The textile industry is alleged to be the second largest global polluter of fresh water behind the fossil fuels/ energy industry. Over 3,500 chemical substances are used to process raw fiber to finished fabric. The fashion sector of the industry seems to be blamed most often and as one sector of textiles, it is in the top 10. However, home textiles, institutional and industrial textiles sectors are equally as problematic in their processing and volume.
Very few chemicals are restricted or prohibited in the production of textiles and most require no disclosure or labeling of inputs. It can be very difficult for a consumer, regardless of research, to learn what chemicals are actually used in any fabrics. Even after a developed country such as the U.S. or more progressive EU has banned the use of a particular chemical, testing has shown that many textile products will still contain the banned substance in the fabrics years later. Developing countries, where no bans might exist, produce the majority of textiles. So, it is easy to understand how this can happen when a company isn't vertically integrated and doesn't have full control over the components that have been subcontracted for production and that production is in developing countries without the same bans. This is why any certs that address inputs are hugely helpful.
G.O.T.S. (Global Organic Textiles Standard) is the highest and most restrictive certification that textiles, finished textile products, and the factories in which they are produced can achieve. The two deterrents to seeking this certification are the expense to obtain it and the time required to have the certifying body audit for all of its criteria in each step of the process. This is why some companies and mills drop their certifications. One can read more about the countries and companies with GOTS certifications here. https://global-standard.org/
Okeo-tex Standard 100 is less stringent than G.O.T.S., but it still has merit. Oeko-tex 100 certifiers prohibit over 100 known toxic chemicals and limit the amount allowed on others. For example, G.O.T.S. allows no formaldehyde and Oeke-tex 100 allows 300 ppm for fabrics such as upholstery and bedding that are not worn against the skin. (Our skin does come into contact with textiles for mattresses and upholstered furniture. We just don't wear them on our bodies.)
The great news is that we are encountering many more Okeo-tex 100 certified bed and bath products since Target's early 2017 trailblazing edict that gave their suppliers a deadline to remove known toxins from their textile and personal care products and supply chain. (Some large retailers later adopted similar policies.) Consumers can find home textile products in Target and Walmart that are Oeko-tex 100 certified, cost no more than the mystery ingredients norm and Okeo-tex 100 certification isn't as expensive as G.O.T.S. One can read more about the certification and search the website's database by manufacturer or product category here. https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/our-standards/oeko-tex-standard-100
UL Greenguard certification addresses emissions and indoor air quality only. These products have low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), low emissions, ozone, phthalates, and levels of formaldehyde. Greenguard certified products help to reduce indoor air pollution and the risk of chemical exposure. There may hundreds of individual VOCs in the indoor air at any one time. Some may produce unpleasant odors at low levels, but many have no noticeable smell. Many VOCs are irritants and can cause headaches, eye, nose and throat irritation, and dizziness. Long-term exposure to certain VOCs may lead to chronic diseases or cancer. At high concentrations, some VOCs are toxic. Greenguard was not designed specifically for fabrics. The USGBC or U.S. Green Building Council developed the LEED program to improve air quality in buildings. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) provides a framework for healthy, efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. Greenguard Gold status is the highest rating for Greenguard and it has much lower emissions limits. There is much that it doesn't test. Greenguard tests for the presence of VOCs in the final product only, rather than the manufacturing process or supply chain. One can read more here. https://www.ul.com/resources/ul-greenguard-certification-program
Other growing certifiers pop up daily. Made Safe and Better Cotton Initiative are two that have grown steadily. What I want to stress is that it is very expensive to get these certifications for every product or fabric and renew them annually. Not unlike FDA organic certification, there are small makers who will never have any of these certs based on their volume and prices despite processing in accordance. There will be large producers who submit to get their completely synthetic fiber fabrics Oeko-tex 100 and/or Greenguard Gold certified. Also, some fabrics and factories that have dropped G.O.T.S. certifications are still producing to those standards. It can get murky unless makers are completely transparent or have actual G.O.T.S. certification.
$54.00
$1,170.00
Ecopell Rodeo Soft - is chromium-free and vegetable tanned leather. Its subtle elegant appearance, its...
$1,170.00
NEcopell Nappa - is chromium-free and vegetable tanned leather. Its subtle elegant appearance, its pleasant...
$120.00
Taking its name from the ancient title of Wensleydale in the UK, Yoredale is a...
$100.00
Synergy epitomizes natural simplicity. It is a wool rich fabric which is at once both irresistibly soft and ultra-high performing. Delicately felted, with a beautifully relaxed drape, the understated aesthetics showcase the intriguing coloration of this textile. Some colorways are yarn dyed and some are piece dyed.
This incredibly durable fabric is great for heavy duty residential end use as well as in a contract environment. The fabric will naturally allow the upholstered pieces to meet the strict criteria for use in public settings.
