Manufacturing in line with specific expertise
Today, Pinton designs its rugs using its own unique technical approach and specific manufacturing steps. Production is based in Croze, not far from Aubusson, guaranteeing that the tufted rugs are French-made and “Made in Aubusson.” Other rugs follow the same manufacturing process and are made in Europe, which allows the company to always ensure on-time delivery if orders at the Croze site are too large.
At the same time, thanks to its Asian subsidiary, Pinton can offer a more robotized tuft, whose carving and more mechanized finishes give it a different aesthetic. This “Made in China” manufacturing meets certain needs that cannot be met by manufacturing in France and Europe (and vice versa). Thus, thanks to these different types of manufacturing, Pinton is able to meet production deadlines and respond to the aesthetic needs that characterize its highly diverse customer base today.
Effusion hand-tufted rug
design by Alix Waline
photo © Elysée
How can we share our passion, take pride in our heritage and transfer centuries-old skills that are still using the same turn of hand? In a world that is so busy rushing that it sometimes forgets the breadth of its talents, and how crucial it is to protect them, labels are essential. They put the spotlight on established expertise, promise quality and inspire trust.
Local Aubusson Labels
Geographical indication
Pinton also worked with seven other companies in the region to obtain recognition as a Geographical Indication. The Tapis d’Aubusson GI and Tapisserie d’Aubusson GI were approved by the National Institute of Industrial Property in 2018. This GI is only awarded to Pinton carpets manufactured in France. These two designations highlight the centuries-old expertise of the textile tradition in the Aubusson and Felletin region and guarantee the authenticity of this part of production.
The Aubusson Heritage
While these labels confirm the deep roots of craftspeople and manufactories in the Aubusson and Felletin area, they also give recognition to a private production centre operating for over five centuries. They tell a story of men and women, of techniques and turns of hand, of trades ranging from wool production to weaving, including spinning and dyeing, of restauration and conservation. A history that warranted the inclusion of Aubusson tapestry on the UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.
Labels, a guarantee of quality, for carpets made in Aubusson
Labels of Excellence
At Pinton, certification is a matter of course. Since 2009, all of its French manufacturing has been certified by the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV) label. Issued under the authority of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, this label distinguishes French companies that possess exceptional artisanal and industrial expertise. It helps combat the disappearance of exceptional cultural talents, which are too often threatened. These prestigious companies share a passion for passing on their knowledge and a desire to perpetuate their activity by combining tradition and innovation, values that have characterized Pinton since its creation. Finally, the EPV label ensures visibility and credibility on a global scale. For Maison Pinton, it is a way of reaffirming its identity as a craftsman rooted in a region and a master in its discipline.
Label, Legacy and Transmission
To help this legacy radiate and to give it contemporary appeal, PINTON was also awarded another label: Ateliers d’Art de France (French Art Workshops), which recognises the key contribution of creative craftspeople to society. In addition to promoting the representation, defence and economic development of art workshops, this label encourages training and raises awareness of arts and crafts with a focus on conservation, tradition and creation. The PINTON manufactory works in partnership with different art schools to perpetuate its expertise, awaken vocations and share the inventiveness and creative energy of the French art workshop!
EcoVadis rating
EcoVadis awarded a Silver Medal to PINTON for its CSR policy, placing the mill in the top 25% of the companies that have been rated.
PINTON received with great pride a silver medal from EcoVadis. With a score of 64% the mill is in the top 25% of the companies rated by this French sustainability rating agency that is world-renowned in terms of Corporate Social Responsibility assessments. Sustainability and ethics concerns are thoroughly embedded in Pinton’s operating mode and core values. This reward coming from EcoVadis is gratifying acknowledgment. The family-owned business dedicates constant attention to taking its share in preserving the environment, by reusing materials or working on improving its recycling for instance. The company also pays great attention to progress regarding social issues and human rights, with an even closer focus on communication, passing-on and on the interaction and dialog between teams and with the business partners and suppliers. Ethical issues and responsible procurement are also major concerns for the mill. PINTON indeed has always favoured short distribution channels, materials sourced in France or Europe, and made similar kinds of choices. Finally, the mill is committed to respecting national and international laws in terms of business ethics.
Céline Store, Istanbul – Turkey
hand-tufted rug gris pinton
Today, in the context of an increasingly diversified market offering varying degrees of quality and safety, standards and certifications guarantee that our creations meet certain mandatory specifications based on their intended use. This reassures customers who can then fully enjoy the pleasure of choosing.
safety and durability
Resistance Standards
The criteria that a carpet must meet in terms of wear and tear, appearance and comfort are first based on its use. For example, in the home, there are different levels of classification from the lightest (bedroom) to the highest (corridor) use. The same applies to commercial use.
