"It is vital to us that we know who makes our products, how and where they are made, to ensure that the highest environmental and ethical standards are met. We take pride in the research we’ve done to achieve this level of transparency so far. We are always looking at ways to improve, and we’ll always endeavour to create the most ethically and environmentally sound rugs. We’re always open to advice and collaboration, so please get in touch if you have more ideas!"
Bella Valenzia, Founder
We believe design can be a force for positive change. We are committed to making ethically and sustainably made rugs, ensuring the interests of our artisans are protected.
We are continuously researching innovative technologies and materials to use to reduce our carbon footprint - there is no denying that a lot of material and water is used to create a rug. Here are some of the sustainable materials we are currently using. If you have any suggestions for other materials and processes we could use we’d love to hear from you: studio@pelican-house.com
We take an uncompromising approach to selecting our suppliers on ethical grounds. It means we must go to the source, look beyond price alone, establish meaningful personal connections with our makers, celebrate their crafts and them as individuals. We have partnered with Label STEP and Goodweave to ensure the highest ethical standards are maintained.
PET YARN
PET yarn is an innovative, sustainable material made out of 100% recycled plastic bottles, creating hair-thin threads of polyester yarn that are hand-woven into rugs. As it's still plastic, it means the rugs have a high durability and are easily kept clean. They do not absorb liquids, hence any spilt substances, such as coffee, wine, or dirt from outside is cleaned off quickly by wiping with just a little water and a mild detergent, so they are often used as outdoor rugs.
JUTE
Jute is a natural fibre that is extracted from the bark of the jute vegetable plant, a fast-growing plant which relies on natural rainfall rather than irrigation systems, making it an efficient source of renewable material. The result is natural and durable rugs.
TENCEL
Tencel is a man-made fabric developed by an innovative Austrian company Lenzing. It is manufactured from the wood and cellulose of sustainably harvested Eucalyptus trees, a tree which grows quickly without need of irrigation, pesticides, fertilisers or genetic manipulation. It can also be planted on marginal land that cannot be used for crops. The fibre yield per acre is up to ten times higher than that of cotton and requires up to twenty times less water. It is highly absorbent meaning a huge reduction in the formation of bacteria. The silky smooth finish creates a wonderful glow across the rugs.
RECYCLED SARIS
An emblematic image of traditional India, the sari is given a second life in our rugs. Made of silk, this traditional garment is recycled and constitutes the composition of very high quality rugs with multiple colours and patterns. The vibrant colours found in saris creates a magnificent randomness of colour, and a joyous and unexpected construction. This makes every single rug unique and gives a rhythm that is never predictable.
Label Step
We are pleased to be a licensee of Label STEP , a fair-trade non-profit organisation committed to the wellbeing of weavers and workers in the handmade carpet industry. Each Pelican House rug helps improve the lives of the people who created it.
Founded in Switzerland in 1995, STEP’s well-established and comprehensive fair trade standards encompass universal human rights, including the prohibition of child labour; working conditions; fair wages and eco-friendly production.
As a Certified STEP Fair Trade Partner, Pelican House commits to independent audits throughout the supply chain. STEP actively supports producer improvements while empowering weavers and workers through educational programs that cover such topics as health and safety, social security and financial literacy.
Through these combined efforts, Pelican House and STEP reinforce industry sustainability and help preserve centuries-old artisanal skills.
For further information about Label STEP visit their website.
GOOD WEAVE
We are pleased to be a key licensee of GoodWeave, a non-profit organisation dedicated to ensuring no child or forced labour is used in any of its registered productions. The GoodWeave label is the best assurance that no child labour was employed in the making of that rug, and a percentage of the cost of labelled rugs goes towards supporting grassroots social programmes across India and Nepal. In order to be certified by GoodWeave, our weavers sign a legally binding contract to produce rugs devoid of child labour, and to allow unannounced inspections of their workshops by GoodWeave agents. For further information on GoodWeave please visit www.goodweave.org