Sustainable Fabric Guide: Comfort Meets Eco-Conscious Living

Sustainable textiles are really seizing the spotlight lately, but what does ‘sustainable’ even mean? How can you know for sure what the products you’re buying are actually either fully sustainable or eco-friendly? With so many terms and labels appearing everywhere from couch cushions to curtains…how do you know which to trust?

This is what we’re talking about today.

The good news? You can choose fabrics that are better for the planet without giving up comfort or style.

Why Are Eco-Friendly Contract Fabrics Important

Eco-friendly textiles are addressing the fact that in the past, textile production often used lots of water, energy, and chemicals. FibreGuard's stain resistant fabrics are designed and manufactured in ways that are kinder to the planet, kinder to human skin and animals, and with impressive durability specs.

Ther are three other reasons that eco fabrics are crucial:

1. Environmental Impact: Eco-friendly fabrics are produced using methods that minimise these negative impacts, such as reducing water and energy consumption and avoiding harmful chemicals. Traditional textile production often involves harmful chemicals, excessive water usage, and high energy consumption, which contribute to pollution and environmental degradation.
2. Health Benefits: Eco textiles are free from harmful chemicals, making them safer for consumers, especially those with sensitive skin or allergies. They are less likely to cause respiratory problems or skin irritations
3. Economic and Social Responsibility: Creating and using more sustainable fabrics supports ethical practices in the textile industry, such as fair labour conditions and avoiding exploitative practices.

The best part?

Today's eco- fabrics don’t need you to choose between a soft, luxurious hand-feel and being ‘good’ to the environment?

How is this?

It comes down to design.

Softness and Performance: Why Durability Matters

Here's something interesting: sometimes the most eco-friendly choice isn't the most "natural" one. A fabric that lasts for 10 years is often better for the environment than one that needs replacing every 2 years, even if it's made from synthetic materials.

Polyester might be man-made, but it's incredibly strong. Polster blends, such as with linen or cotton, give you the best of both worlds. They're yarns are soft to touch but tough like polyester.

This means your furniture looks good longer and you don't need to replace it as often. Win/win!

What to Look for: Eco Fabric Labels That Matter

Okay, so durability is important. But how can you know for certain that the textile products you’re holding in your hands are eco-friendly? The market seems full of terms and labels that can be overwhelming and actually erode the trust consumers might have in any of them at all.

Here’s what to look out for:

1. OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 means the fabric doesn't have harmful chemicals. It's safe for your family and pets, and won't hurt the environment.
2. Global Recycled Standard (GRS) means at least half the fabric is made from recycled materials, like old plastic bottles. One kilogram of this type of fabric uses about 25 plastic bottles that would have gone to the dump.
3. Organic Content Standard (OCS) means the fabric has organic materials like organic cotton. No harmful pesticides were used to grow it.
4. ISO 14001 means the company making the fabric follows strict rules to protect the environment.

How to Choose the Right Eco-Friendly Fabric

Think about the end use of the materials when picking fabrics:

1. If you have kids or pets, look for fabrics that are easy to clean and very durable. Spills and accidents happen, so you want something that can handle them. PS FibreGuard are stain resistant fabrics, first and foremost. Check out all the stains and spills that can be cleaned up with no issues: Textiles Tests for Performance Fabrics
2. If you like to change your decor often, maybe choose eco-friendly fabrics in neutral colours that work with different styles.
3. Always check the labels for the certifications mentioned above. If a company is proud of their eco-friendly practices, they'll make it easy to find this information. And we do!

Don't Just Follow Fads and Fashions

It's tempting to buy what's popular right now, but the most sustainable choice is often to pick something you'll love for years. Classic styles in high-quality, eco-friendly fabrics will look good longer and save money in the long run.

What's Coming Next

The fabric industry has seen an innovation boom in recent years, as manufacturers search for sustainable processes.

1. For example, new technologies create fabrics from things like algae and food waste.
2. Recycling is getting more advanced too, so even complex fabric blends can be turned into new materials.

Supporting the Right Companies

When you buy eco-friendly products, you're voting with your wallet. Look for companies that are honest about their practices and work hard to improve.

Some partner with environmental experts or follow global sustainability goals. By ‘some’ we mean us, at Bru.

The Bottom Line

Choosing eco-friendly fabrics is easier than ever. Look for the right certifications, think about durability, and carefully choose designs that can stand up to years of style changes. Your home will look great, feel comfortable, and you'll know you're making a positive difference for the environment.

Remember: the most sustainable fabric is often the one that lasts the longest and makes you happiest with your choice.