For many luxury shoppers, sustainability now rivals exclusivity and artisanal quality on the list of essential criteria when deciding which brands deserve their lucrative patronage. In addition, regulations in some jurisdictions mandate attention to environmental factors.
As a result, sustainability is now both a requirement and an opportunity for luxury brands – a factor that must be considered alongside performance when procuring materials and efficiency when organising production, according to Hong Kong-based Tai Ping Carpets International, a global supplier of premium custom carpets.
The company has been upgrading equipment and operational efficiency at its workshop in Xiamen, in southeast China’s Fujian province, as well as pivoting towards sustainable materials to satisfy demanding clients who want products that are environmentally friendly, said Joel Frommann, chief strategy officer.
“Most of our bigger clients visit our workshop in Xiamen to do their annual environment, social and governance audits, particularly the big European clients subject to stricter regulations,” he said. “Many are turning to products with natural, biodegradable and durable materials.”
Tai Ping’s handmade carpets start from US$600 per square metre, rising to US$5,000 for those with complicated bespoke designs and multiple materials.
