Dezeen Showroom: designer Álvaro Catalán de Ocón has created a collection of rugs for Spanish brand Gan, which aims to expose and tackle the global issue of river pollution.

The four rugs in the range are named Ganges, Yangtze, Indus and Niger after significant waterways that have been affected by plastic pollution.

Each rug comes in shades of blue, green and brown and displays an aerial view of the river it is named after and its geographical surroundings.

All are hand-made by artisans in India from 100 per cent recycled PET plastic fibres, making them highly durable and similar in texture to wool.

"This method allows the craftsmen to generate elevation by cutting the threads at different heights, creating the effect of three-dimensional topography," explained Catalán de Ocón.

"Plastic Rivers reflects the reality of the material with which each design is made and seeks to start a conversation," he continued, "[they aim to act] as a metaphor for that uncomfortable truth that we decided to hide under the rug."

The rugs are also completely recyclable at the end of their use and are available in different sizes and shapes, making them suitable for a variety of residential spaces.

Product: Ganges, Yangtze, Indus and Niger, Plastic Rivers
Designer: Álvaro Catalán de Ocón
Brand: Gan
Contact: [email protected]

Dezeen Showroom

Dezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen's huge global audience. For more details email [email protected].

Dezeen Showroom is an example of partnership content on Dezeen. Find out more about partnership content here.