FABRICS : eco-fabrics
Brentano's
eco-fabrics are labeled under the tag
.
At Brentano, we have developed
green criteria for our fabrics that seek to understand the diverse and interconnected nature of sustainability. Our
eco-fabrics include our high performance and high quality eco-friendly faux leathers, as well as beautiful upholstery patterns and contract textiles -- overall displaying an uncommon variety of design and versatility available in environmentally-conscious textiles. The Brentano Green label demonstrates our commitment to pursuing green mindfulness while continuing to design textiles with
beauty + performance in mind.
In order to qualify for the Brentano Green label, Brentano green fabrics must comply with at least two of the three following green criteria: raw material, process, and facility and social responsibility.
Raw Material
The raw materials criterion can be met in one of two ways:
The first green approach is to use energy saving recycled materials. The second option is to manufacture biodegradable fibers. If the raw material is a naturally grown fiber, it must be a quickly renewable resource and also be grown without or with minimal harmful pesticides, chemicals and fertilizers.
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The Process
The process accounts for the series of actions needed to achieve a final textile as well as the environmental aspects of manufacturing.
From yarn dying and spinning all the way to weaving and finishing the fabric, no harmful chemicals are involved. The manufacturing facility must comply with environmental protection laws governing energy conservation, water treatment and chemical regulation.
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Facility and Social Responsibility
Facility and social responsibility accounts for working conditions, public health, and implemen-tation of green programs. Manufacturers must comply with fundamental human rights laws for improved working conditions. Additionally, manufacturers must initiate programs to promote the green movement. Such policies include using energy saving and air quality improvement devices, recycling programs, waste water treatment and educating employees on green consciousness.
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The life cycle of polyurethane can be specifically designed for the interior design textile industry. By using standard leather tests on our eco-friendly faux leathers, Brentano is able to tailor a fabric's life length to specific applications such as outdoor, upholstery, and
ultra friendly polyurethane textiles. The majority of our polyurethane faux leathers use a polymer resin that is biodegradable.
Additionally, Brentano carefully chooses the manufacturers we work with. We seek out mills that are conscientious of the need to move the green movement forward. For example, one manufacturer has reduced the use of solvents by using a distillation tower to reuse then recapture the same solvents. Additionally, manufacturers must either comply with local pollution protection laws and/or seek third party certification, such as
ISO 14001. All chemicals and pigments used in manufacturing comply with EPA guidance.
Polyurethane faux leather is a greener alternative to PVC (vinyl) and leather. PVC contains chloride and does not biodegrade. It leaches toxic additives in landfills and emits carcinogenic dioxin when incinerated. Leather production is linked to large amounts of water pollution from waste, and the process of tanning uses numerous chemicals, including heavy metals. Naturally soft and flexible, polyurethane does not require the solvents used for softening PVC and leather.
Comparatively, polyurethane is much more environmentally friendly. Because of this, along with the
manufacturing process we consider our eco-friendly faux leathers part of our Brentano Green label, along with
recycled polyester,
eco wool,
bamboo, and
organic cotton textiles. Additionally, we offer an ultra friendly series that uses minimal solvents and reduces energy.
Polyurethane-based faux leather is also an animal friendly alternative to natural leather.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) explains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as gases emitted from certain solids or liquids. They include a variety of chemicals which may have short and long-term negative health effects.
All the eco-friendly faux leathers in Brentano's
leather category have passed the
California Section 01350 test -- a small-scale chamber test which evaluates materials for toxic chemicals, including VOC emissions -- and are deemed suitable for use in the education sector. Further testing is in progress.