Big difference in the actual lifespan of carpets

Flatwoven vs. Tufted: Big Differences in Carpet Lifespan
In long-term tests, flatwoven contract qualities retain their visual appearance significantly better than tufted carpets.

When two carpets are both classified as Class 33 and have a low CO₂e impact, it may initially appear as though their performance and lifespan are the same. However, our extended wear tests of both tufted and flatwoven contract carpets clearly document significant differences. By continuing the Vettermann and castor chair tests far beyond the standard requirements, variations become evident — not only in technical wear resistance, but especially in the ability to maintain an attractive appearance over time.

In several cases, the flatwoven qualities withstand 4–5 times the standard load without any visible signs of wear, whereas the tufted carpets gradually develop a flattened and matted surface appearance over time. This difference has a significant impact on the actual lifespan and CO₂e footprint of the carpets: tufted carpets are often replaced earlier for visual reasons, while flatwoven carpets can remain in use for more than 25 years and still appear well-maintained. Class 33 is not just Class 33.

Would you like to see how the carpets actually perform in the extended tests? In the full article, we present detailed results, images from the test processes, and a technical analysis that clearly illustrates the differences in construction and lifespan.