Carpets and Sustainability? Yes The conventional methods to manufacture carpets involve synthetic petroleum-derived fibers treated with "stain resistant" chemicals. Fibers and stain-resistant treatments on the carpet tend to mix with the environment around their installed location, which is harmful. Carpets made through natural fibers and latex ensure clean air and surface, conducive to environmental sustainability. Most brands use "styrene-butadiene rubber" as an adhesive for bonding. Also, the padding of carpets may be composite of materials held together by this adhesive. Similar to stain-resistant chemicals, these paddings can mix with the surrounding air, resulting in a polluted environment. Also, the latex binder used to secure carpet fibers to the carpet backing can cause a release of VOC (volatile organic compound), known as the 4-phenylcyclohexene (4-PCH). The VOC is the compound that produces the "new carpet" smell. The chemicals, through stain treatment and latex, may become a cause of indoor pollution, resulting in nose and throat issues.