GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK — WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ECO-FRIENDLY FABRICS

February 18, 2020Guest User

Green is the new black. In fact, in every trend report of recent years there has a nod to green-consciousness. Given global warming and the pressure on our natural resources, going green is not just a fad, it’s a necessity. While Europe, North America and Japan have been streets ahead, more and more South Africans are starting to develop an eco-conscience. These concerns, around sustainability and the impact of plastics in particular, have led to an increased demand for ecologically-sound fabrics, which still deliver performance and durability. Here’s what you need to know about green-conscious fabrics.

STANDARD CERTIFICATION

Fortunately, the industry complies with a certification system called the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, which means that the majority of fabrics meet stringent environmental standards relating to production, sustainability and ecology. OEKO-TEX® is a certification system relating to the entire textile production process. In order for a product to be awarded the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certificate, it must undergo rigorous testing which ensures its production process is harmless in human ecological terms. A fabric can only be awarded the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certificate if it meets a strict set of environmental criteria, which go far beyond the necessary legal requirements. The end result? Peace of mind for both the client and the end user.

STANDARD 100 certification controls the use of chemicals in the production process, as well as ensuring that there are no harmful substances remaining in the end product which could irritate or damage the skin. This puts consumer safety and environmental responsibility at the heart of textile manufacturing.

SAFE FOR SKIN CONTACT

When choosing fabrics, particularly when there are children in the home or for use in the hospitality sector, a key factor is to consider any detrimental effects they may have on the skin. As part of our STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification, we can guarantee that all of our fabrics are entirely safe for skin contact. Through rigorous testing, it has been proved that no harmful chemicals are released from our fabrics.

HOW TO KNOW IF A FABRIC IS OEKO-TEX® CERTIFIED

Look for the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® logo, which is proudly displayed on our sample books. All our FibreGuard collections are certified as well as many of our other upholstery and dual purpose fabrics. Have a look at some of the green-conscious collections below…