Soft Furnishings
Soft furnishings play a significant role in interior design. With an abundance of
patterns, weaves, colours and textures, they add comfort, beauty and contribute to
a welcoming ambience. From cushions, throws and curtains to sheets, quilts and
towels, these items are in close proximity to our skin so it’s more important than ever
to select sustainable, non-toxic fabrics.
What Are Eco-Friendly Textiles?
Textile fibres are either animal-based, plant-based (cellulosic) or synthetic. Natural
fibres are eco-friendly and far superior to synthetics which require chemicals in their
manufacturing process, causing a variety of environmental and health problems.
The textile industry is notoriously rife with pollutants. Surveys show that nearly five
percent of all landfill space is consumed by textile waste and 20 percent of all fresh
water pollution is made by textile treatment and dyeing. Contamination of the air,
water and land by textile industries and its raw material manufacturing units has
become a serious threat to the environment and its inhabitants.
When choosing soft furnishings and textiles for your home, keep a look out for
textiles made from eco-friendly, natural fibres:
NATURAL FIBRES
Animal-Based
MAN-MADE FIBRES
Plant-Based
Semi-Synthetic
Synthetic
Alpaca Bamboo Acetate Acrylic
Angora (Rabbit) Coir Diacetate Aramid
Camel Hair Cotton Lyocell Microfibre
Cashmere (Goat) Flax (Linen) Modal Modacrylic
Guanaco (Camelid) Hemp Rayon Nylon
Llama Jute Triacetate Olefin
Mohair (Goat) Kapok Polyester
Pashmina (Goat) Kenaf Polyethylene
Qiviut (Muskox) Pina Spandex
Rabbit (Common) Raffia Vinylon
Silk (Silkworm) Ramie Vinyon
Wool (Sheep) Rattan Zylon
Yak Sisal
Recycled textiles, like recycled sails are also a safe option as well as ethically sourced,
fair trade fabrics.
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