'Green' textiles help environment
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, June 2, 2003
Grand Rapids, Mich. — Office furniture specialist Steelcase and contract textile company Designtex have jointly developed and launched a "green" collection of textiles, said to use more responsible manufacturing processes.
The Environmental Impact collection, which took two years to develop, are made using processes that according to the companies, reduce energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, waste sent to landfills, and water and petroleum consumption.
The fabrics also are produced without the need for chemical backings traditionally used to adhere the fabric to seats and panels in contract applications.
"Eliminating the chemical backing is a huge accomplishment in the contract textile market," said Kristie Strasen, a textile and color consultant with Strasen Frost Associates, who worked with Steelcase and Designtex on the new line. "In addition to being among the greenest fabrics on the market, the collection offers beautiful, durable and practical options at low price points ... and with a vivid, saturated color palette rarely seen in recycled products."
Tom Hamilton, president of Designtex, said, "The Environmental Impact collection represents a new direction ... with the ultimate goal of making polyester fabric perpetually recyclable. With our mill partners, we have made a substantial investment in backing-free fabrics that can meet exacting furniture manufacturing processes."
Some of the fabrics in the new line, which is available in 131 colors, include:
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Terratex-branded fabrics from Interface Fabrics Group that are woven using power from renewable sources — up to 20% of it windmill-generated.
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EcoIntelligent polyester products from Victor Innovatex that are made antimony-free.
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Hybrid stitch-bonded fabrics from Tietex International, which has been a pioneer in take-back reclamation programs in the sports apparel industry.
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A 100% recycled polyester seating fabric with the hand and luster of worsted wool from Pendleton.
