Fort Lee, NJ – January 9, 2008 - - For Couristan, environmental responsibility is a long-term commitment, not just a booming trend. In fact, the company has manufactured a broad range of hand-crafted carpets and area rugs using natural, sustainable materials, such as wool, cotton, silk and jute, since its inception over 80 years ago. With the establishment of a regulated ‘Green Label’ program, administered by the
Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), Couristan is now marketing a new category of products that have been tested and certified as eco-friendly. The first set of Couristan products to receive CRI’s prestigious ‘Green Label’ status includes six eclectic residential broadloom designs that comprise the new Natural Collection.
These beautifully designed patterns are created with biodegradable fibers, using 100% undyed wool for the surface, cotton for the weft and jute for the backing. Ideal for any eco-conscious consumer, the Natural Collection underwent rigorous testing under the strict guidelines of CRI and passed the requirements for low indoor emissions. Studies show that pollutant levels inside the home can be up to five times higher than they are outside, so adding household materials with proven reduced gaseous emissions can significantly improve the home environment and provide considerable health benefits.
“We created the Natural Collection after completing thorough research on the market for Green products, responding to the clear lack of variety that most natural, organic floorcovering designs currently provide,” stated George Couri, Chairman of Couristan. “Pursuing Green Label certification was a necessary step towards responsible marketing for a consumer category that is still evolving. We’re proud to be part of the global focus on reducing our collective impact on the eco-system.”
The six different patterns in the Natural Collection range from a rustic plaid to a modern nautical-theme and feature a sophisticated Axminster cut-pile that offers a fresh, upscale look. Stocked in a 13’2” width to minimize seams when installed, these high-quality looks complement today’s fashion-forward trends and bring a unique point of focus to virtually any room-setting.
Throughout 2008, Couristan will be promoting the benefits of Green floorcovering fashions, with print advertisements already scheduled in top shelter publications such as Metropolitan Home, Architectural Digest and
House Beautiful. The first advertisement featuring the Natural Collection will debut in the “Green Living” issue of Coastal Living magazine, on sale in February 2008. In addition, Couristan has developed a sleek six-page brochure which illustrates all six of the Natural Collection patterns in various lifestyle scenes. The brochure, printed on paper approved by the Forest Stewardship Council, also provides informational tips on the benefits of naturally Green carpets.
The Natural Collection will be displayed prominently in showrooms across the country as part of Couristan’s new Designers Choice fixture and is currently featured on the company’s corporate website www.couristan.com in the Premiere Residential Broadloom section.
Established by the Couri family in 1926, Couristan is the trusted name in the floorcovering industry, offering a vast assortment of exclusively designed power-loomed and handmade area rugs, as well as quality residential broadloom. Couristan is also known throughout the industry as the pioneer in new construction and color techniques, which are used to create exquisitely designed area rugs and residential broadloom products that are crafted from all over the world. Couristan products are available through department stores, home furnishings catalogs, specialty floorcovering and furniture retail stores. Couristan’s global headquarters with full showroom is located in Fort Lee, New Jersey, at Two Executive Drive, 800.233.6186, or visit our website at www.couristan.com.
