Finding the Balance: Upholstery that's Stylish and Sustainable

Sustainability.

It’s a word we’ve all been using recently and will continue to use. But do we really understand what it means?

The actual definition, thanks to Dictionary.com is:

1. “The ability to be sustained, supported, upheld, or confirmed.”

2. "Environmental Science. The quality of not being harmful to the environment or depleting natural resources, and thereby supporting long-term ecological balance.”

What does that mean for upholsteries then?

Let me start by mentioning that if you are looking at coated upholstery, most mills can’t promise much in the way of sustainability. However, they can promise you cleanability. So, it’s really a personal choice.

However, fabrics can be sustainable, depending on the upholstery.

The first way an upholstery can be sustainable is if it has recycled components. Some mills partner with SEAQUEL®, using their yarn which is made up of 10% recycled marine plastics and 90% post-consumer PET from land sources (SEAQUAL®, n.d.).

Some examples of upholsteries that use SEAQUEL® yarn are:

1. Camira – Oceanic: made up of 100% post-consumer recycled polyester, which includes 50% SEAQUEL® yarn (Camira, n.d.).

2. Camira – Quest: made up of 100% post-consumer recycled polyester, including 75% SEAQUEL® yarn (Camira, n.d.).

3. Mayer – Caspian: made up of 76% polyester and 24% SEAQUEL® yarn.

4. Mayer – Mira: made up of 37% Olefin, 35% SEAQUEL® yarn, and 28% polyester.

This is a great example of how recycling can create some beauty again!

Another way upholstery can be sustainable is depending on the content.

Some of the most eco-friendly upholsteries are:

1. Organic Linen, which is made from Flax.

2. Organic Cotton, which is similar to regular cotton, but it is grown without chemicals that can be harmful to the environment.

3. Wool, although this is generally mixed with other upholstery, wool can be very sustainable because it is a natural product.

4. Hemp, this plant doesn’t require as many pesticides to grow, therefore making it as sustainable as organic linen or cotton.

So, wondering what Flexxform has for an option for these eco-friendly options. We have a lot, trust me! However, I will just list a few for you below:

Organic-Linen Options:

1. Camira - Main Line Flax – 75% Pure New Wool, 25% Flax

2. Designtex – Willis – 70% Linen, 30% Wool

3. Maharam – Linen Velvet – 100% Linen

4. Maharam - Hewn – 55% Linen, 45% Wool

Organic Cotton Options:

1. Architex - Starlight – 84% Post-Consumer Recycled Polyester, 16% Organic Cotton

Wool Options:

1. Architex - Kingham – 100% Wool

2. Camira – Hemp – 60% Pure New Wool, 40% Hemp

3. Camira - Main Line Flax – 75% Pure New Wool, 25% Flax

4. Luna – Cloud – 100% Wool

5. Luna – Mason – 100% Wool

6. Maharam - Hewn – 55% Linen, 45% Wool

Hemp Options:

1. Camira – Hemp – 60% Pure New Wool, 40% Hemp

Are you working on a project and in need of sustainable upholstery on your Flexxform furniture?

Reach out to us today for further information – info@flexxform.co.