In the current industrial model, the waste of useful materials is enormous. We still produce as if the raw material was not almost exhausted. Not only are we discarding quality materials, but we are generating abundant waste unnecessarily. We should improve the industrial processes, so they have to be more effective and intelligent. We have to find alternatives and change the production and consumption system.

Nowadays more people are engaged with alternative processes and new solutions to this problem, but it is still minimal for the significant damages generated by years of mass production and short-lived products. More designers and artisans are becoming aware that they can change this impact with sustainable solutions and materials. And these examples of success can inspire even more initiatives as is the case of Lara Wernert, Tina Wendler and the 13RUGS. Responsible for the encounter between industry and design thus enabling a new life for the textile waste.

13Rugs

Already in 2014, Lara Wernert had a vision: to use the waste of the textile industry as new raw material. Even though she had many difficulties, especially the beginning, when few were thinking of more sustainable actions in the fashion and textile production, she was already sure that it was necessary to create changes in the conventional textile industry practices.

Lara Wernert studied at the University of Art and Design Burg Giebichenstein in Halle, Germany and, in 2015, completed her Masters in Conceptual Textile Design. So she acquired the knowledge to develop the essence of the project that took her to the core business of 13RUGS. In her research on textile waste, she was thinking of using Selvedges since this is a by-product with no commercial value but a material that maintains the high quality of the original fabric.

And at a fair in Munich, she met Tina Wendler, co-founder of ROHI, a family-owned company specializing in the development, design, and production of premium wool textiles. And with the same vision, the two developed the 13RUGS products.

Their biggest challenge was to create a stable surface from the fragile fibers originating from the waste. Through the process of felting, it was possible to develop unique and colorful carpets. With the fusion of handicrafts and modern machines a product was produced on a large scale but also handcrafted keeping the qualities of the original wool and modern style.