Synthetic fibre rugs: polyester, polypropylene, acrylic and viscose

Rugs made of natural fibres, such as sisal rugs, silk rugs or new wool rugs, have a long tradition and are considered to be of very high quality.
But synthetic fibre rugs made of viscose, polyester, acrylic and polypropylene are also becoming increasingly popular, because they offer many advantages such as durability, ease of care and a wide variety of designs.
In this article we take a closer look at the different types of synthetic fibre rugs, their properties and how to care for them.

Synthetic fibres are modern materials made through chemical processes. They are widely used in the rug industry.
There are two main types: fully synthetic fibres and cellulose-based man-made fibres.
Thanks to modern developments, synthetic fibres are now so good that they can hardly be told apart from natural fibres.

These are made from petroleum and other petrochemical raw materials, for example polyester, nylon and polypropylene.
They are particularly hard-wearing, long-lasting and easy to care for, which makes them perfect for rugs that see heavy use.

Cellulose-based man-made fibres

These are based on natural cellulose, usually from wood or cotton, and include fibres such as viscose and modal.
These fibres are beautifully soft and pleasant to the touch.

Synthetic fibres offer many advantages that make them very popular in the rug industry. Thanks to modern technology, they are often hard to tell apart from natural fibres.

Durability: synthetic fibres such as polyester and nylon are extremely robust and hard-wearing. They can take a lot and keep their shape and colour even with intensive use.

Easy care: rugs made of synthetic fibres are particularly easy to care for. They repel dirt, are easy to clean and dry quickly – ideal for households with children or pets.

Variety and design freedom: synthetic fibres make countless colours, patterns and textures possible. There is something for every taste and every interior style.

Price: synthetic fibres are often less expensive than natural fibres, so good-quality rugs are available at an affordable price.

Longevity: synthetic fibres are less prone to mould, moths and other damage that can affect natural fibres. This extends the life of the rug.

Thanks to these advantages, synthetic fibres offer an excellent combination of looks, practicality and price, which makes them an excellent choice for modern rugs.

Whichever type of synthetic fibre rug you choose, the right care is essential for a long life.
Rugs made of synthetic fibres are particularly easy to care for and easy to clean.
Regular vacuuming removes dirt and dust and keeps the rug looking good.
Stains should be removed as quickly as possible with a damp cloth and a mild detergent.
Because synthetic fibres dry quickly, they are ideal for everyday use and frequent cleaning. The exception is viscose, which needs a little more care.

Polyester is a synthetic fibre made from petrochemical raw materials such as ethylene.
The most common form of polyester is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), produced by the polycondensation of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid.
Polyester fibres are used in a wide range of textiles and rugs because of their versatility and durability.
They are known above all for their good colour retention and their resistance to wear and creasing.
Polyester can be produced both as a filament and as a staple fibre, which makes it suitable for a wide range of uses.

1. Hard-wearing
2. Easy to care for
3. Water- and moisture-resistant
4. Colourfast

Polypropylene is a fully synthetic fibre made from the polymer of the same name. It is obtained by polymerising propylene, a by-product of oil refining. Polypropylene is known for its excellent physical properties, including high resistance to abrasion, moisture and chemicals. Because of these properties it is widely used in the rug industry, especially for outdoor areas and damp rooms, where durability and water resistance are essential.

1. Dirt-resistant
2. Water-repellent
3. Odourless and kind to skin
4. Inexpensive

Acrylic, also called polyacrylic, is a synthetic fibre made by polymerising acrylonitrile.
This fibre was developed to imitate the properties of wool, but with the advantages of synthetic materials.
Acrylic is often used for textiles and rugs that are meant to look and feel like wool.
Acrylic is known for its softness, lightfastness and good colour retention.

1. Soft and wool-like
2. Lightfast and holds its shape
3. Easy to care for and water-resistant

Viscose is often called artificial silk, because it has a similar sheen and softness.

Viscose is a semi-synthetic fibre made from natural cellulose, usually from wood or cotton.

To make viscose, the cellulose is dissolved in a chemical solution and spun into fibres.

It is used in many textiles and rugs that are meant to feel luxurious and look elegant.

1. Silky sheen
2. Soft feel
3. Cellulose-based
4. 
   

Viscose has a silky sheen and a soft feel, which make it look particularly luxurious.
However, this fibre is more sensitive to moisture and needs gentler care to keep its beauty and structure.

Viscose is less hard-wearing than fully synthetic fibres, but it offers excellent softness and comfort, which makes it ideal for decorative rugs and home textiles.

Is a synthetic fibre rug worth it?

Synthetic fibres have become firmly established in the textile and rug industry.
Their advantages are obvious: they are easy to care for, hard-wearing and ideal for everyday use.
Synthetic fibres show their strengths in heavily used areas such as the living room, and wherever moisture plays a part, such as the bathroom.
Thanks to modern manufacturing processes, synthetic fibre rugs today offer high quality and an attractive look, stand up to even extreme conditions and give pleasure for a long time.

Frequently asked questions

Are synthetic fibre rugs suitable for people with allergies?

Yes, synthetic fibre rugs are often hypoallergenic and so a good choice for allergy sufferers. Unlike rugs made from natural materials such as wool, they are less likely to harbour dust, mites and other allergens.

Can synthetic fibre rugs be used outdoors?

Some synthetic fibre rugs, especially those made of polypropylene, are weatherproof and well suited to outdoor use. They resist moisture and UV rays, which makes them ideal for terraces, balconies and other outdoor areas.

How environmentally friendly are synthetic fibre rugs?

The environmental impact of synthetic fibre rugs varies. Some synthetic fibres, such as polypropylene, can be recycled, which improves their environmental footprint. It is important to remember, though, that producing synthetic fibres is energy-intensive and often based on oil.

Can synthetic fibre rugs be slippery?

Synthetic fibre rugs can slip on smooth floors. It is a good idea to use a non-slip rug pad to increase safety and stop the rug from moving.