Back to nature

Abstract

The popularity of bamboo and palm fibers was evident at Domotex 2004, which took place in Hannover, Germany, from January 17-20. There was a notable rise in attendance from growth markets of Eastern Europe and Asia. The exhibition showcased handmade carpets/area rugs, machine-made woven carpets, textile and resilient floor coverings, parquet and other wooden flooring, laminates, fibres, yarns and textiles, applications technology and installation equipment. Contemporary carpets continued to dominate among hand-made carpets area rugs, with soft Mediterranean tones and red and terracotta hues abounding. Dutch company, Arte Espina, showcased acrylic rugs and streetwise, urban motifs, while Bikaner Handloom Carpets presented high end shag and loop pile carpets made from special thick felted woollen yarns. Associated Weavers (Belgium), one of the largest carpet manufacturers in Europe, is a producer of tufted printed carpets. There was also an increase in entries from spinning companies in England, Belgium, Italy, Japan, the US, and New Zealand.