Hon Damien O'Connor and George Adams Chair Cavalier.
Cavalier Corporation’s New Zealand wool carpet business, Bremworth, has this week celebrated a major milestone in its
sustainability journey, with its last ever roll of synthetic carpet coming off its manufacturing line (see video here https://youtu.be/k9mdZCBOJ38).
This completes Bremworth’s transition to a wool only carpet and rug company as it builds momentum in its journey towards
becoming a more sustainable business - a move that will reduce its use of imported synthetic fibre annually by 2,500
tonnes. The company will now focus on natural fibre design, science and innovation to help make home interiors, and the
planet, healthier and more sustainable.
In line with this, and with the support of the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures
investment programme, Bremworth is commencing a $4.9 million sustainability-based research programme, seeking to create
better and greener ways to manufacture wool carpet.
To commemorate the milestone, the Hon Damien O’Connor, Minister of Agriculture, visited the Bremworth plant in Auckland
today, meeting with Bremworth employees, industry representatives, research institutions and Government partners.
Chair of Cavalier Corporation, George Adams, said: “Plastic is a worldwide problem which comes in many forms, including
synthetic carpet fibres. There's a huge amount of vital international research going into understanding the impact of
plastic on people, wild life, waterways and on our vulnerable planet - and how we can reduce, recycle and eventually
remove it from our lives.
“We believe that stopping it at source has to be the best solution. And that’s why we are making a stand, with no more
synthetic carpets. But we’re not stopping there.
“While our wool carpets comprise approximately 87% natural materials, we want to do better and will be investing in
scientific research to identify solutions to make our products more sustainable, including our supply chain. That
includes all parts of the carpet from the backing to the glue that holds it to the carpet and the manufacturing process.
“Our goal is an end product that is desirable, beautifully designed and manufactured and best of all, healthier for the
planet.
“For more than six decades Bremworth as led the way in designing and manufacturing beautifully crafted premium carpets
and rugs. Now we are leading the way again, with a vision to become world leaders in designing and creating desirable,
high performing, safe and sustainable home interiors. Going all in with wool is the right move for our business, our
customers, our local communities and the planet.”
When announcing the funding from the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures investment programme, Agriculture Minister
Damien O’Connor, said: “I’m told that an average Kiwi household laid with synthetic carpet is estimated to have the
equivalent weight of 22,000 plastic shopping bags on its floor. That’s a compelling reason to use sustainable wool
wherever we can to make healthy homes for Kiwis and the world.
“More than ever consumers are considering the entire life-cycle of products. We believe this programme will spur demand
for New Zealand strong wool and enhance our manufacturing competitiveness through strong environmental credentials that
challenge industry norms.”
“If we get this right, then that’s a compelling yarn we can sell to our markets abroad,” Damien O’Connor said.