Composition: 95% Wool/ 5% Nylon
Certification: EU Ecolabel Certificate, Oeko-tex 100
Abrasion: 100,000+ WZ
Upholstery Grade: Heavy Duty Residential and Contract
Width: 54″
Weight: 11 3/4 oz/sq
Uses: Perfect for upholstery
Five yard minimum order requirement for free shipping. Orders under five yards incur a $40 shipping fee. Fabric by the yard is not returnable unless defective.
Because dust and dirt cause fabric to wear faster, we recommend vacuuming regularly with an upholstery attachment. An annual professional vapor cleaning will keep your upholstered furniture looking its best. To minimize fading, avoid placing your upholstered furniture in direct sunlight or in front of a gas heater. Dark fabrics and natural fibers like cotton are most susceptible to fading.
For isolated spot or stain: Blot stains or spills with an absorbent white cloth and distilled water only. Do not rub the stain into the fabric. If stain persists, a paste of OXiClean Laundry Baby Stain Soaker and distilled water can be sprinkled on stain. Gently rub the paste with a dry cloth. Let sit for 10 minutes, then vacuum. If the stain persists after three applications, do not continue. Contact a professional steam cleaner and advise them of the problem as well as the desire to have the fabric cleaned without harsh chemicals. Do not use chlorine based bleach. Blot stains or spills with an absorbent white cloth and distilled water only. Do not rub the stain into the fabric. If stain persists, a paste of OXiClean Laundry Baby Stain Soaker and distilled water can be sprinkled on stain. Gently rub the paste with a dry cloth. Let sit for 10 minutes, then vacuum. If the stain persists after three applications, do not continue. Contact a professional steam cleaner and advise them of the problem as well as the desire to have the fabric cleaned without harsh chemicals. Do not use chlorine based bleach.Blot stains or spills with an absorbent white cloth and distilled water only. Do not rub the stain into the fabric. If stain persists, a paste of OXiClean Laundry Baby Stain Soaker and distilled water can be sprinkled on stain. Gently rub the paste with a dry cloth. Let sit for 10 minutes, then vacuum. If the stain persists after three applications, do not continue. Contact a professional steam cleaner and advise them of the problem as well as the desire to have the fabric cleaned without harsh chemicals. Do not use chlorine based bleach.
Cushion covers to avoid shrinkage: Spot clean with mild detergent or professionally steam clean.
Entire upholstered piece: Professionally vapor (steam) clean at high temp with low moisture to avoid using chemicals.
Fabric: Hand wash in cold water and air or line dry. Maximum 7% shrinkage.
We're happy to ship as many fabric samples (3" x 5") as you like anywhere in the U.S. for $7.95. If you return swatches that you no longer need, we will refund $7.95 back to your method of payment. Please send back 1st class USPS mail to: Pure Upholstery Attn.: Donna Halloran 348 Boston Post Rd. Sudbury MA 01776
$96.00
Sequoia is superlative, much like the trees after which it was named. Sequoia is one of our most durable fabrics (with a rating of 90,000 Martindale) and will perform well in even the most demanding home environments. It is completely washable and resists stains. Though the fabric is washable, the weight makes for a long time in the dryer.
Composition: 45% Viscose, 37% Cotton, 18% Linen
Certification: Oeko-tex 100
Abrasion: 25,000 WZ
Upholstery Grade: Heavy Duty
Width: 54″
Weight: 15 oz / sq yard
Uses: Perfect for upholstery
Three minimum order requirement for free shipping. Orders under three yards incur a $25 shipping fee. Fabric by the yard is not returnable unless defective.
Shrinkage is about 6% in length and 4% in width in either hot or cold water.
Because dust and dirt cause fabric to wear faster, we recommend vacuuming regularly with an upholstery attachment. An annual professional vapor cleaning will keep your upholstered furniture looking its best. To minimize fading, avoid placing your upholstered furniture in direct sunlight or in front of a gas heater. Dark fabrics and natural fibers like cotton are most susceptible to fading.
For isolated spot or stain: Blot stains or spills with an absorbent white cloth and distilled water only. Do not rub the stain into the fabric. If stain persists, a paste of OXiClean Laundry Baby Stain Soaker and distilled water can be sprinkled on stain. Gently rub the paste with a dry cloth. Let sit for 10 minutes, then vacuum. If the stain persists after three applications, do not continue. Contact a professional steam cleaner and advise them of the problem as well as the desire to have the fabric cleaned without harsh chemicals. Do not use chlorine based bleach.
Cushion covers to avoid shrinkage: Hand wash in cool-cold water. Air or line dry.
Entire upholstered piece: Professionally vapor (steam) clean at high temp with low moisture to avoid using chemicals.
Fabric: Can be machine washed on gentle cycle at all temperatures. Air or line dry to avoid shrinkage beyond 3%.
Three minimum order requirement for free shipping. Orders under three yards incur a $25 shipping fee. Fabric by the yard is not returnable unless defective.
