Ruckstuhl presents sustainable rug concept

The carpet manufacturer Ruckstuhl AG, the architect and designer Stephan Hürlemann, and the online media company DAAily have presented the project “Fellow – Metamorphosis of a Rug” at this year’s Milan Design Week. According to a press release, the aim is to make rug design, manufacture, distribution, and use more environmentally friendly.

The Fellow rugs designed by Hürlemann are to be produced and traded in a decentralized process to minimize freight transport with shorter delivery routes. Ruckstuhl plans to work with other carpet manufacturers for this to build up a network of production facilities. Decentralized production would be pursued at the partner manufacturers: they will produce the rugs to order where they will be used and according to Ruckstuhl’s specifications.

Stephan Hürlemann has designed each and every Fellow rug as a one-off to create a closer bond between users and the product. The life story and value appreciation of each rug will be stored in its own online diary and resale will be organized via NFTs (nonfungible tokens).

Adrian Berchtold, CEO of the carpet manufacturer Ruckstuhl, comments in the press release: “Ruckstuhl has been producing carpets from natural fibers since 1881. Sustainability is ingrained in our DNA. However, we must also challenge our established methods, recognize the need for action, and seek improvement. The Fellow project serves as a roadmap for us.” The project participants hope that their new ideas for processes, services, and rituals may be transferred to other goods. ce/ww