Latest news with #polyester
New York Times
2 days ago
- General
- New York Times
Kids, Pets, Wine. Here's How to Pick Upholstery That Can Handle All Three.
So-called performance textiles are typically synthetic blends. They have their roots in the mid–20th century, when synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester, and acrylic were developed and used in parachutes, awnings, and sails. These textiles were strong, capable of withstanding moisture and temperature changes, less likely to mold, and more UV-resistant than textiles made from natural fibers. Furniture manufacturers saw an opportunity, and these fabrics eventually moved indoors. Technological advances in fiber production, weaving, and chemical treatments have yielded fabrics that have the more pliable feel of textiles made from cotton or wool, and even velvet. And though it's possible to have a sofa that lasts a while with upholstery that isn't technically a performance fabric, performance textiles are designed with some or all of the following characteristics in mind. Cleanable: Sometimes described as 'bleach cleanable,' these fabrics may be spot-cleaned with a solution consisting of bleach and water, typically at a 1:10 ratio, though you should be sure to rinse the bleach off with water after spot-treating. Another common cleaning directive is to use a water-based solvent, which means a solution made of primarily water plus a mild dish soap or a similar gentle cleaning agent; on the tags, look out for 'W' or 'W/S,' which indicates a water-based solvent recommendation. To avoid moisture rings, always use the minimum amount of any solution. Fade-resistant: Upholstery that is fade-resistant doesn't fade from UV exposure or cleaning, since the threads of the fabric hold the pigment, rather than the color being applied to the surface of the textile. Because the color resides below the surface of the fabric, you can't actually rub or sun-bleach it out. Durable: Most performance fabrics are designed and tested to withstand repeated abrasion, an indicator that they will last without fraying, pilling, or tearing. In these tests, an abrasive material is methodically rubbed on the fabric until the fabric's fibers start to break, and the number of rubs becomes the 'rub count.' The higher the rub count, the more durable the fabric. For most home use, a score between 15,000 and 20,000 is sufficient; for high-traffic locations in a home, we recommended a rub count of 30,000 for maximum durability. (For context, ideal hotel upholsteries, which see huge amounts of traffic, may have rub counts north of 100,000.) Some residential-furniture retailers, such as Room & Board, also sell contract-grade furniture, says Juliana Daily, interior designer and co-owner of Manuel Zeitlin Architects. These retailers, which sell to professional designers furnishing hotels and other high-traffic settings, tend to list specific metrics, such as rub counts, since their pieces are geared toward the industry. But if the manufacturer you're looking at doesn't offer contract-grade pieces, or if you're unsure of a fabric's composition, don't be afraid to ask. Stain-resistant: Most stain-resistant textiles are composed of polyester, acrylic, or polypropylene threads (also known as olefin) and are inherently moisture-, oil- and stain-resistant. These fabrics may also be treated with a chemical barrier that causes moisture to bead on the surface instead of absorbing, which makes it easier for you to wipe up small spills. Historically, such chemical barriers used PFAS. But PFAS chemicals have been increasingly linked to a host of health risks, including cancer, pregnancy complications, and weakened immune function, and they persist in the environment for years, a concern that has led some states to ban intentionally added PFAS in textiles for sale. As a result, many manufacturers have largely shifted to alternative methods; none of the fabrics available for the sofas that we currently recommend in Wirecutter's sofa guide contain intentionally added PFAS. Petting your pup with fabric samples can illustrate how their fur will show up on your upholstery and also test how easily their fur may brush off or cling to the material. Ivy Elrod and Jason Toledo/NYT Wirecutter
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Scientists make concerning discovery about hidden dangers lurking in popular clothing material: 'A one-way ticket to … disposal'
Scientists make concerning discovery about hidden dangers lurking in popular clothing material: 'A one-way ticket to … disposal' As consumer demand for eco-friendly fashion options rises, the retail side sees dollar signs — and a new Wired piece about the role of recycled polyester illustrates why making sustainable choices is a quagmire of confusion even when shoppers do their due diligence. What's happening? Market research shared by CapitalOne in March indicated an impressive 89% of consumers worldwide "have changed their shopping habits to be more eco-friendly." Polyester, a synthetic, petroleum-derived form of plastic common in textiles, is in almost everything when it comes to apparel. A 2021 editorial in the Guardian estimated polyester is in "two-thirds of our clothing," a presence often concealed by its versatility. Sustainability can be difficult to define and quantify — particularly at a time when temptingly cheap fast fashion is everywhere — and Wired's deep dive into myriad concerns about recycled polyester encapsulates that conundrum. The outlet visited North Carolina-based textile manufacturer Unifi, known in part for turning recycled plastic bottles into desirable name-brand products. On the surface, that sounds like a step in the right direction, but the details are more complicated. Critics of recycled polyester have deemed that the entire practice is greenwashing — when businesses or corporations leverage sustainability for marketing purposes without real action behind it. The issues raised in the piece hint at the intricate nuances shoppers encounter when trying to buy sustainably. It stands to reason that recycling is necessarily good, but one advocate for sustainable fashion