Wools of New Zealand has developed a new wool (wūru) tile range for the commercial sector.
“We are seeing companies and other organisations wanting to ensure their premises are more sustainable and looking after the wellbeing of their people,” WNZ chief executive John McWhirter said.
“The many beneficial natural properties of our wool tiles make them ideal for using in commercial spaces.
“Wool is a natural product, it’s biodynamic and helps keep buildings warm in cold spells and cool during hot weather. Wool is biodegradable, naturally flame and stain resistant, it’s allergy free and naturally grown – rather than the fossil fuel-based fibres used in synthetics.
“Our tiles will be of interest to a wide range of organisations and commercial businesses, including the education sector, offices and retail.”
The price of the wool tiles is competitive in relation to the high-end synthetic carpet tile market, he said.
The first organisation to use the tiles is the Hillview hospital and retirement home in Te Kuiti, which has had them fitted in its care home and plans to also use them in new independent living and respite facilities.
Hillview is owned and run by a community (hapori) trust.
Local (kaimahi pāmu) farmer and trust chair Claire Grainger said that as part of a rural community, the trust is keen to support farmers and use wool carpets in an upgrade.
“A lot of our trust members and people living at Hillview have connections to rural communities. We wanted to support farmers, and the properties of wool carpets make them ideal for use in a rest home – it’s a great product.
“A problem in the past was that wool carpets were much more expensive than synthetics but now they have become an affordable option.”
