All products from Unique Carpets, Ltd. are manufactured with a commitment that balances both the physical well-being of our customers and the physical well-being of the environment. The following reviews the benefits of the materials we use and the concerns over materials we avoid.
100% NATURAL WOOL
For thousands of years, wool has been the fiber of choice in carpet and rug manufacturing. Aside from its heralded performance and unsurpassed aesthetics, 100% pure wool is an environmentally sound selection in that it is completely biodegradable and, since the earth’s natural resources are not depleted in its production, it is a renewable resource. Most Unique products are manufactured with 100% pure wool.
MOTHPROOFING
Approved world-wide as an effective and safe mothproofing agent is Permethrin. It is also used as an insecticide on a variety of crops such as hops, cotton, fruit, and vegetables. It is widely used in greenhouses, market gardens, and vinyards, and is applied in a variety of ways. In regular use, as described above, it has been shown to be non-toxic to humans and, if ingested, passes through the system quickly and completely with no residual effects.
When used as a mothproofing agent, Permethrin is used in much smaller quantities than previously described since it is not intended as an insecticide but rather an agent that limits the ability of eggs to hatch or larvae to feed. It will not kill adult insects that walk across the carpet. All wool carpets from Unique are treated with Permethrin.
NATURAL LATEX
Natural latex is not used by any producers of quality broadloom carpets for two reasons: First, it is not an effective adhesive. Consequently, de-lamination and poor tuft-bind are constant concerns. Second, and more importantly, are the serious health issues that are commonly associated with natural latex. Natural latex has over one hundred known allergy related proteins. Accordingly, allergy to natural latex is a very common and often very serious condition.
Synthetic latex, a petroleum-based by-product, is used on all Unique products. It is very effective as an adhesive and possesses none of the health risks associated with natural latex.
POLYPROPYLENE
Polypropylene is commonly used as a primary backing and often as a secondary backing. For over twenty years, we have used it in the carpets we manufacture. Polypropylene is also a petroleum-based by-product and is so safe that it is commonly used as air filters, bandages, and protective netting in hospitals. Often used in lieu of polypropylene in products marketed as 100% natural is burlap, which, like many natural fibers, contains allergens and, in moist and damp locations, is prone to rot, mildew, and mold.
FORMALDEHYDE
Formaldehyde IS NOT USED in any phase of carpet and rug manufacturing.
AROMA
The aroma of new carpet is found by many to be similar to a freshly painted wall or that ‘new car smell’. However, to the very sensitive, all of these can be irritants. The aroma of new carpet is temporary and begins to dissipate within a few days. Ventilation will expedite the process.
If you have any additional questions regarding our products,
please don’t hesitate to contact us.