JERUSALEM, ISRAEL—In a fashion industry currently focused on the environment, Kakadu has done quite well with its ecofriendly hand-painted wood rugs. Established in 1990, Kakadu has been widely distributed in the United States for only the past four years. Its flooring sales alone saw a 60% increase last year over 2006, and the company continues to enjoy success in the U.S. market.

Recognized as “functional floor art,” Kakadu’s wood rugs are made from a fast-growing species of mahogany called okoume that regenerates quickly. Committed to being environmentally friendly, Kakadu’s workshop is located in the heart of a nature preserve.

“We never use timber from the rainforest, and we never exploit old-growth forests for our products,” said founders Reut and Aharon Shahar. “The wood we use comes from fast-growing timber that has been planted specifically for harvesting.”

Each handmade rug is cut with as little waste as possible, then formed using steam, water and pressure. They are finished with multiple coats of advanced marine-type lacquer with superior hardness and ultraviolet filtration and sanded by hand for uniform smoothness.

Each rug also features a non-skid vinyl backing and is hand painted using high-grade pigments to ensure colors stay fresh and vibrant throughout the rug’s life. Finally, each piece goes through a 12-step quality-assurance process to ensure it meets high production standards and carries a three-year warranty against separation of the wooden panels from the vinyl backing.

Fireworks gallery in the Seattle area has been carrying Kakadu in its five retail locations for a few years, saying the color, figures and images are an ideal fit for its “discerning” customers. “We offer an eclectic array of housewares and gifts, and Kakadu meets our criteria for a line of quality, functional items with appealing, contemporary designs,” said Michele Manasse, chief buyer.

Reut and Aharon said aside from their beauty, Kakadu’s rugs are extremely durable, easy to maintain, water resistant and fade- esistant—unless placed in direct sunlight for a long period of time.

Kakadu’s wooden rugs are available in a variety of sizes and over 50 design motifs. They have a suggested retail price of $159 for a 2 x 3, and are distributed exclusively by Hamsa Enterprises in Livermore, Calif., to over 300 retail locations nationwide.

To find the dealer closest to you or for more information about Kakadu’s complete product line, visit www.Kakadu-Design.com.