In recent years, sustainable fabrics from earth-conscious manufacturers have become increasingly popular. These materials aren’t just some trend - they represent a movement towards a more eco-friendly and ethically responsible future for current and future generations.
But what exactly makes a fabric “sustainable,” and how can consumers and designers make more informed and eco-conscious choices? We’ll answer these questions below and offer greater insight into the ins and outs of sustainable fabrics, including their benefits, certifications, and the best brands offering eco-friendly fabrics today.
What Makes a Fabric Sustainable?
Generally speaking, fabric sustainability standards are determined by investigating several factors. That includes how the raw materials were sourced, produced, and their overall impact on the environment. Here are a few key aspects to consider:
- Use of Natural or Recycled Materials: Sustainable fabrics usually come from natural sources (organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, etc.), or they’re made from recycled materials like recycled polyester or even upcycled cotton.
- Low Environmental Impact: This can include considerations like using less water to make the fabric, minimal/non-existent chemical treatments, and reduced carbon emissions during the production process.
- Ethical Manufacturing Processes: Ensuring fair labor practices and safe working conditions permeate throughout the entire manufacturing process is absolutely crucial.
- Biodegradability and Recyclability: Fabrics that can be composted or recycled at the end of their life cycle contribute to a closed-loop system. This helps to reduce waste and promote a more sustainable future.
If you’re worried about the authenticity of a manufacturer’s claims, you can look for certifications like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), OEKO-TEX, and Fair Trade — all of which play a very significant role in verifying the sustainability labels placed on fabrics.
These certifications show consumers that the fabrics have gone through the rigors, and meet incredibly stringent environmental and social criteria throughout the production process.
Benefits of Choosing Sustainable Fabrics
Choosing sustainable fabrics isn’t just about the social implications. This decision comes with many additional benefits, like:
- Environmental Preservation: Choosing eco-friendly fabrics allows us to positively contribute to the preservation of our beautiful planet.
- Health and Safety: In most cases, sustainable fabrics don’t have harmful chemicals. This makes them safer for both the environment and the people who wear or use them.
- Quality and Durability: Eco-friendly fabrics aren’t just beneficial for the earth. In many cases, they’re a high-quality, long-lasting investment for yourself.
- Supporting Ethical Practices: When you choose proven sustainable fabrics, you’re voicing your support for fair labor practices while also contributing to the welfare of workers in the textile industry across the globe.
Brands That Offer Sustainably Made Fabric Options
Finding fabric options that are made sustainably isn’t always easy. Choosing Trivantage makes that process easier. Below are some of the top brands we offer that are committed to sustainability and carry fabrics made with eco-friendliness in mind.
Sunbrella®
Sunbrella is renowned for its commitment to sustainability, evident in its range of durable, high-quality fabrics as well as its fabric & scrap recycling program Recycle My Sunbrella. Offering customers an opportunity to save Sunbrella, FIRESIST®, Dickson® Collection, Exceed™, and Hydrofend® fabric* from entering landfills, their approach allows for recycling, reuse, and waste reduction. Not to mention, Sunbrella fabrics are designed for longevity, reducing the need for frequent replacements and thus minimizing environmental impact.
Check out some of Sunbrella’s sustainably made collections and products:
- Sunbrella RETWEED Collection by Richard Frinier: A line of performance fabrics containing up to 93% recycled content. Browse vintage tweed-inspired, mid-century modern designs with the textured appearance of hand-loomed textiles where no two rolls are alike.
- Sunbrella ReMade: The latest Sunbrella initiative to engage in long-term, sustainable solutions to minimize their impact & decrease their carbon footprint. Consumers of all kinds can shop ready-made textile products for the dining room and kitchen, durable tote bags, and beautiful wall hangings all made from reclaimed Sunbrella material.
GALE Pacific
For a long time, this company has championed sustainability and contributed to a healthier environment. Their current quest to implement a closed loop recycling program will not only eliminate adding to landfills, but can convert reclaimed product material into new material. GALE Pacific’s Architectural Shade Fabric options all achieve Oeko-Tex Standard 100, plus Greenguard children and school certification.
Not only is Gale Pacific committed to eco-friendly production, but it’s also focused on setting itself apart from its competition with innovative solutions. Some of Gale Pacific’s most popular fabrics made with sustainable practices include Commercial NinetyFive 340, Commercial DualShade 350, and Commercial Heavy 430.
Phifer
Phifer is a well-known & highly trusted manufacturer of screen, mesh, and sling fabrics. Committed to minimizing its impact on the environment, their manufacturing processes and finished products prioritize eco-friendliness.
From sling fabric that’s made from 100% recyclable material, to energy-saving sun control fabrics, these outdoor fabrics are GREENGUARD® certified, proving they meet strict environmental and health standards.
Serge Ferrari
A leader in the shade sail, structural fabric, and awning fabric industry since 1973, Serge Ferrari is always striving to do better with less material and less energy. From Soltis Proof 502 Awning Fabric, to Stamoid Marine Cover Fabric, Serge Ferrari prioritizes the reduction of weight within construction systems, reducing energy consumption.
Trivantage's Commitment to Sustainability
We take sustainability seriously at Trivantage. That’s why we use renewable energy for 100% of the power demanded by our facilities. Further, we’re always interested in bringing high-quality eco-friendly products to the market. In fact, we have designed more than one million pounds of recycled fabric since 2008.
Learn more about our commitment to sustainability today.
