Weaving a better future
Hand-made rugs are very popular for their unique craftsmanship and rich history.
At IKEA we believe there should be a way to work with producers, to maintain the quality and feel of a handmade rug, while at the same time radically improve working conditions.
Better conditions, better products
Improving the way we produce hand-made rugs, with decent working conditions and fair pay, quickly proved to be a win-win situation. For weavers it's meant that orders, work and income are steady, regular and predictable.
Finding a new way
In 2010 IKEA started an initiative in order to change the production of rugs. In collaboration with suppliers in India and Bangladesh regulated weaving centres were established, improving conditions for weavers on many levels.
“Firstly we provided the weavers with regular work in a safe environment, with legal, regulated wages plus benefits such as holidays and transport. We also set up two schools, where trainees are paid while they’re learning.”
Kushal Chakravorty, IKEA Business Development Manager
Keeping the craft alive
Improving conditions for weavers will not only have a positive impact on society, improve supply and care for the environment. It will also ensure affordable prices making our products available for people everywhere to enjoy. Because even though most of us will use it to walk on, a hand-made rug deserves to be admired as the piece of art it really is.