# Exotic Ethical Carpets GAN Rugs are a Cozy Alternative to the Persian Mats You've Been Buying By Omar Yusuf | Published 2011-09-24 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gan-rugs References: [treehugger](http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/09/ethical-rugs-by-gan-make-any-space-cosy.php) & [gan-rugs](http://gan-rugs.com/) Showcased at the ongoing Valencia Design Week Expo, these 100 percent naturally extracted and fairly woven [GAN](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/weave-collection) rugs will make any living space cozier without the nagging ethical concerns. Few interior accessories come with the relatively gargantuan [carbon footprint of modern rugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carbon-negative-area-rug), whose production methods have hardly changed over the course of decades. Harmful dyes, poorly treated livestock and underpaid employees are the typical ingredients for a modern placemat. Luckily, GAN rugs supply an impressive alternative that draws from the knowledge of Japanese architect Nendo and of course Spaniard designer Gandia Blascos. Each of the carpets is made in fair-trade employment conditions and assembled by hand. The process involves [hand-knotting both cotton and wool strands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hare-klein) into a more durable, yet cozy rug. If your new (or old) apartment requires comfortable furnishings, yet you're intent on reducing your negative impact on your environs, head over to GAN's official website! ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 50% | Activity: 60% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Social Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialbusiness) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Ethical Carpets:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop sustainable and ethically sourced materials and production methods for the carpet industry. - **Fair-trade Employment:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create fair-trade employment conditions in the textile industry to ensure better treatment and fair wages for workers. - **Hand-knotted Rugs:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Innovate the traditional hand-knotting technique to create more durable and aesthetically pleasing rugs. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Textile Industry:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate sustainable and ethical practices into the textile industry to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly products. - **Interior Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop eco-friendly and sustainable interior design solutions to cater to consumers who prioritize ethical and environmentally conscious choices. - **Home Furnishings:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design and manufacture eco-friendly home furnishings that are both stylish and sustainable, meeting the demands of environmentally conscious consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Math-Inspired Colorful Rugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/weave-collection.md) - [Hand-Knotted Neutral Rugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/home-and-soul.md) - [Patterned Artisanal Hand-Tufted Rugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/giro.md) - [Geometric Colorful Rug Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/giro-rug.md) - [Dynamic Flatwoven Carpet Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/matter-colection.md) - [Luxurious Handwoven Rugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crate-barrel.md) - [Cross-Cultural Rug Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nordic-knots-x-giancarlo-valle-rug-collection.md) - [Reversible Modern Rug Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reversible-modern-rug.md) - [70s-Inspired Plush Shag Rags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/petra-rug-collection.md)