Before we get into our review of ReForm Transition, it’s important to talk about the manufacturer itself. Danish carpet brand Ege Carpets has been manufacturing premium flooring products since 1938 – a humble operation that began in Herning, Denmark, by Ege Carpets’ founder, Mads Eg Damgaard. It began with the production of textiles and carpets, but in 1953, Ege Carpets began to focus exclusively on carpets alone. The company as a whole is characterised by a strong Danish heritage, a focus on quality and wellbeing without compromising sustainability, and the drive to becoming the top carpet manufacturer in the world.
One of their latest collections, ReForm Transition, is inspired by one of the most natural recycling processes we know. Seeking to aesthetically mimic nature’s own virtuous, recycling process associated with plant life, Transition’s designs resemble how plants grow from seeds, mature, flourish, and then crumble into the earth again, only for the process to be repeated. It’s a beautiful, clean, and long-lasting cycle that serves as a reminder of what sustainability truly is about.
The Review Crew
Above from left: Michael Bøgsted, Managing Director MEA, Ege Carpets; Rasha Al-Tekreeti, Senior Interior Designer, SAY Studio; Rakan Dabbas, Business Development Manager, Ege Carpets; Nemanja Ribic, Interior Designer, Bluehaus Group
Taking its cue from nature
Nature really is the best teacher. Scientists, engineers, and designers have been learning and mimicking nature for centuries. “Nature continues to inspire us, providing comfort and reassurance in our lives while at the same time offering ideas for innovation to fashion, interior designers, and artists,” says Michael Bøgsted, Managing Director MEA, Ege Carpets.
It’s no wonder that biomimicry is such an exciting field with so much potential. In the same vein, designers Olivier Sanguez and Valérie Jelge have tried to encapsulate the beauty of the foliage cycle into the designs of ReForm Transition.
What we love about this collection is how the mix-and-match concept has been taken to a deeper level. Just as abrupt breaks rarely appear in nature but rather we find organic transitions between phases, ReForm Transition too offers seamless and effortless organic transitions through a clever element called Transition Mix tiles. “These tiles are a reflection of the exceptional and practical design expertise of Ege Carpets,” says Michael. “They allow for a variety of spatial design combinations with natural and fluid effects. All you need to do is choose one of the three patterns, Seed, Leaf or Fibre, and follow it up with your selection of Mix tiles in a colour combination you like.”
To make the design and implementation even easier for clients, the collection is available in 44 colours across the three designs in wall-to-wall, tiles, and planks. “With this collection, we’re able to offer aesthetic value, acoustic benefits, ease of installation, and a sustainable interior choice, all in one!” he adds.
Giving plastic new life
True to its sustainability-based design, ReForm Transition has a number of ‘green’ aspects to it. For starters, Ege Carpets’ products have long been Cradle-to-Cradle Certified®. An interesting part of this collection is the fact that it’s made from recycled plastic bottles. More specifically, its patented Ecotrust felt backing is made from plastic bottles that are converted into a soft but strong PET felt material. Additionally, the regenerated and regenerable yarns are made from abandoned fishing nets that pollute the ocean and other industrial waste.
All of Ege Carpets’ sustainability efforts fall under The Green Thread, which is part of Ege Carpets’ sustainability strategy that involves net carbon positivity, closed-loop manufacturing, and green transportation. “Ege Carpets aims to rewrite the carpet industry and be a leader in sustainability, with the goal of inspiring clients and other stakeholders to also adopt similar sustainable strategies,” says Michael.
Nemanja: I love the nature inspired designs. A lot of brands say it but the attention to detail here is incredible. The vast array of colours is so good for us, I can see us getting excited by it on a project. The colours are not too vibrant but not dull either. They’re produced so well and really do reflect the intention behind the designs. You can clearly see the differences in textures and colours that really add to the richness of the product. There are so many possibilities with these carpet tiles. One great one is to use the seamless yet evident transitions to demarcate areas, or indicate social distancing without it being too ‘in your face’. I think people would appreciate that.
Rasha: The nature based aesthetic is so on point. The concept is clear, not lost in translation. And the nature aspect is represented so well. Besides the colours, I particularly like the size and shape options, which allow for more creative freedom – it’s helpful to be able to design without being hindered by choice. It lends well to the organic feel of the collection, like the Mix Transition tiles. You don’t often see collections available in tiles and planks. The website is also really good in case we want design inspiration. I personally would like to see more colours and perhaps more ways to transition between colours and shapes.
Our Thoughts
Ege Carpets’ new collection is a clever and innovative take on sustainability – both functionally and aesthetically. The price point is competitive, and the ease of installation, especially with the Mix Transition tiles, make it a strong choice for designers and end-users alike.
Nemanja: In terms of colours, I would like to see more earth tones or something warmer. For me, the most outstanding feature is the texture. It translates easily into a natural or biophilic design. I’m always impressed and appreciate companies that work hard to recycle and reduce waste. I believe the work they’re doing to recycle plastic bottles and fishing nets goes a long way. Plus the price is more than fair, given the number of benefits you’re getting with just one collection.
Rasha: I would like to see more vibrant colours too, or even something that pops more. I love how the aesthetics communicate the design intent so well. The Transition Mix tiles really do it for me. I’m also very impressed by the sustainability aspects – using plastic waste in the Ecotrust backing. Their commitment to sustainability is truly impressive. Combined with the competitive price point, it’s a great option. The only limitation, if I were to think of one, would be the minimum quantity (one box = 18 tiles) required for certain customised designs and sizes, but then that just means we need to work on bigger projects!
