Distributor: Troo Hospitality
Customer: Chester Zoo
Product: Enviro-Plush
Chester Zoo, one of the UK’s leading conservation-focused attractions, recently developed The Reserve – a collection of luxury guest lodges designed to provide visitors with an immersive safari-inspired experience. As part of the project, the team required practical yet sustainable entrance matting to support the comfort and cleanliness of the lodges while aligning with the zoo’s strong environmental values.
Assistant Project Manager, Kim Darling, led the specification process and highlighted two essential requirements: the mats needed to harmonise with the safari-themed interiors, and they had to demonstrate clear sustainability credentials.
Challenge
The guest lodges would be receiving regular visitor traffic, with guests moving between outdoor pathways and indoor living spaces. This created a need for mats that could effectively trap moisture, dirt, and debris, helping to protect interior flooring and reduce maintenance. At the same time, Chester Zoo wanted to ensure all products used within The Reserve contributed positively to its sustainability commitments.
Loose, throwdown mats were requested for maximum flexibility, while the colour choice was also crucial to blending seamlessly into the safari scheme.
Solution
Working closely with Chester Zoo and Troo Hospitality, Account Manager Max Proudlock presented a range of entrance matting options. After reviewing samples, the Beige Enviro-Plush mat was identified as the ideal solution.
Enviro-Plush combines a stylish wool-look cut pile with strong environmental credentials. The surface is made from 100% recycled polyester yarn, created from plastic beads and flakes through a process that uses 70% less energy and 85% less water than conventional methods. The backing is made of 80% PVC and 20% recycled rubber, further supporting a circular economy.
Performance was also a key factor. Enviro-Plush mats are machine washable at 30°C for easy maintenance, feature anti-slip rubber backing to stay in place, and can absorb up to 2.4 litres of liquid per m². Their tear-resistant edging ensures longevity, even in busy hospitality environments.
A total of 160 mats (1 m x 0.8 m) were supplied in Beige, perfectly complementing the safari-inspired interior design of the guest lodges.
Outcome
The installation of Enviro-Plush mats at The Reserve successfully met both the functional and environmental requirements of the project. Guests benefit from clean, welcoming lodge entrances, while Chester Zoo can be confident that its sustainability ethos has been upheld through the choice of materials.
“Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Chester Zoo, so the products specified for The Reserve guest lodges needed to reflect our environmental values. The Enviro-Plush mats provided the perfect solution – not only are they made from recycled materials, but they also look fantastic and perform brilliantly in keeping the lodges clean and welcoming for our guests. Working with Max Proudlock and the team was a seamless process, and their support in finding the right product for our needs was invaluable.” – Kevin Jacson, Project Lead at Chester Zoo
This project highlights how practical, stylish, and eco-conscious solutions can work hand in hand in modern hospitality environments.