The Flemish carpet industry, historically concentrated in West Flanders, is navigating a period of major change as manufacturers face declining volumes, strong international competition and rising production costs. Despite these challenges, the sector remains an important part of Belgium's industrial landscape, employing around 5,600 people and generating approximately €1 billion in production value.
© Pietro Sutera
According to Fedustria, the Belgian federation for the textile, wood and furniture industries, Belgium produced 155 million m² of carpet in 2024. However, production volumes were about 30% higher in 2019, reflecting the structural shift the sector is currently undergoing.
One of the main challenges is the declining demand for wall-to-wall carpets, as consumers increasingly opt for hard flooring materials such as laminate or parquet. At the same time, manufacturers must contend with rising energy prices, higher labour costs and logistical disruptions that intensified during and after the pandemic.
Competition from low-cost producing countries such as Turkey has also increased pressure on European manufacturers. Turkish producers benefit from lower production costs and fewer environmental requirements, enabling them to sell carpets at significantly lower prices in the European market.
Despite these difficulties, industry leaders believe the sector can remain competitive by moving away from volume production and focusing on quality, design and sustainability.
"We must learn to think like premium brands," says Luc Claeys, CEO of carpet manufacturer OSTA in Harelbeke. According to Claeys, the traditional focus on high volumes is no longer viable in a high-cost manufacturing environment like Belgium.
OSTA has therefore shifted its strategy toward specialisation and product differentiation, with a stronger emphasis on natural materials. The company continues to invest in wool carpets, sourcing most of its yarns from New Zealand to ensure high quality.
Alongside its industrial brand, OSTA has also developed consumer-oriented brands such as Ligne Pure, which focuses on lifestyle-driven interior collections. In 2025, the company launched House of Wool, a new brand dedicated entirely to wool carpets and sustainable materials.
Across the sector, companies are also exploring circular production models and new market niches. For example, recyclable carpets and mono-material products are gaining importance in the contract market, where sustainability requirements are becoming increasingly strict.
Fedustria CEO Karla Basselier believes innovation and sustainability will play a key role in the sector's future. Digital tools such as product passports, which track the materials used in products, could help facilitate recycling, while automation and digitalisation may help offset rising labour costs.
Although the Flemish carpet industry has shrunk significantly, the companies that remain are increasingly positioning themselves in high-quality niche segments, where craftsmanship, design and sustainability can provide a competitive advantage.
More information:
Fedustria
www.fedustria.be
