Material Collection
Textiles
Healthier and more sustainable textiles can address: 1. footprints of fiber cultivation and production and 2. toxicity of any applied treatments.
The production of both natural and synthetic textiles can require massive amounts of energy, water, and toxic chemicals. Added surface treatments often involve harmful chemicals. Selecting products from manufacturers that are committed to minimizing their environmental impact and to providing ingredient transparency can help to ensure healthier and safer interior environments.
Below are a few examples of textiles that meet our rigorous evaluation. For further help on your own search for healthier textiles, scroll down to "Spec Guidance”.
Textiles
14 products
About Our Collections
The goal of our collections is to help promote transparency in the material ingredients of building products by fostering knowledge and awareness of products and materials for which life-cycle information is available, and that have environmentally, economically, and socially preferable life-cycle impacts.
Keep an eye out for the following symbols:
A Healthier Affordable Building Product
Products with the designation of "Healthier & Affordable" were specified and installed in at least one of our Case Studies of healthier affordable housing.
Available at the Donghia healthier Materials Library
The Donghia healthier Materials Library library is open to Parsons student and faculty. Learn more about access and opening hours here.
Low Embodied Carbon
“Embodied Carbon” is the total amount of carbon emitted during the process of making a material. *HML refers to a manufacturer's EPD to determine whether a product's A1-A3 carbon emissions falls within HML's threshold for Low Embodied Carbon.
New Product
This product has been added to the collection within the past six months.
Ingredient Disclosures
There are several ways of evaluating a material’s health that we include with product information. Disclosures are reports by manufacturers about product ingredients, impacts, or other attributes.
Key Disclosures include:
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
A voluntary technical specification for reporting information on product contents and associated health information, intended to be the health-analogue to Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).
Declare Label
Declare is a transparency platform and product database that answers three questions:
1. Where does a product come from?
2. What is it made of?
3. Where does it go at the end of its life?
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
A standardized format for communicating the environmental effects associated with a product’s raw materials extraction, energy use, chemical makeup, waste generation, and emissions to air, soil, and water.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
A reporting format that provides basic information about a material’s chemical ingredients, the potential safety hazards to installers, and recommended practices for installation.
Other
Manufacturer | Product | Ingredient Disclosures |
---|---|---|
Carnegie | Biobased Xorel |
Biobased XorelAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryCarnegie's Biobased Xorel is a textile made from biobased polyethylene and polyproplyene. The fibers are derived from sugarcane, a crop showing carbon sequestration abilities. The textiles are not treated with perfluorinated chemicals or antimicrobials and have received C2C Gold certification - additionally, Carnegie offers a takeback program. It contains 89% Biobased Content according to Bioprefered.gov. Note: the CASNR does not distinguish between a petrochemical or biobased polyethylene and so will show the same number - the HPDC document helps you identify the source. CategoryTextile, BiobasedManufacturerCarnegie![]() Material composition*Polyethylene (95%), Polypropylene (5%), C.I. Pigment Blue 15, C.I. Pigment Brown 24, C.I. Pigment White 6, Hinder Amine Light Stabilizer, C.I. Pigment Yellow 139, C.I. Pigment Metall 1, C.I. Pigment Red 149, C.I. Pigment Yellow 180, C.I. Pigment Blue 29, C.I. Pigment Yellow 119, Calcium Carbonate, C.I. Pigment Black 7, C.I. Pigment Red 101, C.I. Pigment Red 122 *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING56" (142 cm) wide COLORSVaries CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
SCS | Indoor Advantage Gold
Facts Gold Certified
Biopreferred
Additional DocumentsLast UpdatedAugust 05, 2020 |
Kvadrat | Clouds |
