We can pretty much all recognize that particular odor, the ‘new carpet’ smell. Whether in a new office building or a renovated room in the house, it’s usually advisable to immediately ventilate the space so that head-ache inducing smell can dissipate. So what is causing that, anyway?
New carpets can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) used in the latex backing and adhesives, as well as the carpet itself. The particular ‘new carpet’ odor is usually caused by 4-phenylcyclohexene (4-PCH) which is emitted from the styrene butadiene rubber that is used to hold carpet fibers and backing together. Some of these chemicals can adversely affect indoor air quality, and can cause occupants to feel dizzy or have trouble breathing. Since we spend approximately 90 percent of our time indoors, indoor air quality is becoming a critical component of staying healthy and re-affirming the importance of using green products in our environments.
The Carpet and Rug Institute conducts research to bring manufacturers, designers, architects and home-owners accurate information about carpets and carpet adhesives. They put together a program in 1992 called the Green Label program, and have recently added the Green Label Plus program which tests carpet, cushions and adhesives for VOCs. Their research enables customers to buy products with the lowest VOC emissions on the market, thus improving their health and surrounding environment.
FLOR, a company selling modular carpeting by the square, is innovative both in its environmental practices and its design. They manufacture 19.7 inch square carpet tiles, which can be mixed and matched to create unique, personalized design solutions for any size space. If a house guest accidentally spills some red wine on the new carpet it’s not a problem. Just pull up the tile, send it back to FLOR for a replacement, pop in the new tile and it’s as good as new. These tiles are not only beautiful and versatile, but also extremely eco-friendly.
Not only do most styles of FLOR meet the CRI’s Green Label Plus program, but they go a bit further to try to participate in a closed-loop product cycle. The tiles are originally made from renewable and recycled materials, and when a customer is done with their carpeting (or decide it’s time for a design change), they can send the tiles back to FLOR where the old carpet will be recycled into new products. Rather than sending old carpet directly to the landfill, FLOR is working to dramatically reduce waste and to keep their products both beautiful by design and by indoor air quality standards.
When it comes to purchasing new carpet for a renovated room, or a new house, make sure to do your green homework. The Carpet and Rug Institute has given us the means to make more sound, environmentally-conscious decisions while companies are getting in line to produce the most beautiful, versatile, and green products on the market.
