Based on fact and science, guided by principle.
The Carpet and Rug Institute, Inc. (CRI) Presents: The Beauty and Benefits of Carpet
Residential: Comfort, Style, and Performance for Every Home
Carpet remains a cornerstone of residential flooring, offering unmatched comfort, warmth, and aesthetic versatility. Whether you’re designing cozy bedrooms, inviting living spaces, or durable family rooms, today’s residential carpets combine innovative materials with timeless design. The carpet industry continues to evolve, delivering products that meet the demands of modern households—sustainable manufacturing, and a wide range of textures and colors to suit any lifestyle. From plush luxury to practical durability, residential carpet is more than just flooring—it’s the foundation of home comfort.
Commercial: Durability, Design, and Performance for High-Traffic Spaces
In commercial environments, carpet plays a vital role in balancing functionality with visual impact. From corporate offices and retail spaces to hospitality and healthcare settings, commercial carpet is engineered to withstand heavy foot traffic while maintaining a professional and polished appearance. The carpet industry continues to innovate with products that offer enhanced durability, acoustic benefits, and design flexibility—supporting branding, comfort, and long-term value. Whether you’re outfitting a single space or an entire facility, commercial carpet delivers performance-driven solutions tailored to the demands of modern business environments.
Green Label Plus (GLP) Program: Indoor Air Quality Testing
The carpet industry has a long history of creating products that provide numerous benefits, especially for indoor air quality. Today, indoor air quality (IAQ) is an important environmental consideration, especially since we spend approximately 90 percent of our time indoors. In 1992, CRI launched its Green Label program to test carpet, cushions, and adhesives to help specifiers identify products with very low emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). In the 2000s, CRI launched the Green Label Plus (GLP) program for carpet, adhesives, and cushion. These enhanced programs set higher standards for IAQ and let customers know they are purchasing the very lowest emitting products available on the market. Using scientifically established standards, the Green Label Plus program symbolizes the carpet industry’s commitment to creating a better indoor environment.
Seal of Approval (SOA) Program: Carpet Cleaning Efficacy Testing
The Seal of Approval (SOA) program is the carpet industry’s only scientific program to test the effectiveness of carpet cleaning products and equipment. To achieve SOA certification, products go through rigorous laboratory testing to meet the high standards of the SOA program. The program helps consumers make informed decisions and helps manufacturers improve their products. The results are cleaner, healthier, and longer-lasting carpet.
Advocacy: Promoting Standards, Sustainability, and Consumer Confidence
CRI is committed to advancing policies and practices that uphold the highest standards of quality, sustainability, and safety within the carpet industry. Through active engagement with industry leaders, collaboration with policymakers, and education for consumers, we work to ensure that innovation and responsibility go hand in hand. Our advocacy efforts focus on promoting fair regulations, supporting environmentally conscious manufacturing, and driving initiatives that benefit both businesses and the communities they serve.