We're happy to ship as many fabric samples (3" x 5") as you like anywhere in the U.S. for $7.95. If you return swatches that you no longer need, we will refund $7.95 back to your method of payment. Please send back 1st class USPS mail to: Pure Upholstery Attn.: Donna Halloran 348 Boston Post Rd. Sudbury MA 01776
$92.00
Orcas fabric is made of linen and cotton. The napped quality gives the fabric a softness that belies its strength. So for snuggling into at storytime, it’s a winner. And you can be comforted by the fact that there is nothing used in processing this fabric that is known to harm humans – of any size.
Composition: 62% cotton, 38% linen
Certification: OEKO-TEX® Standard 100
Abrasion: 40,000 Martindale
Upholstery Grade: Heavy Duty
Width: 54″
Weight: 16.98 oz / sq yard
Because dust and dirt cause fabric to wear faster, we recommend vacuuming regularly with an upholstery attachment. An annual professional vapor cleaning will keep your upholstered furniture looking its best. To minimize fading, avoid placing your upholstered furniture in direct sunlight or in front of a gas heater. Dark fabrics and natural fibers like cotton are most susceptible to fading.
For isolated spot or stain: Blot stains or spills with an absorbent white cloth and distilled water only. Do not rub the stain into the fabric. If stain persists, a paste of OxiClean Laundry Baby Stain Soaker and distilled water can be sprinkled on stain. Gently rub the paste with a dry cloth. Let sit for 10 minutes, then vacuum. If the stain persists after three applications, do not continue. Contact a professional steam cleaner and advise them of the problem as well as the desire to have the fabric cleaned without harsh chemicals. Do not use chlorine-based bleach.
Cushion covers to avoid shrinkage: Hand wash in cool-cold water. Air or line dry.
Entire upholstered piece: Professionally vapor (steam) clean at high temp with low moisture to avoid using chemicals.
Fabric: Can be machine washed on gentle cycle in cold water and tumbled dry on low setting. Maximum 8% shrinkage.
$85.00
Main Line Flax builds a bast fiber to create a new inherently flame-retardant fabric from sustainable sources. No chemical flame retardants or topically applied treatments, just pure wool and flax. One of the attributes of this wool-rich fabric is that liquids tend to bead up on the face of the fabric to give one time to blot a spill. A symbol of purity, wild flax has been used in textiles for thousands of years thanks to its strong, long, and smooth fibers found inside the stem of the plant. The fiber is spun into a 70/30 wool/flax blend, then fiber dyed using low-impact dyes to create a beautiful mixture of yarns which are woven into interesting solids and cross-colors inspired by the rich tones of rare jewels. This incredibly durable fabric is great for heavy-duty residential end use as well as in a contract environment. The fabric will naturally allow the upholstered pieces to meet the strict criteria for use in public settings. Made in England.
Composition: 70% wool, 30% flax
Certification: EU Ecolabel Certificate, STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®
Abrasion: 120,000 WZ
Upholstery Grade: Heavy Duty Residential and Contract
Width: 54″
Weight: 13 oz / sq yard
Uses: Perfect for upholstery
Because dust and dirt cause fabric to wear faster, we recommend vacuuming regularly with an upholstery attachment. An annual professional vapor cleaning will keep your upholstered furniture looking its best. To minimize fading, avoid placing your upholstered furniture in direct sunlight or in front of a gas heater. Dark fabrics and natural fibers like cotton are most susceptible to fading.
For isolated spot or stain: Blot stains or spills with an absorbent white cloth and distilled water only. Do not rub the stain into the fabric. If stain persists, a paste of OXiClean Laundry Baby Stain Soaker and distilled water can be sprinkled on stain. Gently rub the paste with a dry cloth. Let sit for 10 minutes, then vacuum. If the stain persists after three applications, do not continue. Contact a professional steam cleaner and advise them of the problem as well as the desire to have the fabric cleaned without harsh chemicals. Do not use chlorine based bleach.
Cushion covers to avoid shrinkage: Spot clean with mild detergent or professionally steam clean.
Entire upholstered piece: Professionally vapor (steam) clean at high temp with low moisture to avoid using chemicals.
Fabric: Hand wash in cold water and air or line dry. Maximum 7% shrinkage.
We're happy to ship as many fabric samples (3" x 5") as you like anywhere in the U.S. for $7.95. If you return swatches that you no longer need, we will refund $7.95 back to your method of payment. Please send back 1st class USPS mail to: Pure Upholstery Attn.: Donna Halloran 348 Boston Post Rd. Sudbury MA 01776.
Five yard minimum order requirement for free shipping. Orders under five yards incur a $40 shipping fee. Fabric cannot be returned unless damaged in transit or defective.
$112.00
Another workhorse of a fabric, Hemp is woven from a blend of wool and hemp...