MENACovering interviews Ms. Yasmine from Oriental Weavers to discuss the company’s global expansion, sustainability efforts, and latest innovations. As a leading carpet manufacturer exporting to 118+ countries, Oriental Weavers continues to set industry benchmarks. Ms. Yasmine shares insights on the company’s growth in key markets, groundbreaking showcases at Heimtextil 2025, and its push for automation and eco-friendly production. She also highlights strategies for maintaining a strong U.S. presence and contributing to luxury hospitality projects. Discover how Oriental Weavers is shaping the future of carpet manufacturing through innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.
1. Oriental Weavers exports to over 118 countries. Can you provide an update on your latest export statistics and key markets in 2024?
Oriental Weavers continues to strengthen its global footprint, with a presence in over 118 countries. In 2024, we achieved a 42% year-on-year increase in exports, reaching EGP 16 billion. This growth reflects our strategic focus on expansion in high-potential markets.
Our key markets remain the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, with increasing demand in Africa and Asia. The U.S. remains our biggest market, strengthened by strategic retail partnerships and e-commerce expansion, contributing 32% of total sales in 2024.
Our long-term goal is to increase this share to 40% within three years. Europe is our second-largest international market, with exports reaching EGP 6 billion in 2024.
We remain focused on delivering high-quality, innovative, and sustainable carpets that cater to evolving global consumer preferences. These efforts, combined with our commitment to optimizing production processes and expanding within key markets, underscore our dedication to excellence and continuous growth.
2. You have participated in Heimtextil Frankfurt 2025. What innovations did Oriental Weavers showcase at the event?
Heimtextil Frankfurt 2025 was a great success for us, with our booth experiencing unprecedented visitor traffic—the highest in years. We unveiled several groundbreaking innovations, further reinforcing our commitment to design excellence, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing. Notably, five of our trendsetting collections were featured in the prestigious “Carpet Lounge,” highlighting our latest advancements in eco-friendly materials and cutting-edge designs.
Our collections introduced new sustainable yarns, including recycled and biodegradable fibers, underscoring our dedication to environmentally responsible production. We also launched a new range of indoor and outdoor rugs, as well as foldable and washable designs, engineered for easy home maintenance using standard washing machines—offering convenience without compromising style.
Additionally, our 100% natural wool collections, including “Saqqara Wool” and “Baroque Wool,” received strong demand, with European markets leading orders, followed by North and South America, and Asia.
Heimtextil remains a pivotal platform for engaging with international buyers and showcasing the future of textile flooring, serving as a gateway to new business opportunities and expansion across the European market.
3. Sustainability remains a key focus for Oriental Weavers. Can you share updates on your latest green initiatives, particularly the advanced factory complex at King Tut and your efforts to reduce carbon emissions?
Sustainability is a core pillar at Oriental Weavers, driving our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint through continuous investment in sustainable technologies and environmentally responsible initiatives. We strive to minimize our environmental impact while maintaining world-class manufacturing standards, adhering to ISO 14001, ISO 50001, and GRS certifications, which reflect our dedication to sustainable production and responsible resource management. Our environmental management system aligns with Egypt Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on reducing emissions, optimizing energy efficiency, minimizing waste, and conserving water throughout our production processes.
A key milestone in our sustainability journey is the King Tut production facility, which integrates state-of-the-art, energy-efficient machinery designed to reduce emissions and waste while enhancing overall efficiency. Another major step forward is the development of an advanced industrial wastewater treatment plant at our spinning factory. With a capacity of 1,250 cubic meters per day and four consecutive treatment stages, this facility significantly enhances our water recycling efforts, reinforcing our commitment to responsible water management.
We are also actively expanding our reliance on renewable energy, having made great strides with the installation of solar power plants. Our Alexandria Showroom solar power plant, inaugurated in 2022, generates 430,000 KWh annually, cutting 400 tons of CO₂ emissions each year. Additionally, in partnership with Integrated Renewable & Sustainable Communities (IRSC), we are installing a 2.5 MWp solar power plant at one of our factories in 10th of Ramadan City, with an ambitious target of reaching 20 MW of solar capacity within five years.
