When you look at a jute rug from Rugs for Good, there’s more than meets the eye. What you’re actually looking at is the result of traditional and century old craftsmanship, sustainable practices, and a deep respect for the earth and its people. Let’s take a closer look behind the scenes.
The Jute making process:
Our jute is grown in the fields of West Bengal, India, under conditions that are as natural as they come, free from harmful pesticides and chemical treatments. This ensures the raw fibre is as pure as the environment it grows in.
Once the jute is ready, it is hand-harvested, cut, and soaked in the rivers of Bengal. This soaking process allows the plant to naturally decompose, revealing the strong fibres hidden inside.
Our Artisan team in India use every part of the jute plant:
1. The outer plant: This is crafted into baskets and everyday items like coffee sacks and brown twine.
2. The inner fibre: This is where the magic happens. The finest, softest, and most lustrous jute is reserved for our nodi rugs, creating a product that’s not only stunning but also durable and versatile.
Our jute is harvested just once a year during the dry season, a practice that preserves the fibre’s natural strength, lustre, and golden hue, making it a truly precious material. This careful timing allows the plant to mature fully and ensures the fibres remain clean and healthy throughout the harvesting process. In between harvests, rice is cultivated in the same fields, making use of the monsoon climate and supporting the local farming community.
In contrast, many mainstream brands harvest jute all year round, including during the wet season. This rush to produce more often leads to lower quality jute, which is muddy, weak, and coarse. Wet season harvesting causes the fibres to absorb excess water, making them prone to rot and compromising their durability. The result? Rugs that shed excessively, lose their structure, and require frequent replacement. That’s not what we’re about at Rugs for Good.
Are our rugs expensive, or are mainstream rugs just cheap?
When comparing our rugs to mainstream brands, you may think our rugs are ‘expensive’ but that isn’t really the case. When you look into the dirty secrets and exploitation behind rug making, it’s easy to see why our rugs might cost a little more:
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Ethical production standards
Many mass-produced rugs use questionable practices, including child labour and unethical working conditions. According to GoodWeave International, child labour affects over 160 million children worldwide.. And this is common in the rug making industry. At Rugs for Good, we pay 3x more than your average rug worker’s wage in India. We’re here to lift the standards. We’re proud to be GoodWeave certified, which guarantees that every rug is free from child labour and made by artisans earning fair wages. -
Sustainability matters
From pesticide-free farming to natural river soaking, every step of our production process is designed to minimise environmental impact. Unlike many cheaper alternatives, our rugs avoid harmful chemicals, making them a healthier choice for your home. -
Made to last
The quality of the fibres we use and the craftsmanship of our weavers mean our rugs are built to last. Rather than shedding excessively or wearing down quickly, our jute rugs maintain their beauty and function for years.
A better choice for your home and the planet
Jute is one of the most eco-friendly fibres available, requiring minimal water to grow and no harmful pesticides. It’s renewable, biodegradable, and very versatile. It’s also fast growing!
By investing in a Rugs for Good jute rug, you’re supporting artisans, respecting the planet, and welcoming a piece of craftsmanship into your home that tells a story.
Choose a jute rug that’s not just good for your home, it’s good for the world.
Explore our Jute collection here.
