ENVIRONMENTALLY
sound carpet table rug Kiwi wool researchers develop compos
under $4.9m sustainability initiative
The development of a prototype rug which contains no plastic materials brings New Zealand’s wool export industry closer to mass production of fully compostable carpets, according to local experts.
in the first prototyping process to provide a broader range of colours but more trials are underway to find alternatives to the use of alpaca yarnwhich is in limited supply in New Zealand.
Latest Government statistics show textiles, including all forms of carpet, make up around five per cent of New Zealand landfill volumes with over 186,000 tonnes entering the waste stream each year.
Greg Smith, Bremworth CEO, says the development of fully compostable carpet that can be mass-produced in a financially viable way would be transformational.
Dr Kirstine Hulse, sustainability lead at Bremworth, says while wool is a natural fibre which can break down due to its organic composition, most wool carpets use a polypropylene backing and latex which contain synthetic materials— preventing the product from being composted. The new rug, which is hand woven from natural materials including sheep wool and alpaca fibres, was created as part of a rapid prototyping research initiative, designed to test a number of sustainability concepts in textile design. Crossbred sheep and alpaca fibres were used
He says the three-year research initiative was launched in response to demand from consumers for an environmentally sound, endof-life solution for carpet. “While design and quality remain key drivers for most segments, what happens at the end of a product’s useful life is becoming an increasingly important factor in the purchase decision. “Our latest research initiative is designed to help us build a product range which can be meaningfully reused or naturally returned to the earth in a way that resonates with our customer basewithout compromising the design and performance that they care about,” he says.
Make the most of it.
Get monthly returns from 5.50% p.a.* that make the most of your savings, so you can make the most out of life. Sometimes it can be hard to balance the need to save for your future, as well as enjoying the adventures that pop up every day. Our unique investment model offers you the flexibility to do both. At Southern Cross Partners, we offer mortgage secured loans that allow investors to pick and choose their level of involvement. With current returns from 5.50% p.a.* paid out monthly. Talk to us today about a new, flexible way to invest, minimum investment $10,000.00.^
To find out more, visit us online at southerncrosspartners.co.nz
* Investment rate subject to change. ^Subject to availability. Southern Cross Partners Ltd is licensed to provide peer-to-peer lending services under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. JU2229-v4 JU2229-v2
www.eastlife.co.nz
EastLifeAugust22.indd 37
eastlife | august 2022 |
37
28/07/2022 1:45:25 PM