CloudsKvadrat's "Clouds" is a wall tile system made from wool. Special rubber bands provide a mechanical fastener system to connect the tile to be installed to a wall or hung from a ceiling. The outer fabric, Divina, is Greenguard Gold certified for low emission, it complies with REACH requirements for its dyes and any residuals or impurities. Wool is naturally flame retardant, it absorbs and gives off humidity.LB CategoryTextile, WoolManufacturerKvadrat![]() Material composition*100% new wool (surface), *as reported by the manufacturer COLORS8 Colors: Divina 886/Divina 106, Divina 191/Divina 106, Divina MD 673/Divina 106, Divina MD 783/Divina 106, Divina MD 213/Divina 426, Divina MD 713/Divina MD 783, Divina Melange 120/Divina 106, Divina Melange 120/Divina 756 CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
GREENGUARD | Gold
EU EcoLabel
Additional DocumentsLast UpdatedAugust 05, 2020 |
Moore and Giles | Terra Olive Green |
Terra Olive GreenAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryMoore & Giles’ Olive Green Leathers are aniline and crafted with wet-green® organic tanning agents. The dye is made from pure olive leaf extract which is a byproduct from olive production where these leave would traditionally be burned. CategoryTextile, LeatherManufacturerMoore and GilesMaterial composition*Collagen ( Animal Skin), Water, Olive Tanning Agent, Carboxilic Acid, Fat Oils, Distillates Heavy, C18-50-Branched Cyclic and Linear PEG-4 Lanolate, Polyoxyethylene Lauryl Ether, Die: (disodium, 5-amino-2-anilinobenzensulfonate, 3-aminobenzensulfonate, (4Z)-3-hydroxy-4- [(2-hydroxy-3.5-dinitrophenyl)hydrazinlidene]cyclohexa-2.5-dien - 1- one, iron, 4-nitroaniline, Hydrotreated Light Distillate, Aqueous Lacquer: Hexylene Glycol, Oleic Acid Diethanolamine *as reported by the manufacturer COLORSavailable in various colors CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
Cradle to Cradle | Gold
Additional DocumentsLast UpdatedOctober 12, 2022 |
NYTextileLab | 2/10’s 80/20 wool and hemp blend, Ivory |
2/10’s 80/20 wool and hemp blend, IvoryAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryNew York Textile Lab designs yarns and textiles with an economically diverse and sustainable supply chain at the forefront of their mind. The fibers used are grown on climate beneficial soil within the North Eastern Region. This Hemp Wool Yarn is developed by the Textile Lab and produced with partnering manufacturers in the USA. CategoryTextile, HempManufacturerNYTextileLab![]() Material composition*70% fine wool sourced from Oregon, 30% domestic hemp from Nebraska. *as reported by the manufacturer CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
Last UpdatedMay 19, 2020 |
OceanSafe | OceanSafe |
OceanSafeOceanSafe Fabrics provide curtains, draperies, upholstery as well as bed linen and towels. All their fabrics, whether natural or synthetic, are Cradle to Cradle Gold certified, with Material Health at Platinum Level. Accessories are biodegradable with buttons, e.g., made from natural components. OceanSafe offers customers a "Take Back" program. CategoryTextile, Natural FiberManufacturerOceanSafeMaterial composition*100% cotton *as reported by the manufacturer CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
Cradle to Cradle | Gold
Cradle to Cradle | Gold
Cradle to Cradle | Gold
Last UpdatedAugust 26, 2020 |
Kvadrat | Harald 3 |
Harald 3Low-Embodied Carbon MaterialA short-pile velour, Harald 3 is a cotton textile with a velvety optic. This product is Greenguard Gold certified for low emissions, and thankfully there is transparency with this product given by its Health and Environmental Product Disclosures (HPD and EPD). This textile is suitable for upholstery and curtains. Per Kvadrat's product-specific EPDs, this product meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon. CategoryTextile, CottonManufacturerKvadrat![]() Material composition*100% Cotton *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING55"/140 cm wide COLORS30 Colors CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
GREENGUARD Certification
Last UpdatedOctober 03, 2020 |
Kvadrat | Tonica 2 |
Tonica 2Low-Embodied Carbon MaterialDesigned by Georgina Wright, Tonica 2 is a woolen upholstery textile. This product is Greenguard Gold certified for low emissions, has both Health and Environmental Product Disclosures, and holds an EU Ecolabel. Tonica 2 is composed of 100% wool which can be biodegradable and because wool retains moisture in its fibers, it resists flame without chemical treatment. Per Kvadrat's product-specific EPDs, this product meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon. CategoryTextile, WoolManufacturerKvadrat![]() Material composition*100% New Wool *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING55"/140 cm wide COLORS39 Colors CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
