With the increasing demand for eco-design and sustainable furniture, so has textile industry a rethink has taken place. In modern textile production, the use is therefore more stressful Chemicals waived. In addition, attention is paid to environmentally friendly raw material extraction.
A mix of innovative approaches and reflection on traditional materials are the new credo for modern ones Interior design. Here is an overview of the most popular sustainable fabrics and the methods of textile production.
Related topics: The most beautiful furnishing ideas for your home
Beautiful textiles for sustainable furniture
- organic cotton
- Vegetarian Silk / Peace Silk
- Natural wool
- Hemp
- cork
- Leatherette
1. Organic cotton
Home & Decor Designers have always relied on cotton. It is the most popular natural fiber in the world. Sheets, curtains and even cotton satin covers. However, the cultivation and processing of cotton can be harmful to the environment. Mainly due to the high water requirement and the use of chemicals.
But thanks to seals like the one GOTS or EU Ecolabel you can easily make the better choice. Sustainable organic cotton furniture is made free of pollutants and under socially correct conditions. In addition, the water and energy consumption is strictly controlled.
2. Vegetarian Silk / Peace Silk
Wonderful pillowcases or tablecloths made of fine silk. But how will Silk manufactured and what is actually vegetarian silk. Silk is obtained from the cocoons of various caterpillars. For the production of organic silk, caterpillars are raised free of pesticides and hormones.
In the production of vegetarian silk, too Peace Silk called, attention is also paid to the fact that the cocoons naturally break open by the butterfly. This prevents the caterpillars from dying off prematurely. Vegetarian silk is therefore often not as regular, fine and firm as industrial silk. Each piece is unique.
3. Natural wool
Natural Wool is obtained by shearing sheepskin every year. Pure new wool expresses that it comes from a living animal and is not death's wool. The Woolmark Wollsiegel guarantees that a product is made from 100% pure new wool. Organic wool also comes from animal welfare. The quality of the wool depends on the body regions, age and origin of the animal.
The pile of lace carpets consists of particularly high-quality and fine wool. Mostly made from so-called cork wool from young mountain animals. They are not sheared, but combed out. This gives oriental carpets their unique shine and smooth velvet look.
4. Hemp
Hemp is one of the oldest substances. It has now outgrown the hippie image and is a popular material for sustainable furniture. Not only as a substitute for linen, but also as a base material for design elements. An example of this is the "Hemp Chair" by Werner Aisslinger, made from 100% hemp.
"Hemp Chair" by Werner Aisslinger
5. Cork
cork has been used in the interior industry for a long time and is currently back in trend. The bark of the cork oak, from which the material is extracted, grows back every year and is therefore particularly interesting for sustainable furniture. Light, robust and waterproof.
Today cork is used to make stools, benches, table tops, coasters, mobile phone covers, lamp feet and much more. It is also fully recyclable and thus a prime example of Cradle-to-CradleProduction, which aims at a lossless raw materials cycle.
Benjamin Hubert: "Float" for Unique Copenhagen
6. Leatherette
Imitation leather are textiles that have the look and feel of real leather, but are made of Natural or synthetic fibers (often cotton) and are covered with a plastic layer. In most cases this layer is made of plastic (PVC). Therefore, particular attention should be paid to seals and standards.
For example, Ecotex imitation leather is awarded an imitation leather look OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 the highest product class 1. The material is therefore free of plasticizers and hazardous substances.
A deliberate mix makes it
There are a number of natural and innovative fabrics. This makes it easier and easier to find the perfect mix for each individual. High-quality materials show their value in their longevity. The trend is changing more and more from an expanding mass consumption to a conscious selection of furniture and textiles.