For all levels of use, the comfort scale ranges from 1 to 5 crowns.
Other features are also taken into account such as resistance to slipping or fraying, use in staircases, sound absorption, thermal insulation, in particular with underfloor heating, etc.
Finally, the CE marking, mandatory since 2007 for all interior floor coverings, denotes product compliance with the requirements of the European directive, allows the product to be marketed, facilitates the free movement of goods and serves as a basis for the removal of non-compliant products.
All this information must be stated on the technical sheets relating each product. It must be taken account during installation.
pinton &
the environment
European Fire Safety Standards
The European Union applies strict regulations regarding the burning behaviour of materials. Divided into specific classifications for floor coverings and other products, materials are labelled from A to F based on their reaction, A meaning zero contribution to the fire.
In addition, combustibility (the quantity of heat produced during the combustion of the material) and flammability (the quantity of more or less flammable gases produced during the combustion of the material) are also included in fire safety regulations.
The T-ICCO Label
PINTON fitted carpets meet level T5 of the T-ICCO (International Carpet Classification Organisation) label, which guarantees their quality against criteria relating to resistance, comfort and durability. The wear and tear of the fabric is measured in terms of structure, visual appearance and pile density.
The IMO Label
The IMO label certifies that fire test procedures were applied in compliance with an international code in effect in the maritime sector. It is granted by the International Maritime Organisation and is applicable to recreational crafts and merchant ships. Maison PINTON is proud to offer a range of products designed specifically for the yachting industry that is fully IMO certified.
PINTON carpets intended for the aeronautics industry are fully compliant with JAR/FAR regulations (Joint Aviation Regulation / Federal Aviation Regulation), the fire safety classification applicable to aircrafts.
an expertise measured by standards and certifications
Specificities of The Corporate Market
In a luxury hotel or a renowned restaurant, in a jewellery shop or a fashion house, decoration is a key consideration. The choice of materials, colours and layouts leaves no space for improvisation. And quality and safety are simply essential. At Pinton, meeting these requirement is a priority. We focus all our attention to ensure adequacy between the product and the environment for which it is intended. To this end, we take into account the use intensity to which our rugs and carpets will be subjected. Whether they are laid in corridors, rooms or stairs, all our fitted carpets meet European resistance and fire safety standards.
Residential Contexts
Home decoration is a very personal thing. Purchasing a rug for one’s home or choosing a fitted carpet is not a decision taken lightly. In the home, a rug or a carpet is how we relate to the ground, define an area, appropriate space. It goes without saying that this is a long-term commitment and that quality is paramount. Consequently PINTON carpets meet the requirements of several international standards and labels in terms of resistance and safety.
Institutional Environments
From the plush atmosphere of embassies and ministries, to busy airport lounges, institutional spaces require knowledge of the habits and customs specific to each one. To allow for smart and consistent choices, out teams receive specific training and are attentive to every detail and requirement. All our products meet the requirements of European standards, meaning that quality and safety are never an issue.
Serving the Yachting and Aviation Industries
PINTON products are fully designed and made to measure, and meet the compliance and safety requirements of non-standard interior decoration projects such as private jets or yachts. PINTON has designed an exclusive collection specifically dedicated to these industries. With our wide choice or materials and colours, we are able to decorate all nomadic interiors.
Because PINTON Yachting and Aviation products are intended for very specific environments with regards to safety, all our products are put through the required technical tests.
Short, direct circuit
Whether it’s for its exclusive collections in collaboration with artists and designers at PINTON Édition or for its interior design collections with PINTON Manufacture, the choice of raw materials is crucial. PINTON favours short circuits by selecting fibres from Switzerland, Italy and above all France. The yarns are prepared in Felletin. In direct contact with its suppliers, PINTON maintains a strong relationship with them as well as with its own employees. As a company on a human scale, a project is monitored internally right through to completion. As a result, deadlines are kept to a minimum and communication and exchanges are fluid, supported by a family atmosphere.
Recovery & Recycling
Because we are all increasingly concerned with the protection of the environment, PINTON is striving to improve its environmental stewardship. The company is currently working to develop a process for the recovery and recycling of unused textile fibres as well as other unemployed waste materials resulting from the production of rugs and carpets, such as trimmings or samples.
The ISO 14001 Standard
With this in mind, PINTON also implemented the tools recommended by the ISO 14001 standard as part of its sustainable development efforts. This international standard contains a number of requirements, including:
- An environmental assessment of operations and related applicable regulations, as well as their impacts on the environment.
- An environmental policy aiming to prevent pollution, with a commitment to continuous improvement.
- The company-wide structural implementation of organisational measures, planning activities, practices and resources for the optimal application of PINTON’s environmental policy.