explained that it isn't always the case, particularly with recycled polyester. "If you're using plastic bottles, you're actually taking bottles out of a potentially closed-loop recycling system, and then giving them a one-way ticket to a landfill disposal," said George Harding-Rolls. "We're awash in a sea of green claims that are incredibly difficult to decipher," he observed. Why does it matter? As Harding-Rolls pointed out, even consumers who do their best to support eco-friendly brands have a hard time evaluating claims about a product's environmental impact. Which of these factors would most effectively motivate you to recycle old clothes and electronics? Giving me money back Letting me trade for new stuff Making it as easy as possible Keeping my stuff out of landfills Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. There's not necessarily a clear line in logic from "recycled polyester" to "microplastics" — Harding-Rolls said he didn't think most consumers understood the link — and some experts say the problem goes deeper. Much of Wired's coverage focused on the North Carolina facility itself, citing "legitimate questions" about exposure to microplastics for workers and nearby residents. What can shoppers do about it? Retail demand for sustainable apparel options has created a marketing feedback loop of sorts, and it's harder than ever for shoppers to identify true eco-conscious options. Identifying brands with verified environmentally-friendly practices in advance is a good strategy. In addition to reducing confusion at the register, it rewards conscientious retailers with repeat business. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Zawya
16-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt's Oriental Weavers launches new polyester yarn dyeing unit
Egypt - Oriental Weavers has launched a new polyester yarn dyeing unit at Oriental Weavers International, in the 10th of Ramadan area, with EGP 50 million in total investments, as per an emailed press release. The unit aligns with the company's ongoing efforts to boost production efficiency and improve its ability to meet growing demand. Equipped with modern machinery, the unit has four soft winding machines, a dyeing machine, a rinsing unit, a drying unit, and four final winding machines. Designed to meet approximately 25% of the company's polyester yarn needs, it has a daily production capacity of up to 4.75 tons. It will enable Oriental Weavers to enhance quality control, cut production costs, and respond more swiftly to market demands. The new unit also features high energy and water efficiency compared to traditional dyeing methods, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint across Oriental Weavers' industrial operations. © 2020-2023 Arab Finance For Information Technology. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
13-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oriental Weavers enhances production capacity with new polyester yarn dyeing unit
Cairo – Oriental Weavers, the world's leading manufacturer of woven carpets, is reinforcing its manufacturing capabilities with the launch of a new polyester yarn dyeing unit at Oriental Weavers International, in the 10th of Ramadan area. With total investments of EGP 50 million, this unit aligns with the company's ongoing efforts to improve production efficiency and enhance its ability to meet growing demand, as part of Oriental Weavers' commitment to achieving sustainable growth through improved energy and resource efficiency. Equipped with state-of-the-art machinery—including 4 soft winding machines, 1 dyeing machine, 1 rinsing unit, 1 drying unit, and 4 final winding machines—the unit is designed to meet approximately 25% of the company's polyester yarn needs, with a daily production capacity of up to 4.75 tons. This expansion will enable Oriental Weavers to enhance quality control, reduce production costs, and respond more swiftly to market demands. The new unit also features high energy and water efficiency compared to traditional dyeing methods, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint across Oriental Weavers' industrial operations. Commenting on this strategic move, Ms. Yasmine Khamis, Chair of Oriental Weavers Carpets, stated, ' The launch of this new unit marks a significant milestone in our continued commitment to innovation and market demands. By localizing polyester yarn dyeing, we not only enhance our production capabilities with high-quality products but also strengthen Egypt's manufacturing base and economy. This step ensures our leadership in the global carpet industry, offering superior polyester yarns with enhanced durability, vibrant colors, and exceptional quality' Polyester yarn has become a preferred raw material in carpet manufacturing worldwide due to its superior characteristics—such as excellent dyeability, resilience, luster, and UV resistance. In addition to these technical advantages, the new unit will create nearly 40 new job opportunities, supporting local employment and contributing to industrial development. With manufacturing facilities in both Egypt and the United States, Oriental Weavers continues to expand its production footprint to meet growing demand locally and internationally, reinforcing its position as a global carpet industry leader. About Oriental Weavers Group: The Oriental Weavers Group was founded in 1979 by industrialist and entrepreneur Mohammed Farid Khamis. Listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange (EGX) since 1997, the Group has grown from a single loom operation to become the largest producer of machine-woven carpets in the world. Drawing from Egypt's rich textile heritage, dating back to c.5000 BC, Oriental Weavers is now a global leader in tufted and jet-printed carpets. Based in Cairo, the Group has manufacturing facilities in the United States and Egypt and distributes its products in over 118 countries. Oriental Weavers is committed to innovative manufacturing processes, inspired by the latest trends, and providing products that are both accessible and of high quality, crafted to deliver lasting value and happiness to its customers.
