At the Carpet and Flooring Expo (CFE) 2025 in Istanbul, we had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Adel Shaar, Advisor to the CEO at Artex Industrial Investment Company. With over 40 years of industry experience, Artex has established itself as one of the leading carpet and flooring manufacturers in the Middle East. In this interview, Mr. Shaar shares insights on the company’s growth, market trends, and sustainability initiatives.
Q: Mr. Shaar, this is your second time attending CFE. How has your experience been so far?
A: We attended the first edition of CFE in December last year and were very impressed with the exhibition’s scale and visitor turnout. This year, we see even more quality visitors—people who come with clear objectives, whether looking for new products or maintaining relationships with existing suppliers. As a globally recognized company supplying carpets, rugs, yarns, and backing materials, we have met many of our major clients here.
Q: Can you tell us more about Artex Industrial Investment and its production capabilities?
A: Our company is vertically integrated, meaning we produce everything from raw materials to finished carpets. We manufacture BCF polypropylene and polyester yarns, including twisted, heat-set, and frieze yarns, as well as primary and secondary backing for tufting. Our production includes tufted and woven carpets, Axminster carpets, blankets, and non-woven carpets. A portion of our raw materials goes into our own production, while another part is exported. We also have new projects under study, which we hope to realize in 2025.
Q: How important is Saudi Arabia as a market for your company?
A: Saudi Arabia has been one of the largest consumers of carpets and rugs for over 40 years. Our company, established 43 years ago, initially focused on serving the local market before expanding into exports. While we don’t claim to hold 100% of the market share, we have supplied carpets for major government projects, including the Mecca and Medina Haram, governmental mosques, and royal palaces. Over the last two to three years, we have also been directly supplying projects related to the Saudi royal palace.
Q: What trends are shaping the carpet and flooring industry today?
A: Flooring trends are constantly evolving. Consumer preferences change in terms of quality, design, and sizes, and we must adapt accordingly. Over the years, we have seen a decline in carpet consumption due to the rise of hard flooring options such as parquet, LVT, SPC, and now EVC flooring. However, carpets remain a classic and traditional choice for many, even if used in smaller areas than before.
Q: Sustainability is a growing concern in the industry. How is Artex addressing this?
A: We have been working on a comprehensive carpet recycling initiative for the past three years in collaboration with a European company. This project involves a specialized recycling line that will separate and process different carpet components—latex, polypropylene, and jute—rather than disposing of them in landfills. We expect this system to be operational by late 2025 or early 2026. Additionally, we have aligned our operations with Saudi Arabia’s new regulations on environmental protection and sustainability, using more recycled materials in our production.
Q: Artex has recently undergone a rebranding. Can you elaborate on this change?
A: Our company was originally known as Saudi Carpet Factory, later becoming Abdullatif Industrial Investment Company. Three months ago, we rebranded to Artex Industrial Investment Company due to our public listing on the stock market, which required a more neutral, professional name. Despite this name change, our commitment to quality and innovation remains the same.
Q: What has driven Artex’s growth over the past four decades?
A: Our expansion is a result of continuous investment in new technologies and market demand. Saudi Arabia’s market volume has allowed us to grow into one of the largest carpet producers in the Middle East. While there are smaller companies in the region, our scale—operating hundreds of machines—sets us apart. The key to success in this industry is a mindset of continuous evolution. We must always adapt to changing market trends and invest in the future rather than remain stagnant.
Q: Finally, what are your expectations for the future of Artex and the carpet industry?
A: We see continued growth potential in both domestic and international markets. While flooring trends may shift, carpets will always have a place in traditional and high-end interior design. Our focus remains on innovation, sustainability, and market expansion, ensuring that we continue to meet consumer needs while contributing to a more environmentally responsible industry.
