commonly used for the production of e.g. beverage bottles but also other packaging.
Millions of PET bottles are in circulation worldwide. They are used as disposable bottles or – as is the case here in Germany – as reusable bottles. With existing collection systems, these bottles return to the recycling cycle. However, by no means all recovered material is reusable or, better said, good enough for new bottles. The remaining quantity of low-quality material goes to Asia to be converted into textile fibres in factories there.
Worldwide, unfortunately, many plastic bottles remain as waste. This is also the case in India, the country where our carpets are made.
So how does a plastic bottle become a carpet?
In recycling plants, the bottles are shredded into handy “flakes” after being cleaned and labels removed. These flakes are then melted down and stretched into long threads, twisted into yarn and pulled onto spools. Depending on the carpet size, between 100 and 750 recycled PET bottles are needed to make one carpet.
The result is a hand-woven carpet made of 100 % recycled plastic, produced in an energy- and resource-saving way.
This is our active contribution to environmental protection: we only use already existing resources and at the same time work against the waste problem.
The PET fibre is largely water and dirt repellent, which is why these carpets are also well suited for outdoor areas such as balconies, gardens, terraces and bathrooms.
The resulting product is durable, hard-wearing and a step towards sustainable living.
All carpets we produce carry the GoodWeave seal. As a licensee, we ensure certified production without exploitative child labour. You can find detailed information about the contents of GoodWeave in this blog post.
A carpet made of plastic bottles – doesn’t that feel strange and above all like plastic?
Compared to a carpet made of cotton, there is hardly any haptic difference. It can perhaps be said that the PET carpet appears to be woven a little more tightly and feels more like wool.
Do you notice a difference at first sight?
The model shown here is called Vienna and is available in the following sizes in our online shop:
- 60 x 90 cm
- 70 x 140 cm
- 70 x 250 cm
- 140 x 200 cm
- 200 x 300 cm
The PET carpets are true all-rounders, versatile and what is most important for us: uncomplicated in everyday life! They don’t mind spilling to their heart’s content in the kitchen when washing up or under the kitchen table when eating.
- In the living room in front of the cosy sofa
- Under the dining room table
- In the bathroom
- On the balcony or terrace
- As a base for the dog’s and cat’s food bowl. PET for your pet – YEAH!
With a few exceptions, all PET carpets can be washed in the washing machine at 30 °C without any problems and are dry again in a flash.
Have you acquired a taste for rugs and would like to get an overview of all the designs in our range? Then click through our indoor and outdoor carpets in the online shop!
And if you’d rather see a carpet with your own eyes and feel it with your own hands, you’ll find an overview of all the shops we supply here. You’re sure to find something in your area!
What would a carpet be without a matching companion?
For outdoor use on the balcony or terrace, we also offer cushions made from recycled PET bottles. These come with outdoor-suitable fillings, so a little shower or downpour won’t harm them. We also offer blankets and chair cushions made from the same material.