Sustainability as a movement has been growing, how have you seen its effects on the textile industry?
GM: There has been some effect driven by LEED* certification, especially in commercial projects. This applies mostly to larger players in the industry rather than to smaller companies who do not participate much in larger commercial projects.
In your view, what does it mean to be environmentally sustainable as a company?
GM: Being a sustainable company is more than just being environmentally conscious. It also encompasses social concern – labor standards of suppliers and the well-being of employees and other stake holders.
What current practices (materials, sourcing, manufacture, shipping, etc.) do you have that relate to sustainability?
GM: We use only rapid replenishable material in our rugs – with one exception for tufted rugs. In developing countries, we work with supplier that have SA 8000* and/or Goodweave* certification. One of our suppliers does not have the certification but they work only for us. They are pretty small family business and we (through visits and having developed a trusting relationship) are sure they share our values.
Have you found it easy or difficult to find suppliers and manufacturers for your products that adhere to sustainable practices? Please explain.
GM: We have had the same suppliers for many years (decades) so we have not have not had to find a supplier in many years. The most recent one – about 5 years ago – from India has the SA 8000.
How is sustainability reflected in your long and short term goals as a company?
GM: It is part of what we are: as far as we can foresee we will only work with natural materials – both of animal and plant origin.
What is one problem relating to your sustainability goals/issues you have identified, that you would like me to address over the course of this project?
GM: Our view on sustainability includes and extends beyond environmental concerns. While using renewable materials at the base of products, we also want to ensure that internally and externally (our internal partners) are practicing safe and sustainable labor practices. For overseas partners this means working with suppliers that meet SA 8000 and/or Goodweave certifications.
*LEED, SA 8000, Goodweave are certifications provided to businesses utilizing green building practices, employee friendly workplace practices and businesses who do not employ child labor. For more information:
http://leed.usgbc.org/leed.html
http://www.sa-intl.org/index.cfm
Merida is a textile company specializing in rugs made of mostly natural materials such as sisal, cotton, linen, mohair, silk, alpaca and wool. An American company, they take pride in their efforts to create beautifully designed rugs while remaining committed to sustainability. Gabrielle McHugh is a textile designer for Merida. You can learn more at: www.meridastudio.com