Goodweave Gets 9 More Rug Vendors on Board

April 13, 2010  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Rugs on April 14, 2010

Nine rug companies recently joined the GoodWeave certification program, which works to end illegal child labor in the carpet industry and to offer educational opportunities to children in South Asia.

Indi-B, BravinLee Editions, Concept Interiors, ecoFiber Custom Rugs, Gary Cruz Studios, Inunoo Inuit Carpets, Liz Gamberg, Nepal Rugs & Carpets, and Seraser have now joined the ranks of GoodWeave's 70-plus North American licensees.

"Even in a down economy, sales of GoodWeave certified carpets are increasing as a share of the total market," said Nina Smith, executive director of RugMark USA.

Smith believes this momentum is evidence that companies and consumers are stepping up their commitment to responsible purchasing.

"As more companies sign up, our impact is multiplied, with increased monitoring of carpet looms, increased funds to educate kids in weaving communities, and increased awareness in the marketplace," she said.

Worldwide, more 6 million rugs have been certified as child-labor-free since 1995.  An estimated 1,500 retail outlets carry GoodWeave certified rugs in the U.S. and Canada alone.