Over the past decade, the textile industry has been looking to transform its traditional linear economy, aka the “take-make-and-dispose” model, which is clearly unsustainable as it impacts our waterways, soils, energy resources and atmosphere.
Increasing consumer preferences for sustainable products to combat climate change is causing a major shift in how some textile businesses are restructuring their R&D investments and manufacturing processes in order to provide more environmentally sound textiles.
The first is Biodegradable* CLEAN IMPACT TEXTILES® technology, launched in 2019. They are made from 100% post-consumer recycled and polyester. These fabrics can completely biodegrade at a rate similar to natural fibers (as tested under the ASTM D5511 standard for biodegradability) in under 4 years*.
The second innovation, called Ocean Waste CLEAN IMPACT TEXTILES®, is made with post-consumer recycled polyester with marine litter from the SEAQUAL INITIATIVE, which works with fishermen, NGOs, foundations, clean-up initiatives, waste management companies and recycling industries to recover all sorts of plastic waste from our oceans and provide manufacturers, like Duvaltex, with upcycled marine plastic for its sustainable textile innovations.
CLEAN IMPACT TEXTILES® Marin 1301
Both can also be fully recyclable, which means that Duvaltex is taking its sustainability initiatives a giant leap forward in implementing an advanced bi-circular economy—and significantly reducing commercial textile waste and its impacts.
Even more impressive, both technologies offer the same performance, design foothold and acoustic transparency as other commercial textiles. They are also cost-comparable to other, less environmentally friendly products. CLEAN IMPACT TEXTILES® meet or surpass ACT standards for commercial upholstery without sacrificing on hand, pattern or color.
CLEAN IMPACT TEXTILES® are key differentiators when it comes to specifying commercial projects that require LEED and/or WELL certifications. They also make for a very engaging design story when working with customers to establish their needs.
Undoubtedly, more innovations are on the horizon for Duvaltex's CLEAN IMPACT TEXTILES® technologies. Stay tuned for more!