Each Nunamae recycled cotton rug is born from cotton waste carefully set aside by workshops in northern Portugal.

The waste is collected, and used directly or it is frayed, carded and then re-spun to regain a strength comparable to that of new yarn, before being entrusted to craftsmen who perpetuate traditional weaving on wooden looms.

By giving a second life to this already existing raw material, Nunamae avoids all the water it would take to grow virgin cotton (up to 10,000 litres per kilo) as well as the energy needed to clean, bleach and process the fresh fibres. This considerably reduces the carpet's carbon footprint, as well as the pressure on agricultural soils.

The result is no compromise on aesthetics: the natural blend of yarns creates subtle, organic, mottled shades that are equally at home in a minimalist living room or a cosy living room looking for warmth and texture. The flat construction gives a slim silhouette that's easy to slide under doors, while remaining dense enough to stay in place in high-traffic areas you choose the ideal place to place it:

·       Minimalist living room: a large ecru rug highlights straight-lined furniture, accentuating the brightness and simplicity of the space.

·       Cosy reading corner: opt for a brown-coffee Luca – Chiné model, combined with a curly wool armchair and a soft blanket for a warm atmosphere.

·       Slow-deco bedroom: a natural beige runner placed at the foot of the bed gives a fresh, airy feel.

·       Welcoming entrance: a terracotta tapis en coton recyclé Luca – Marron visually extends the space while protecting the parquet floor.

These rugs free from aggressive chemical treatments – which by itself limits the proliferation of dust mites and is suitable for sensitive skin and children's bedrooms.

Maintenance is simple: vacuum gently every week, machine wash at 30°C for small sizes - or use a launderette for larger pieces - and rotate twice a year to even out wear and tear.

Choosing a Nunamae recycled cotton rug means turning waste into a sustainable design object, supporting Portuguese craftsmanship and inviting a tangible form of eco-responsibility into your everyday life.

1. What exactly is a recycled cotton rug?

A Recycled Cotton Rug is woven from fibres that once had another life—cut-offs, selvages or end-of-roll yarns gathered in Portuguese textile mills. The cotton is shredded, carded and re-spun before artisans hand-loom it into a new piece, keeping waste out of landfill while preserving traditional know-how.

2. How is it different from a rug made with virgin cotton?

Choosing a Recycled Cotton Rug avoids the vast resource load of fresh cotton: on average, growing and processing one kilogram of new cotton fabric consumes nearly 10 000 litres of freshwater and significant energy for bleaching and scouring.

3. Are Nunamae recycled cotton rugs machine-washable?

Yes. Because the yarns are 100 % cotton with no plastic backings, every small or medium Recycled Cotton Rug can go in a 30 °C cycle; larger sizes can be launderette-washed.

4. Can I use a recycled cotton rug outdoors?

Only temporarily. Industry guidance recommends keeping recycled-cotton rugs for indoor zones because prolonged UV and rain will break down the fibres faster than synthetic outdoor mats.

5. Do they feel rough underfoot?

Quite the opposite. Re-spinning cotton creates a mellow hand feel: reviewers describe them as “very comfortable” and “cosy” even without a pad.

6. How durable are recycled cotton rugs in high-traffic areas?

Dense flat weaves keep a low profile that won’t snag under doors yet stays put in busy corridors or living rooms. Cottage-style braided versions are equally resilient thanks to thick, twist-balanced yarns.

7. Do they fade in sunlight?

Natural cotton can lighten over time. Place your Recycled Cotton Rug where light is filtered or rotate it every few months to keep tones even.

8. How do I clean a large, recycled cotton rug if it won’t fit my home washer?

Roll or fold it and use a commercial front-loader at the laundrette; most washers up to 18 kg accommodate rugs up to 300 × 400 cm. Wash cold, mild detergent, no bleach, then line-dry or lay flat—exactly the advice experts give for any washable rug.

9. Are recycled cotton rugs safe for pets and kids?

Yes—machine washability, low pile (no looped yarn for claws to pull) and the absence of VOC-laden backing glues make a Recycled Cotton Rug pet- and child-friendly. Retailers list them explicitly as “pet-friendly” in product descriptions.