Our materials
All our techniques and raw materials are selected in a way that they complement each other. We are fascinated by yarn structures and surfaces, and working on the perfect depths of color. Only natural materials such as wool, silk and plant fibers are used for our carpets, as nature already provides the best materials. A first-class carpet should not only be durable, but also the main feature of any room.
Innovation goes hand in hand with tradition: Modern high-tech textures, such as the reflecting arrows in the Flashed Arrows models, are a special feature of our Collector’s Creations. We’re also one of the first manufacturers to reintroduce the use of mercerized cotton as a material for carpets. Our India Kilims are made exclusively in India from pure linen.
Himalayan wool
Our Himalayan virgin wool is one of the best wool varieties in the world. It comes from the Tibetan highlands, where family farms keep their small flocks of sheep at an altitude of 4,000 to 5,000 meters in perfect harmony with nature. The Himalayan sheep are accustomed to a rough and fluctuating climate, so in order to protect themselves their fur is equipped with an extra high grade of lanolin. This makes the wool extremely robust and insensitive to dirt and stains – a prerequisite for use in carpets. The Himalayan wool has its own lively character and we are very proud to be able to work with it as it’s only available in limited quantities.
New Zealand wool
Alongside the Himalayas, one of the best varieties of wool comes from New Zealand. In addition to being very robust and durable, it has considerable lanolin content, which makes it hard-wearing and insensitive to dirt. We are continually amazed by its exceptional natural shine and the deep brilliance of the colors in a finished carpet.
Silk
Silk fiber is the only continuous thread of natural origin. Our silk comes from the cocoons of the sustainably bred mulberry spinner in China, where silk production began thousands of years ago. The valuable material has a fabulous feel and shine, it’s easy to dye and effectively balances moisture levels and temperature. Silk has been used as a material in carpets for centuries as it remains permanently elastic and stable. It’s also ideal for those that suffer from allergies.
Nettle
Our nettle grows wild in the remote alpine forests of the Nepalese Himalayas, where it is carefully harvested by hand. The nettle plants grow up to three meters each year, incredible, considering the sparse amount of nutrients available. The harvest creates space for new, healthy shoots and promotes root growth. CO2 is also absorbed and the strong roots make the soil less susceptible to erosion.
As a yarn, nettle is exceptionally robust, handspun it develops an exciting, wild look with a subtle sheen. We’ve tried to ensure that the wild nettle remains as close to its original form as possible: you will find it in two different natural shades.
Hemp
All hemp used by CARPT grows wild in the remote heights of the Himalayas in Nepal. The hemp plants are naturally resistant to pests, require little water to thrive and improve the soil. After being harvested, the plants are dried for several months until the fibers are ready. Each individual hemp yarn has a unique color and is used by us in its undyed and natural form.
We value hemp as a hard-wearing and durable material, as a carpet it can easily absorb the humidity in a room and quickly release it again. In addition, hemp has the special property of counteracting bacterial growth and thus not causing any unpleasant odors.
Linen
Linen is obtained from the flax plant and is one of the oldest cultivated crops in the world. We only use renewable raw materials from sustainable cultivation in India. Our producers share our environmentally friendly philosophy and do not use fertilizers or pesticides.
Our easy-care linen carpets have high humidity controls and are only slightly susceptible to dirt. In addition, they are antistatic, antibacterial and are particularly suitable for those that suffer from allergies. Last but not least, its natural shine continues to inspire us.
Cotton
Our Oeko-Tex certified cotton comes from sustainable cultivations in India. CARPT consistently supports small traditional farmers: Our partners do not plant their cotton as a monoculture, but in alternation with other crops. Fertilizers, pesticides and other substances and processes that are harmful to the environment or human health are not used either during cultivation or further processing. Cotton is one of the oldest textiles in the world; it is valued for its longevity – even under heavy use. Our cotton carpets are allergy-friendly and are suitable for children’s rooms.
Re-interpreted by us: Carpets made of mercerized cotton
The mercerizing process makes cotton yarn particularly strong. The light refracts better in the material and the cotton is softer to touch and takes on a silkier shine. In addition, the process enables the material to absorb more colors, so that the cotton can be easily dyed and assumes a particular depth of color. We only use the best long-fiber cotton for the mercerizing process.
Cactus
Our wild cactus originates from the heights of the Himalayas in Nepal. It needs very little water and is naturally resistant to pests. We like the fact that cactuses have a tiny impact on the environment because of the way it grows and how it’s harvested.
Our experienced spinners succeed in developing a strong and durable fiber that has a somewhat coarser, natural look. This rare material looks great as a carpet in earthy natural tones.