A COMPANY making “eco-friendly” barrier mats has won a hat-trick of awards.

Hug Rug, based at Clayton West, picked up three trophies at the Garden Industry Manufacturers Awards.

The awards were for garden retail-related product, the environmental award and the export achievement award.

Hug Rug produces the only UK-manufactured, eco-friendly range of barrier mats alongside organic, bamboo bathmats and Snugs pet beds.

Liz Mosley, sales and marketing director, said: “We are delighted to win these awards and the associated recognition for our brand, product and company.

“In the face of increasingly difficult trading conditions, we realised we couldn’t compete on price.

“Therefore, we created a unique, desirable brand which recognises growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products.”

The Hug Rug concept was launched at GLEE in 2008 when it won the home and gift award and created massive retailer demand.

Later this year, the company is extending its product portfolio with the launch of a new super-absorbent mat and Big Hug, a range of eco-friendly bean bags.

The Hug Rug brand was created as a diversification product for Phoenox Textiles – a fourth generation family textile mill business.

With trade embargoes lifted, cheap products flooded the UK market – resulting in the demise of every UK manufacturer of barrier mats with the exception of Phoenox. Hug Rug was first exported to the USA in September last year following sales on two shopping channels – one of which sold out within 12 minutes of going on air!

The brand has now helped to secure a family business and its 65 staff.