By Tom Lape
It's no longer enough to design an interior that is attractive, comfortable,
and conducive to productivity; furnishings are now held to the higher standard
of being environmentally correct. Many of today's contract customers are concerned
with the environmental footprint of each product, a complex record including:
manufacturing processes and materials; volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions;
the product's typical lifetime; and recycling options for disposal. It's a complicated
challenge, but individuals who are willing to do their homework can find carpet
that is environmentally sound, as well as aesthetically pleasing.
Face Fibers
Commercial carpet, either woven or tufted, can be made of natural or synthetic
fibers. The naturals, including wool, sisal, and jute, are usually produced
from renewable resources and are biodegradable. However, they are usually more
costly, less durable, and have a greater allergenic dust potential than synthetic
fibers. Synthetic fibers include nylon 6; nylon 6,6; polyester; and polypropylene.
While all are petroleum products with petroleum's environmental drawbacks, these
fibers are generally more economical, more durable, and may offer recycling
benefits. Nylon carpet is considered to offer the best combination of affordability,
performance, and decreased environmental impact because it is lightweight, extremely
durable, easily cleaned, and recyclable.
Construction Qualities
Woven broadloom leaves one of the smallest environmental footprints in the
carpet industry because its construction, built of face yarns, filling yarns,
and warp threads, is inherently stronger than tufted fabrication, resulting
in a life-cycle of approximately 15 years - twice that of a comparative tufted
carpet. The cost of woven carpet is about 20- to 25-percent higher than tufted,
but the benefits are significant. Not only does the product last twice as long,
but also, because woven carpet does not have a backing, it is much easier to
recycle. Tufted carpet is made up of face fiber stitched into a primary backing,
covered by a secondary backing, which holds the fibers in place and provides
stability.
Maintaining Good IAQ
Carpet's role as an emitter of VOCs affecting indoor air quality has received
a lot of attention in the past decade. The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), Dalton,
GA, advises that "with common-sense ventilation, the minimal VOC emissions
and the non-hazardous odor from new carpet dissipate within the first 48 to
72 hours after installation." There is a CRI testing program that labels
carpet that has met emissions standards. It also tests carpet cushion and adhesives
so a package of installed carpet can be specified that will produce minimal
emissions.
Recycling Post Consumer Carpet
Keeping old carpet out of landfills is an ongoing concern. So far, nylon carpet
offers the best opportunity for economically feasible recycling. "Closed
loop" systems are able to recycle used nylon 6 carpet fiber back into nylon
with the same qualities as virgin nylon. And there are nylon carpet yarns available
that are made, in part, of such recycled nylon, resulting in product that can
be reused over and over. Polyester carpet for residential environments can be
made from recycled plastic, such as soft drink bottles. Polypropylene, also
used primarily in residential applications, is not recyclable.
Tom Lape is senior vice president of sales and marketing at The Mohawk Group
(www.mohawkgroup.com),
Atlanta.