The best upholstery comes PFAS-free
In this post we're setting the record straight, because finding real facts can be hard online sometimes, right? Especially with the rise of unedited A.I. content, which isn’t always factual or unbiased. As a result, there’s a great deal of confusion and misinformation floating around out there on the internet when it comes to sustainability and chemicals.
Today we’re answering the top 4 questions our customers are asking about FibreGuard’s PFAS-free fabrics.- What are toxic textile chemicals?
- How is FibreGuard different from traditional fabric protection?
- How can we guarantee that our fabrics are safe for every application?
- What about environmental responsibility as a company?
Our focus at FibreGuard is to be what we call ‘life-friendly.’ This means creating fabrics that make life easier through performance, while also being safe for human health and the environment. Learn more.
What exactly are toxic textile chemicals like PFAS or VOCS?
PFAS chemicals are manmade synthetic chemicals with super-strong carbon-fluorine bonds. These chemicals help repel stains, oils, and water, but they also stick around in the environment and within our bodies…forever.
VOCS stands for Volatile Organic Chemicals. They easily evaporate into gases at normal room temperatures, and traditionally are found in textiles and finishings. They also continue releasing from products for extended periods of time. Not so great if they’re in your sofa, right?
Related read: Material matters: the role of fabric selection in sustainable interior design


How is FibreGuard different?
Think of traditional fabric protection like applying a layer of paint—it sits on top of the material and wears off over time. These surface treatments often contain PFAS chemicals.
So how are our fabrics different? Well, instead of using surface treatments, we've built our Stain Free Technology directly into the fabric itself. Since our protection is built into the fibres, it becomes a lasting component of the fabric's structure. There's no coating to wear off, no need for reapplication, and no deterioration in performance over time.
How can you check our ‘toxic-free’ claims?
Our commitment to safety isn't just a promise—it's verified by some of the most rigorous standards in the industry. Let’s look at some third-party certifications that ensure our claims are trustworthy.
- All FibreGuard fabrics are certified by OEKO-TEX Standard 100® to be free of harmful levels of over 300 substances, including PFAS.
- Fabrics with the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification are also tested for Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions. If you’d like to do a deep dive on the updated 2023 criteria for this certification, check out this in-depth overview.
- Our performance fabrics also comply fully with the strict chemical regulations of the EU's REACH program.
Related read: Why eco-conscious furniture manufacturers use FibreGuard fabrics
What about environmental responsibility?
Our dedication to environmental responsibility extends beyond chemicals. For example, we actively monitor our mills' compliance with ISO 14001 standards, the international benchmark for environmental management. Through ISO 14001 certification, we maintain systematic controls that have a knock-on effect throughout our entire network, minimising our environmental footprint and reducing pollution risks.
This is protection re-imagined—where performance meets responsibility, and where safety comes without compromise.
Welcome to the future of fabrics, where innovation works in harmony with nature to create textiles that truly stand the test of time. Contact our sales team directly to get started on your FibreGuard journey, and check out our Sustainability Commitment for more in-depth information.