Carpets (GECA 50-2011 v2i)

Update: This standard has now been superseded. Please see the current version.

Recognised by GBCA for Green Star at Level A.

The Carpets standard (GECA 50-2011 v2i) identifies the main impacts of the product category and sets specific requirements for performance, material content, adhesives, emissions, water consumption, energy use as well as criteria for minimising waste.

The environmental impacts of carpets occur over their entire product’s life cycle: from resource extraction and fibre production to installation and disposal. Both natural and synthetic carpet fibres require water and energy-intensive processes and both release harmful pollutants into the environment. Hence for all types of carpet, each step of the product’s life cycle represents an opportunity to reduce environmental harm and increase environmental performance.

In addition to the fibre production impacts, some types of manufacture of the final product require large quantities of water and energy, numerous toxic chemicals and potentially harmful substances. Harmful substances can be released into the air and water. Significant volumes of waste can be produced in both manufacture and disposal.

In particular, there are opportunities to substantially reduce the volume of carpet-related waste to landfill at the end of the product’s lifecycle. GECA has worked with key stakeholders to identify relevant environmental criteria and reach consensus. The standard is benchmarked so that criteria are for top products are consistent with greater customer environmental awareness and technical improvements in the carpet manufacturing processes. The intention of establishing a high benchmark is to significantly reduce the impacts of carpet manufacturing on the environment and human health.