By Ken Ryan
No longer content with beiges and grays, consumers today are demanding more color choices in their carpet. Mills are fulfilling that desire with innovations that create bold statements in broadloom and rugs.
Following are some of the standout carpet innovations of 2020.
1. ANDERSON TUFTEX
Colorpoint Platinum technology
AT’s most advanced broadloom tufting technology, Colorpoint Platinum, opened new doors for the brand to create truly elevated styles.
“Our tailored loop styles released earlier this year have an innovative new loop structure that creates unique textural effects,” said Maeriel Mumpar, product designer for Anderson Tuftex. “We’re able to design impressively clean visuals that enhance colors vividly with great intensity. Visually, the carpets end up looking like handwoven products. We’ve seen significant success with these styles as the market has a thirst for connection with brands and authenticity in their products. The versatile capabilities of Colorpoint Platinum help us execute every layer of our design vision for exceptional results.”
2. THE DIXIE GROUP
EnVision66
In 2020, due to COVID-19, The Dixie Group (TDG) had a limited launch of products into the market. However, one key accomplishment was the expansion of its EnVision66 nylon program with several new products in Dixie Home, Masland and Fabrica.
“This is significant because EnVision66 is allowing us to create well- styled products that hit reasonable price points and deliver the ultimate in durability and wear performance,” said T.M. Nuckols, president of the residential division of TDG.
3. ENGINEERED FLOORS
ColorBurst
ColorBurst is touted as the next evolution in variable-color technology. Using layers of color to create a more natural visual, ColorBurst adds depth and richness to DreamWeaver products.
“And since we infuse the color into each strand of our PureColor fiber, the carpets are guaranteed not to stain, fade or bleach,” said Joe Young, soft surface category manager. “ColorBurst products are sure to be consumer favorites—providing a balanced, blended visual that creates the aesthetic of natural hard surfaces while providing amazing comfort underfoot that only carpet can deliver.”
4. MOHAWK
ColorMax
Mohawk has expanded the number of products that utilize its ColorMax technology. “Solid-color carpet sales continue to shrink, and consumers want more interest in their flooring,” explained Jamie Welborn, vice president of product management, soft surface. “When compared to the traditional way multi-color carpets are made, ColorMax brings superior color clarity and depth; this way, the consumer enjoys high-definition carpet similar to what was experienced in the evolution of the TV picture.”
In addition, Welborn said Karaloom technology brought Karastan styling to another level. This high-end carpet is designed to be so clean and defined on the floor that it makes a décor statement. “Due to COVID-19, we delayed shipment of samples until the summer, but we have seen a significant increase in sales, with October being outstanding,” he added.
5. NATURE’S CARPET
Carpet Couture
The carefully curated wool broadloom is made from 100% pure New Zealand wool. “The consumer demand for natural, sustainable, renewable and ethically sourced products is on the rise around the world,” said Jenny De Castris, distribution sales manager. “We believe wool carpet is on the verge of a renaissance—especially in light of all the research being done on the overabundance of plastics in our environment and the long-term effects it’s having on our health and wellness—which we all know is the best fiber in the world for high-performing carpet.
6. Phenix
Microban
Phenix’s Microban protects against the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew that can cause stains and odors and is now offered on virtually all of Phenix’s SureSoft products, including polyester and nylon. Surfaces with built-in Microban technology are said to remain 99% cleaner from bacteria and odors than untreated surfaces.
“This astounding technology resonates with the consumer during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic as she is looking for ways to keep her home safe, clean and healthy,” said Jason Surratt, vice president of residential carpet business for Phenix.
7. SHAW FLOORS
Floorigami
Floorigami features a simple, peel-and-stick installation method with only a few tools and no previous skills required. Put it on top of any hard surface floor (as a custom rug or wall-to-wall) and, if a plank gets dirty, simply lift, clean and replace. Floorigami.com connects the DIY and e-commerce consumer with local retailers by incentivizing a “Buy Online, Pick-up in Store” model with free shipping.
In addition, Color that Speaks to You is the reimagination of the Shaw Colorwall, a 20-year showroom anchor responsible for more than 40 million yards of carpet sales. It features designer picks, an array of top-selling products that coordinate with popular paint colors and other high-performing soft surface selections.
8. SOUTHWIND
ColorSurgeSD
Southwind continues to explore new innovations in carpet and yarn technology for customers who seek unique and progressive options. This year’s Celestial collection, for example, features ColorSurge SD yarn, a process that achieves advanced color separation.
“Our customers often ask for carpets with more color options, so we are able to offer this with our ColorSurgeSD yarn system,” said Luanne Holloway, director of product development for Southwind. “These carpets contain just the right amount of on-trend accent color that is not overwhelming for the décor and the consumer can feel confident and happy with their choice.”
9. TARKETT
Primus PET-SuraSoft Fiber
Tarkett’s carpet yarn system is designed to offer a new quality of softness and durability with Tarkett’s ability to blend together its Primus PET fiber and Primus PET SuperSoft fiber into a single yarn system, providing superior texture retention and performance with a soft cotton feel.
Also, with the introduction of some new colorways, the Park series captures the look of tweed with soft flecks of multiple shades of granite to provide a natural stone look.
