Take the SmartStrand Challenge with Mohawk

This unique carpet is now hitting the UK high street, with 100s of retailers welcoming a new carpet that brings style and quality with ultimate durability and ease of maintenance.

As part of the launch and to demonstrate the attributes, Mohawk's SmartStrand carpet has been through the ultimate challenge and come up trumps at the feet of Ricko, the 12 year old one and a quarter ton Rhino resident at Alabama's Birmingham Zoo.

For two solid weeks Mohawk's SmartStrand carpet was installed in Ricko's enclosure, getting the full rhino treatment that left some severe staining on the deep cream pile. Seeming beyond repair, Ricko's carpet was professionally cleaned using hot water extraction and Mohawk Floorcare Essentials spot remover. The result was a carpet rejuvenated and according to the zoo's mammal curator, one that looked 'as good as new'. Ricko is still the only rhino in the world to have a luxurious carpeted enclosure.

The 'SmartStrand Challenge' was devised to be one of the toughest trials imaginable, highlighting to American consumers the ability of SmartStrand carpet to withstand severe treatment without adverse affect. Now, as Mohawk looks to grow the presence of SmartStrand carpet within the UK, the adventures of Ricko the rhino are being rolled out to retailers across the country.

"Technically unrivalled with rapidly renewable fibre content and delivering unheralded levels of durability, stain-resistance and softness, SmartStrand is one of the most advanced domestic carpets currently available anywhere in the world," explains Howard Lindsay, Mohawk International. "Yet the challenge is how to deliver this message to homeowners without bogging them down in technical information that bears little relevance to real world situations.

Prices start from just £25 per square metre.

See smartstrandchallenge.com/Home/Challenge.

For further information, visit themohawkgroup.com.