Ever since UNDP’s Micro-Enterprise Development Program (MEDEP) in Nepal identified Allo plant as one of the potential raw material for starting an enterprise in 1999, the usage of Allo as an alternative weaving thread has increased significantly. Allo is one of the longest fiber known today and is considered to be finer, stronger, and more tensile than linen. The fiber is biodegradable and cultivated using very sustainable practices. The resulting rugs are stronger, lighter, and suitable for both indoors and outdoors (they can easily withstand little rain and can be hung dry). These rugs add great texture to any space, and when blended with silk or wool have done quite well with our bespoke clients. They have been used in hallways, beach houses, nurseries, sunrooms, and log cabins.
Jute is the most biodegradable plant used in the rug industry. It is second only to Cotton in terms of cultivation, production, availability, and consumption of natural fibers. It is the cheapest fiber produced in the world today. The plant grows very fast, reaches maturity in 4-6 months, and has a very good yield ratio, thus making it very sustainable and profitable for farmers. Every part of Jute plant finds some usage; cellulose produced from the plant is used to suffice the demand for wood globally, the leaves are consumed as food, and are also used for medicinal and cosmetic qualities, whereas the stems are used for production of particle boards, pulp, and paper.
Its fiber known as the ‘Golden Fiber’ is soft, long, durable, and shiny. Its high insulation, low thermal conduction, anti-static, and naturally decomposable properties make it a popular weaving thread. The Jute rugs have high tensile strength, low extensibility, and ensures better breathability.
A vegan alternative to traditional silk, banana silk fiber is mechanically extracted from the small pieces of banana trunks and put to the softening process. The resulting yarn after being bleached and dried is very similar to silk with exceptional textural quality. The fibers are strong, bright and exhibit low elongation. The manufactured rugs are shiny, light and have profound moisture absorption quality. As they take up and release humidity very rapidly, they have been very popular in tropical areas.
The eco-friendly and sustainable Hemp plant is one of the most versatile plants in nature. It has been used for centuries for food, fuel, clothing, and medicine. It yields strong and long fiber that have high insulation factor. Hemp rugs are durable (highly hard wearing), easy to maintain, mildew resistant, warm, and inexpensive.