Beyond energy and water conservation, we are taking proactive steps to offset carbon emissions through our tree planting initiative. To date, we have successfully planted 556,000 trees, contributing to climate change mitigation, improving air quality, and enhancing biodiversity.
Through these comprehensive efforts, Oriental Weavers continues to lead the way in sustainable manufacturing, integrating innovation and environmental responsibility to deliver high-quality, eco-friendly carpets to markets worldwide.
4. Your fully automated warehouse showcases digital transformation in the carpet industry. How do you see automation shaping the future of manufacturing at Oriental Weavers?
Automation is revolutionizing manufacturing at Oriental Weavers, redefining efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in the carpet industry. Our state-of-the-art, fully automated warehouse is a testament to this transformation, reinforcing our leadership in digital manufacturing.
Located within our advanced King Tut factory complex and designed to the highest international standards, this facility operates with minimal human intervention, requiring only one engineer and three workers to manage seamless sorting, storage, and shipment processes.
By integrating smart automation, we are not only improving operational efficiency but also reducing our carbon footprint through energy conservation and lower emissions. This facility aligns with global sustainability goals and cements Oriental Weavers’ position as an industry pioneer.
By embracing advanced technologies, we continue to set new benchmarks in efficiency, sustainability, and innovation within the carpet industry.
5. Your carpets are now part of high-profile projects like the London Hilton on Park Lane. How does Oriental Weavers balance innovation, sustainability, and luxury in its designs?
For over 20 years, Oriental Weavers Hospitality—the luxury arm of Oriental Weavers Group—has been crafting the finest Axminster wall-to-wall carpets, adorning renowned hotel chains such as Four Seasons, Marriott, and Hilton.
Our prestigious project with the London Hilton on Park Lane is yet another testament to our ability to seamlessly blend innovation, sustainability, and luxury, creating world-class carpets that elevate spaces.
At the heart of our success is a holistic approach—bringing together top design talent, equipping them with cutting-edge automated technologies, and upholding a deep commitment to environmental responsibility. By manufacturing and dyeing our own yarn, we maintain the highest standards of quality while ensuring eco-conscious processes.
Additionally, we repurpose production leftovers into complementary products like cushions, poufs, and small rugs, reinforcing our dedication to sustainable luxury.
Our design philosophy is a fusion of artistry and functionality, where advanced weaving techniques bring intricate patterns to life using high-performance, eco-friendly materials. Whether for luxury hotels, corporate spaces, or high-end residences, Oriental Weavers remains at the forefront of innovation, setting new benchmarks in sophisticated and exquisite carpet solutions.
6. The U.S. remains a crucial market for machine-made carpets. What are your strategies for maintaining and expanding your presence there?
With our manufacturing and sales operations based in Dalton, Georgia—established in 1991—Oriental Weavers USA plays a pivotal role in ensuring market responsiveness. Our strategic investments in trend-driven designs, advanced weaving technologies, and performance-driven collections, such as stain-resistant, pet-friendly, and sustainable carpets, allow us to cater to evolving consumer preferences.
To enhance accessibility, we continue to expand across large-scale retailers, independent stores, and e-commerce platforms. Our strong digital presence, including partnerships with major online retailers, has played a crucial role.
We also actively participate in six major U.S. furniture and rug fairs annually, including High Point Market, Las Vegas Market, and New York Market Week, reinforcing our engagement with key industry stakeholders.
Our excellence in design and innovation has been consistently recognized—over the last decade, Oriental Weavers has received the America’s Most Magnificent Carpet Award annually. Additionally, OW America was voted a top industry leader in the 2024 Reader Rankings by Home Accents Today and Furniture Today, winning Best Machine-Made Rug Supplier and Best Outdoor Rug Supplier, among other accolades. These recognitions reaffirm our unwavering commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction.
By focusing on digital expansion, sustainability, and product innovation, we are confident in maintaining and expanding our leadership position in the U.S. market.
