Carpet dates back a few thousand years to the Orient when fine designs were woven from thousands of naturally dyed yarns. The industrial revolution introduced aniline dyes followed by developments in synthetic yarns and in manufacturing processes — for example, tufting.

Tufting enabled faster production at a much lower cost than weaving. It quickly replaced traditional warp and weft weaving and now accounts for 90% of the industry.
Most carpeting is made of synthetic materials — nylon, polyester, and polypropylene (PP) face fibers. Until recently, carpets ended up as a mixture of primarily petroleum (a non-renewable and toxic resource) and about 100 chemicals — for stain resistance, wear resistance, mothproofing, fungicides, soil repellents, processing aids and adhesives required to hold the tufts together — many of which are toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) producing toxic emissions which can outgas for a long time. Waste has also been a major sustainability issue, with 4.7 billion pounds of carpeting sent to landfills in the United States every year.
Many leading carpet manufacturers have been aggressively addressing these sustainability issues and changing their industry. In January, 2002, many manufacturers voluntarily signed the National Carpet Recycling Agreement (NCRA) which encourages them to accept product stewardship and accountability. They are evolving technologies for use of natural materials content, for recyclable content and for reclamation of carpeting through reuse and recycling. Many offer leasing programs, thereby accepting responsibility for carpet maintenance and recycling.
Specify Sustainable Alternatives. You can make a difference in shifting the industry to sustainability through the choices you make with your clients. Your choices can facilitate healthier indoor environments, encourage continued changes in the industry, and result in a better global environment. Below are descriptions of sustainable alternative choices you can make. Then, find the sustainably oriented manufacturers by clicking Carpeting Sources (also above) where you can compare and purchase according to your needs. When it comes to making your choices, these manufacturers deserve to be supported.
Nylon: Nylon was first developed in 1935 by E.I. DuPont De Nemours and Co. Nylon 6 and nylon 6,6 account for nearly two-thirds of the face fiber market. Nylon fibers are resilient and strong, suitable for the durability and longevity needed in carpeting. Nylon is usually considered a toxically-benign material which emits practically no offgassing, although clients with high petrochemical sensitivity may find nylon difficult. It is not biodegradable.
Nylon is recyclable and recycled content carpeting is readily available. Technology is rapidly improving to convert used fiber into new recycled content face fibers. New to the industry are innovations that make it possible to “repeat-cycle” nylon 6 fibers, which are used in making many carpets.
Recycled PET polyester is another type of recycled content carpeting. It is made from recycled post-consumer PET plastic soda bottles. PET fibers are naturally stain resistant, retain their color and resist fading. PET has exceptional strength and durability, properties which are retained in the recycling process.
Natural fiber carpets are generally made from wool, cotton, sisal, sea grass, jute, hemp, coir and rush. When untreated, they are toxically benign for most people. All are renewable resources. Many natural materials are innately flame resistant. Natural material carpets are available in neutral tones, richer shades and woven patterns. They are generally considered more suitable for dry areas rather than damp or humid areas.
The modular system of carpet tiles allows individual pieces to be replaced when worn or soiled. Individual carpet tiles can be easily laid, removed and replaced. The beauty of carpet tiles lies in the premise that a sizable amount of commercial carpet isn’t replaced because it has worn out, but simply because the time has come for a change.
Carpet leasing programs are another smart option for commercial applications. The manufacturer bears responsibility for maintaining the carpet for its life, replacing worn sections of carpet and recycling the carpet at the end of its life. Various leasing programs are available from many manufacturers. For example, carpet can be removed, cleaned, and reused within the same building, depending on its condition. It can be recovered, cleaned, and resold or down-cycled into other products or it can be repurposed.
Most commercial carpets are made by bonding a face fiber to a backing fiber, using a bonding agent. The vast amount of carpet backing is a sandwich of polypropylene fabric and latex. Backing can contribute up to 60% of the carpet material. Sustainable choices, which are readily available, include 100% recycled content backing that is recyclable and carpeting made to have no backing, which results in fewer materials used in its production.
Other sustainability factors are the carpet fiber construction (manufactured by tufting, weaving, or fusion bonding) and pile type (loop, cut, or combination) which determine appearance and performance. For example, lower pile height and higher pile yarn density is better for high traffic areas, giving better performance for the cost.
Carpet padding offers many recycled content options. Currently, carpet padding choices include nylon, wool felt available without pesticides or glues, natural jute fiber, polypropylene felt and rag pad, or recycled textile/carpet waste padding. Recycled-content carpet padding is available in several types including old padding, from reclaimed carpet fibers and from recycled tire rubber. All are priced competitively.
Specify use of a non-toxic, odor-free adhesive for installation, or mechanical adherence methods with no glues or solvents. The Carpet and Rug Institute's Green Label Program now labels adhesives for low-VOC. Many manufacturers have reduced adhesive’s solvent levels and cut VOC emissions to zero. Low-VOC products are available from all manufacturers. TacFast is a hook-and-loop method similar to Velcro, which holds carpeting in place and allows easy removal when renovating.
LEED points: possibly MR Credit 2 - Construction Waste Management, MR Credit 3 - Resource Reuse, MR Credit 4 for recycled content materials, or MR Credit 6 for rapidly renewable materials.