Biodegradable Rugs & Carpet
%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fw_1276%2Fv1674158334%2FFlooring%2FVendors%2FPiedmont%2FBeauty_Image%2Frainier_aspen_wool_PM_livingroomarearug_L_7a62b7.webp&w=3840&q=70)
%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fw_1276%2Fv1742409329%2FFlooring%2FVendors%2FDMI%20International%2FBeauty_Images%2FEarthSISAL_Beech_DMII_wavy_closeup_CG_1_yndpm4.webp&w=3840&q=70)
Skip the Landfill
Some or all of the carpets' components on this page are biodegradable at the end of their useful life.
Biodegradability
To be featured in our EarthGentle™ collection, the rugs on this page must meet strict criteria: use of natural, non-toxic materials; minimal or no synthetic content; and a design that allows components to return safely to the environment. We believe this is a critical step toward a zero-waste future in interior design.
Image: EarthSISAL™ sample in color madrone and its natural fleece backing
%2Ff_auto%2Fq_auto%2Fw_1276%2Fv1747938256%2FFlooring%2FVendors%2FDMI%20International%2FBeauty_Images%2Fmadrone_earthsisal_samples_backing_wood_CG_1_lg9u84.webp&w=2048&q=70)
It means that some or all components of the rug will naturally break down over time, reducing long-term waste and environmental impact. Materials that break down over time include plant-based, renewable fibers like sisal, seagrass, and wool, as well as backings made from cotton, jute or natural latex. The majority of rugs on the market are a mix of biodegradable materials and non-biodegradable components (like a synthetic backing).
Not always. While all rugs on this page contain biodegradable components, for many the pile and the backing must be separated before disposal, recycling or composting.
For example, a rug from Best Wool Carpets’ Monasch Collection must be separated into its wool pile and the Niaga® backing at the end of its useful life—the wool can be repurposed, composted or biodegraded and the synthetic Niaga® backing material can be endlessly recycled. Additionally, a rug may include small elements like stitching or a border that are not fully compostable and require removal or special disposal. Always check the product details or contact us if you need more information.
To claim that a rug is completely biodegradable and/or compostable, it must be free from synthetic backings, chemical adhesives or glues, and made entirely from natural materials. This ensures that the rug will break down without leaving harmful residues. Our EarthSISAL™ is 100% biodegradable and will decompose safely when disposed of properly, making it an ideal natural flooring choice for reducing long-term landfill waste.
Biodegradable rugs are sustainable because they are made from renewable, natural resources and are free from petroleum-based materials like nylon or polypropylene. They typically avoid harmful finishes and glues, supporting a cleaner, more sustainable lifestyle. These rugs are also better aligned with circular design principles—where materials return to the earth rather than accumulate in landfills.
Even if a rug is only partially biodegradable, it still significantly reduces long-term environmental impacts by limiting the amount of synthetic material that ends up in landfills. Choosing a rug with biodegradable components—like a natural fiber pile or backing—means you're opting for a cleaner lifecycle, fewer chemical emissions, and a smaller ecological footprint compared to fully synthetic alternatives.
Yes—with proper care, rugs with biodegradable components like wool, sisal or seagrass perform exceptionally well. They're ideal for dry indoor environments, and many are naturally stain-resistant and breathable. Just like any rug, longevity depends on placement, use, and maintenance.