Quick Links
Table Of Content
Most furniture ends up in a landfill within 5 years of purchase, but that’s a statistic that is becoming increasingly unacceptable to consumers. You’ve likely seen how demand is growing for high-quality, long-lasting home furnishings that do not threaten the health of humans or the environment.
But upholstery finishes that increase the longevity of the material often contain PFAS, a toxic “forever” chemical that can harm human health and does not break down naturally once disposed of. Fortunately, responsible manufacturers have innovated alternatives which still afford the benefits of performance fabrics (stain and wear resistance), without the damaging effects.
Independent laboratories such as OEKO-TEX® perform third-party tests, setting the benchmark for textile safety, from yarn to finished product. Their STANDARD 100 label certifies fabrics that have passed safety tests for the presence of harmful substances.
We’ve highlighted North American upholstery fabric manufacturers who produce PFAS-free performance fabrics with high standards for quality and safety. Whether you’re looking to create custom sofas, bespoke draperies, or upholstered headboards for your client’s interior, these fabrics will elevate your designs through their enduring style and hardiness.
Companies, like those included in this article, are producing performance fabrics (like these shown above) without harmful chemicals.
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are man-made chemicals once valued for giving fabrics, carpets, and coatings their stain-, water-, and heat-resistant qualities.
Because they don’t break down easily, they can build up in people and the environment over time. Linked to health concerns like higher cholesterol, immune effects, and certain cancers, PFAS are now facing stricter regulations and phaseouts across industries. In response, many manufacturers are leading the way with new PFAS-free performance fabrics that deliver durability without the lasting harm.
Crypton Fabric
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan- Wide variety of fabric types: soft velvets, linen, chenille, chunky woven textures, and genuine leather
- Repels liquid and releases soil and oil-based stains – no harsh cleaners required
- Resists the growth of odor-causing microbes and stands up to high traffic abrasion
Z-Wovens
High Point, North Carolina- Stain repellent and cleanable fabric coated with PFAS-free Z-Free™ finish
- 2-level stain protection – first coating repels spills, second formula prevents stains from becoming permanent
- Outdoor collection that is fade-resistant and cleanable with bleach
Sunbrella Fabrics
Burlington, North Carolina- Wide variety of fabric types – style solutions for every design project
- Sunbrella fibers are dyed all the way through with superior, highly stable dyes that retain rich color even with frequent cleaning
- Sustainable initiatives: Greenguard Gold certification, take-back recycling program, independent laboratory tested – STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®
Carnegie Fabrics
New York, New York- The only biobased performance fabric on the market, their Xorel, made from renewable sugarcane, generates a significantly reduced carbon footprint over fossil-fuel based products.
- No finishes that include PFAS-based chemicals, all products are PVC-free
- Sustainable third-party certifications: Cradle to Cradle, Living Product Challenge, B Corp
AKAS Textiles and Laminations
Bensalem, Pennsylvania- Custom dyeing, printing, and backing
- High-performance finishes: anti-microbial, stain and water resistance, flame retardancy, insect repellent, UV finishes to protect skin
- High quality yarns and weaves including Kevlar, polyester, nylon, cotton, and organic fibers
Ecobalanza
Seattle, Washington
Medley
Los Angeles, California
Become a Built for Home member.
It’s free and the best way to discover manufacturers with unique products that help you confidently deliver exceptional projects.
"*" indicates required fields