Discover Benelux | Design | Made in Belgium
The art of accessible design TEXT: CHARLOTTE VAN HEK | PHOTOS: PAPILIO
Design does not have to be expensive. This is the philosophy Papilio has at its heart. By creating unique handmade rugs, this Belgian-based B2B company is an innovator in exclusive affordable design. It is a story of success. Through the manufacturing of high-quality and exclusive yet affordable rugs, Papilio is living proof that design can belong to anyone. Papilio’s designer rugs are developed by in-house designers or acclaimed external guest designers, resulting in a wide collection of rugs. Upcycling forms a special chapter of the company’s success story. Alongside its core collections, Papilio is widely respected for its efforts regarding the recycling of raw materials. “A constant innovative approach is an essential quality of providing affordable design,” says Christophe Vervaeke, business unit manager at Papilio.“Using recycled materials is a perfect example of that out-of-the-box thinking.” Every rug requires highly skilled craftsmanship and is absolutely unique. Some rugs take up to six days to be made. All of Papilio’s rugs anticipate current lifestyle 24 | Issue 40 | April 2017
trends and are grouped in market-adapted lifestyle collections. The 180 different materials and 375 rugs, all in different price ranges, make the collections accessible for every type of customer. For specific pieces, Papilio has been awarded international design awards, including the prestigious Red Dot Design Award and the Henry Van de Velde Label. Their innovative ‘canvas rug’ made from old army tents was included in the list of best innovations at DOMOTEX, the world’s leading trade fair for rugs and carpets. Besides an eye for affordable design, Papilio rightfully prides itself on having the environment and society at heart. A special collection of rugs is made by upcycling: the combination of upgrading and recycling. From old jeans to worn-out shoes, camel hair, candy packaging, or old newspapers: Papilio gives them a second life. Papilio’s designs are sold in 45 different countries, via top-ranked distributors worldwide, furniture store chains, and department stores – a list that is ever growing. Vervaeke: “The consumer is becoming more and more design conscious,” he
concludes. “Papilio proves that design, indeed, is for everyone.”
Papilio is a company from Belgotex International. Alongside being innovative about rugs, Papilio also innovates with their interactive point of sale, which provides dealers, through minimal space and investment, a maximum of design. Want to know more? Contact Papilio via info@papilio.be For more information, please visit: www.papiliorugs.com