Wool and Carpets: 6000 years of innovation, quality and sustainability

The first manufacture of rugs with pile yarns made from animal fibres was well over 6000 years ago and the oldest carpet still in existence is around 2,400 years old. The carpet and rug sector is the major end-use of strong wool, which makes up around 45% of global wool production (fine wool comprises 35% of global production). The advantages and perceived deficiencies of wool carpets in comparison with newer generation synthetic carpets are highlighted with possible solutions and new directions for research. Improvements in these areas are essential for wool to maintain its share of the carpet market.