For designers and hotel owners looking to equip bedrooms
with a carpet that has an environmental edge, Swaledale from Axminster Carpets
could be the ideal solution as a carbon neutral collection.
Born through the commitment of Axminster Carpets towards reducing
its impact on the environment, Swaledale offers an ideal mix of durability,
comfort and style and with its green credentials, is the perfect fit for any
sustainability focussed brief.
As its name suggests, the carpet uses wool solely from
Swaledale Sheep, a hardy breed, with a fleece that has an inherent amount of
grey fibre. This characteristic, which is more pronounced in the lighter of the
20 nature-inspired shades available, gives Swaledale a unique look not seen in
other ranges designed for hotel bedrooms.
In order to achieve a carbon neutral status for the 80/20
wool-rich Swaledale, Axminster Carpets underwent an independent assessment of
its carbon footprint for all operations. Aspects examined included not only the
energy consumed in the manufacturing process at Axminster Carpets, Curragh
Carpets and the Buckfast Spinning Mill, but also the carbon emissions
attributed to flights, rail, lorry and car journeys associated with sales and
distribution.
The results are among the lowest in the industry and are set
to reduce even more in the near future due to advances in manufacturing
technology. Many further improvements are imminent and these developments,
along with continued analysis of company operations, are set to ensure that
Axminster will remain at the forefront of green manufacturing.
From these figures, Axminster Carpets calculated the amount
of carbon dioxide relating to the manufacturing, sales and distribution of the
Swaledale range and invested in a number of projects in the UK and around the
world including wind and wave power and reforestation to offset all carbon
emissions.
Swaledale is available in both four and five-metre widths
and in a 40oz cloth it is rated suitable for contract use, providing more than
enough durability for busy hotel guestrooms.
“With Swaledale designers and owners can ensure they are
doing their part in reducing the impact of their hotel on the environment
without compromising comfort, durability or style,” said Steve Upperton, sales
director. “Through our continued efforts to reduce our impact on the
environment, Swaledale represents a milestone on our journey towards becoming
one of the foremost green carpet manufacturers in the UK.”
