Kingsmead debuts highland fleece wool carpets

The product which features a new and exciting blend of wool known as the "Highland Fleece", sources wool exclusively from the sheep of Scottish farms. The blend is made up from a variety of sheep breeds to maximise the resilience and appearance retention of the fibre, possibly the most suitable blend for carpets ever created. A first for the UK flooring industry explains Martin West, managing Director of Kingsmead.

“The breeds of sheep farmed in Scotland provide a resilient hardwearing wool, best suited to carpet manufacturing” explains Mr West. Specific wool grades have been selected as they have the unique characteristics which make this carpet so special.

The carpet is the result of collaboration between the British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB), British farmers, Howarth Scouring, global testing authority Enco and Kingsmead carpets. Due to its sourcing, the wool qualifies for the BWMB Platinum certification and Glen Shee is the first mainstream carpet to be launched carrying that accolade.

“It is good to see a carpet manufacturer using the prestigious Platinum logo. This logo verifies the integrity of the supply chain to ensure a 100% British wool fibre content” explains Tim Booth, Marketing Manager at BWMB.

The vibrant colour bank, a palette of 20 colours has been approved by the Society of British and International Design (SBID) and retail groups who have endorsed the product

From its birth on the back of the sheep to its finished form as a carpet every process is conducted in Great Britain making Glen Shee every bit a Great British Carpet.

To date, six sales of the 2013 wool selling season have taken place, with the strong demand seen in the latter part of last season continuing. The BWMB 2013 guide prices have already been met with all breeds exceeding these guide prices.

Tim Booth added, 'With this strong demand, as well as limited supply both in the UK and worldwide we believe the market will remain strong with continued improved prices during the selling season. The auction system provides UK producers with a transparent and reliable service which always returns the true market value of the wool to producers.'

This latest initiative and partnership with the Glen Shee carpet demonstrates the BWMB's continued support to the UK sheep farmers and commitment to actively promote British Wool as a versatile and quality fibre.

The British Wool Marketing Board