GREENGUARD | Gold
EU EcoLabel
Last UpdatedOctober 03, 2020 |
JAB Anstoetz | Vivo |
VivoVivo is Climatex's all natural textile line, made of virgin wool and Lenzing (a fiber made from wood pulp). Climatex® textiles - offered by Jab Anstoetz KG - are produced in facilities awarded with Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Gold standard and blends can be 100% separated from each other and returned to their respective cycles - either being composted in the case of natural fibers or recycled if synthetic as in other lines. Untreated materials can be returned to the manufacturer after use to be recycled. The product is certified by Oekotex and Cradle to Cradle Silver for Material Health. CategoryTextile, Natural Fiber BlendManufacturerJAB Anstoetz![]() Material composition*60 % Certified Virgin Wool, WV - 40 % Redesigned Lenzing FR™ *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING54"/138 cm wide COLORS29 Colors CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
Cradle to Cradle | Silver
Oeko-Tex®
Last UpdatedOctober 03, 2020 |
Hemp Traders | Hemp + Organic Cotton Muslin |
Hemp + Organic Cotton MuslinAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryThis textile is made of a blend of all-natural hemp and organic cotton fibers. The addition of organic cotton gives the textile a softer "hand" (the feel of the fabric on skin) and makes a more affordable option for interior textiles. In addition to being potentially biodegradable, hemp and cotton are both renewable resources. Hemp, in particular, is a notable favorite here at HML for its carbon sequestration and soil restoration abilities and the ways it can be farmed and processed. CategoryTextile, Natural Fiber BlendManufacturerHemp Traders![]() Material composition*55% Hemp 45% Organic Cotton *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING58" wide COLORSNatural (undyed) CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
Last UpdatedOctober 20, 2020 |
Filzfelt | 5mm Wool Design Felt |
5mm Wool Design FeltAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryAvailable for furniture, fashion, and vertical surface applications, this felt product is a high-quality wool material. It contains no formaldehyde, and is 100% VOC free. Filzfelt's wool holds the Oeko-Text Standard 100 certification. Sheep's wool contains lanolin, a thin waxy coating on the fibers which makes it naturally water and soil resistant. Plus, because wool retains moisture in every fiber, it resists flame without chemical treatment. It can also be 100% biodegradable as it is a natural fiber. This product can be customized with a flame retardant treatment. We advise selecting untreated textiles whenever possible. *Ask about budget-friendly "off-cuts". CategoryTextile, WoolManufacturerFilzfelt![]() Material composition*99% Merino or Karakul Wool, 1% dye (see HPD for dye composition) *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING70 3/4"/180 cm wide COLORS66 Colors CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
Oeko-Tex®
Last UpdatedNovember 01, 2020 |
FabriTRAK | FabriFELT™ |
FabriFELT™Available At the Donghia Materials LibraryFabriFELT™ is made entirely from sheep's wool. The material is suitable for walls and ceilings, and contributes to sound absorption. FabriFELT™ is disclosed through its DECLARE label. The product is Red List Free, suitable for LEED v4 projects. As a natural material, felt can be recycled: the manufacturer will take it back for recycling or via general textile recycling pathways. CategoryTextile, WoolManufacturerFabriTRAK![]() Material composition*100% Sheep's Wool *as reported by the manufacturer COLORS23 Colors CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
Last UpdatedJanuary 05, 2021 |
KnollTextiles | Highland |
