Where Does Your Rug Come From?

Traceability is the ability to define and trace the history, distribution, location and application of products, parts and materials. To ensure the reliability of sustainability claims, in the areas of human rights, labor, the environment and anti-corruption.

(Definition of traceability by the United Nations’ Guide to Traceability)

Traceability is the first step for a sustainable production practice. In interior design and beyond, we often have no idea from where the products we consume come from, who created them, which raw materials have been used to produce them.

In global economy, there is an increased accountability on companies to disclose their supply chain. G.T.DESIGN has committed to traceability since the early days of the 40-year-old company, when there was little or no attention to corporate sustainable practices.

An ethical supply chain is part of G.T.DESIGN’s identity. The company sources raw materials and a production process with a low environmental impact, from a minimal use of water and Co2 emissions to recyclable packaging and the use of non-toxic dyes. In addition, the company has a close relationship with every part of its supply chain, from the raw materials suppliers to all their highly skilled artisans.

Like a piece of precious art, each G.T.DESIGN rug has a tag with the name of the artisan that created it. The final buyer will know exactly where the rug comes from and who has worked on it. Recognizing the achievement and skills of the artisan that contributed to the design of the rug gives more value to his work and to the product itself.

Each rug is differentiated by a number, and its fibers are also kept by G.T.DESIGN in case of future repairs. If needed, rug owners only have to call our offices providing their rug number, so that G.T.DESIGN can send the material necessary to repair their specific design.

After being exposed to the negative, sometimes tragic, news regarding manufacturers – such as unsafe environments for workers, low pays, poor environmental policies – traceability must be a relevant focus in the current global economy.

The luxury industry should lead the way, as it has a wide influence on other sectors. Consumers are increasingly requesting transparency from companies, pushing many to take steps in following the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. We should encourage that part of the industry that follows the guidelines and have a positive impact in communities around the world: providing jobs, education, a better lifestyle and nurturing the wonderful natural resources of each country.