Sustainable Fabrics

Automated Shading natural light control systems have always saved energy. Our shading solutions reduce heating and cooling costs. Now take green even further with our line of sustainable fabrics.

Both natural and synthetic fibers have advantages as well as drawbacks. Examples of natural fibers derived from natural sources include cotton, wool, silk, linen, hemp, coir, ramie and jute. Ideally these can be grown “organically”, free of insecticides and pesticides, and minimally processed. Look for how they are treated, whether with bleaches, dyes, fabric protectors and fire retardants, as these can all contribute to poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) emitting VOC’s, and interfere with the long term goal of creating “cradle to cradle” products.

Synthetic fibers are artificial fibers produced by combining chemicals or by altering natural fibers. Examples include rayon, acrylic, nylon, polyester, spandex and viscose. Synthetics are long lasting and are sometimes an appropriate choice and can be made with recycled content as well as renewable content or bio-based fibers such as corn, maize or rice. They are often solution dyed, resulting in color fastness and reducing the risk to water pollution.

How can fabrics be sustainable?

Often fabrics are manufactured with chemicals to make them more durable. Sustainable fabrics reduce or remove many of these chemicals in order to improve indoor air quality. Others are made from 100% recycled content in order to protect the environment.

PVC-free

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is used in many fabrics to make them more durable. These fabrics are still the ideal solution for projects requiring superior performance and durability. Additives in PVC off-gas and create the familiar “new car” smell. These additives are known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s). PVC-free fabrics do not contain these additives and as a result, do not release the odor of PVC-based fabrics during off-gassing.

100% Recycled

Recycled products are made in part or whole from material which contains either reused, remanufactured, or reconditioned material, and includes recycled raw materials. Recycled fabrics reduce the amount of waste entering landfills and decrease the need for virgin materials.

What is GreenGuard Certification? 

Greenguard Certified Fabrics

Interview with Carl Smith, CEO, GreenGuard Environmental Institute on the Importance of GreenGuard Certification Interview Click to listen, or right click and "Save target as" to download