HighlandKnoll’s "Highland" Line is part of their Environmental Fabrics which meets the 'Healthy Interiors criteria' from Healthcare Without Harm. This standard requires a material to be free of formaldehyde, perfluorinated and polyfluorinated compounds (PFCs), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), antimicrobials, and flame retardants. Knoll's "Highland" upholstery fabric has an HPD disclosing that the product is made of two ingredients only. It is 99% Sheep Wool and the remaining 1% is a solvent, 2-Phenylselanylethanol. The impacts of this chemical are not fully conclusive, but in large quantities, it is known to affect potential health or environmental issues by being, e.g., toxic to aquatic life. Because the “Highland” textile meets the Healthcare without Harm’s criteria, is primarily wool, and passes rigorous durability testing criteria, HML views this as a healthier natural textile option. CategoryTextile, WoolManufacturerKnollTextiles![]() Material composition*99% Wool, 1% 2-Phenylselanylethanol ( Formic Acid) *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING54" wide COLORS14 Colors CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
Intertek Sustainability
Additional DocumentsLast UpdatedNovember 11, 2020 |
Mycoworks | Mycelium Leather |
Mycelium LeatherThis leather is grown rapidly from mycelium and agricultural by-products in a carbon-negative process. Mycelium Leather is strong, flexible, and durable, just like conventional leathers. It is also water-resistant. And since it's made from natural fibers, it breathes and feels like leather. CategoryTextile, MyceliumManufacturerMycoworks![]() Material composition*Mycoworks uses mycelium and agricultural by-products. *as reported by the manufacturer CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
Last UpdatedApril 20, 2018 |
Bananatex | Bananatex® |
Bananatex®Available At the Donghia Materials LibraryBananatex® is a fabric made entirely from naturally grown Abacá banana plants cultivated within a natural, sustainable agriculture ecosystem, avoiding pesticides, fertilizers, and minimizing water usage. The material is suitable for upholstery as well as apparel. Bananatex® fabric is C2C Certified® Material Health Level Platinum with an overall rating Gold. Abrasion: ≥ 30000 double rubs CategoryTextile, Natural FiberManufacturerBananatex![]() Material composition*abacá fiber *as reported by the manufacturer CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Other
Cradle to Cradle | Gold
Last UpdatedNovember 22, 2023 |
The products in this collection have all been evaluated for their contents and performance. To be considered, a product must disclose at least 75% of its ingredients by weight and avoid the biggest health concerns, as indicated by their disclosure documentation. For textile products, that means that they avoid flame retardants, antimicrobials, and per-fluorinated stain treatments. It also means to meet limited emissions standards as specified by CDPH Standard Method (01350) or equivalent (Greenguard Gold or above).
HML considers certifications such as: Cradle to Cradle, FACTs, Greenguard, Declare, HPDC, or Bluesign.
Spec Guidance
Avoid Antimicrobials, Perfluorinated Stain Repellents, and Flame Retardants. These toxic chemicals often added as surface treatments, can be carcinogenic or disrupting to the endocrine systems. These textiles are often marketed as "antimicrobial", "waterproof" or "stain-resistant". You can also avoid flame retardants by looking for TB117-2013 Flammability Labels on furniture and making sure it is marked "contain NO added flame retardant chemicals"
Look for Textiles that meet Low Emission requirements. These may be indicated as being compliant with CDPH Standard Method (01350) or certified through Greenguard Gold or SCS Indoor Advantage Gold.
Avoid PVC. Textiles made of PVC, with PVC backings or coatings can be hazardous and can expose occupants and manufacturers to highly toxic chemicals such as dioxins and phthalates.
Prefer dyes that are free of heavy metals such as antimony. Toxic chemicals not only have an effect on people involved in the dying processes but can also leach into watersheds and disturb surrounding ecosystems.
Consider the total impact of textiles across their entire life cycle, including their implications on health, carbon, circularity and social equity. These factors may be assessed via Multi-attribute Certifications such as Cradle to Cradle, STeP by Oeko Tex or FACTS.
Updated June 15, 2020
Related Videos
The Story of Microfibers
Related Tools and Guides
More Collections
Join Our Academic Network
Get Access to our carefully researched and curated academic resources, including model syllabi and webinars. An email from an academic institution or a .edu email address is required. If your academic institution does not use .edu email addresses but you would like to join the network, please contact healthymaterialslab@newschool.edu.
Already have an account? Log in