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The Benefits of Using Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Fabrics
April 18, 2023
As more of us become aware of the importance of living sustainably, a key part to making our homes more eco-friendly is choosing the right upholstery fabric. Sustainable fabrics not only help protect our planet and reduce environmental footprints but are also highly stylish, as well as being strong, durable and cost effective too - adding up to an obvious choice for conscientious consumers!
What are Sustainable Fabrics?
Sustainable fabrics such as boucle are materials made with processes and techniques that reduce a garment's environmental impact while creating high-quality products. Depending on the type of sustainable upholstery fabric, they may use natural dyes, recycled upholstery materials, and non-toxic treatments to eliminate polluting elements. As a result, these processes help create fabrics that are durable, comfortable, and environmentally friendly.
Understand the basics of sustainable upholstery fabric
When it comes to understanding the basics of sustainable upholstery fabric, it is important to look for those labelled ‘sustainable’ or ‘eco-friendly’ that have been created consciously with an attempt to reduce the climate crisis and mass pollution.
With growing information available on eco-friendly clothing sources, studies show more consumers are beginning to recognise the importance of reducing our environmental impact, leading to increased demand for these types of fabrics.
The Benefits of Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Fabrics
The benefits of using sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics are numerous. Not only do they help reduce negative environmental impact, but they also create a more sustainable product, which can benefit people in other ways too.
Below are some of the major benefits of sustainable and eco-friendly upholstery fabric:
Reduced environmental impact
One of the primary benefits of using sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics is that it can help to reduce the environmental impact of the textile industry. The textile industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world, and a large portion of its pollution is due to the use of synthetic fabrics made from petroleum-based materials.
Sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics are made from natural materials that are biodegradable or recyclable, which helps to reduce the amount of pollution generated by the textile industry.
Improved sustainability
Another benefit of using sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics is that it can help to improve the sustainability of the textile industry. The textile industry is one of the most resource-intensive industries in the world, and a large portion of its resources are used to produce synthetic fabrics made from petroleum-based materials.
Sustainable and eco-friendly upholstery fabric is made from natural materials that are renewable or recyclable, which helps to reduce the amount of resources used by the textile industry.
Reduced carbon footprint
The production of synthetic upholstery fabric also results in a large carbon footprint, as petroleum-based upholstering material is burned during the manufacturing process. This release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere contributes to climate change.
In comparison, sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics made from natural materials have a much lower carbon footprint than synthetic fabrics, as they do not require the burning of fossil fuels during their production.
Safe for human health
Many synthetic fabrics are treated with chemicals such as flame retardants, stain repellents, and wrinkle-resistant finishes that can be harmful to human health. These chemicals can be released into the environment when synthetic fabrics are washed, and they can also be absorbed through the skin when we wear them.
In contrast, sustainable and eco-friendly upholstery fabric is not treated with these chemicals, making them safer for human health, as well as the environment.
Better for animal welfare
Many sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics are also better for animal welfare than synthetic fabrics. Synthetic fur, for example, is often made from acrylic or polyester, which are derived from petroleum products. This type of fur is often treated with harsh chemicals that can be harmful to animals and do not biodegrade in the environment.
In contrast, sustainable and eco-friendly upholstery fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, linen, wool, and chenille alpaca are made from natural fibres that are sourced responsibly and do not require harsh chemical treatments. This makes them better for animal welfare than synthetic options - we recently unveiled our rebourn chenille fabric! View it directly by visiting our Chenille Upholstery product page.
What's more, these upholstery materials are biodegradable and require less energy to produce than synthetic fur. As a result, they can help reduce the environmental impact of the textile industry while still providing a luxurious and stylish product.
Learn How to Care for Sustainable Textiles
To care for sustainable textiles properly, it is important to understand how they are made, manufactured and washed. They may have different fabric blends or details that require different cleaning techniques than a traditional textile. A cold water cycle with a gentle detergent is often recommended when laundering sustainable textiles in order to preserve their lifespan as longer-lasting items that don't harm the environment in production or disposing after use.
Additionally, air drying can also help reduce energy consumption by avoiding dryers altogether. Applying these techniques can ensure that your sustainable upholstery fabric will enjoy a longer life and last the test of time.
Discover Ways to Incorporate Eco-Friendly Fabric into Your Home Decor
Decorating your home in an eco-friendly manner does not mean you have to sacrifice style. There are many ways to incorporate eco-friendly fabric into your home decor in a way that is both stylish and sustainable. One way to do this is to use organic cotton for upholstery and drapery.
Cotton and bamboo are also great eco-friendly options for upholstery fabric. You can also look for furniture that is made from sustainable upholstery materials like recycled metal or reclaimed wood.
Sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics like our Dillon Leather are becoming more popular every day due to their benefits for human health, animal welfare, and the environment. Sustainable textiles can be used in many different ways, from apparel to home decor. By opting for sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics, you can help reduce the environmental impact of the textile industry.
Buy Upholstery Fabric that is Sustainable and Eco Friendly Today
I Want Fabric is committed to offering the highest quality fabric for all of your home decor and clothing needs. We offer a wide selection of eco-friendly fabrics that are made from organic cotton, linen, and recycled polyester.
Additionally, we sell plain and patterned upholstery fabric in various textures and colours so you can easily find the perfect fabric for all of your projects.
Browse our upholstery fabric shop today to find the perfect sustainable and eco-friendly fabric for your next project. With our commitment to quality, sustainability and affordability, we are sure you will find something that you love!