It is something I come across time and time again in press releases sent to Green Lodging News by wallcovering, fabric, flooring, textile and other companies—the promotion of a new product as PVC-free. Search using “PVC-free” on the Green Lodging News website and you will find many examples. Check out the latest press release I received from The Mitchell Group. Poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) is one of the six commonly used plastics (which accounts for as much as 10 percent of global plastic production). PVC is a popular plastic due to its low price, durability, and good mechanical, chemical, electrical, and thermal properties.
According to the National Library of Medicine, however, PVC is considered as the most environmentally damaging plastic and one of the most toxic substances for inhabitants of our planet. From cradle to grave, the PVC lifecycle (production, use, and disposal) results in the release of toxic, chlorine-based chemicals, and it is one of the world’s largest dioxin sources. These toxins build up in water, air, and food chains. They cause severe health problems, including cancer, immune system damage, and hormone disruption. Everyone has measurable levels of chlorinated compounds (toxins) in their bodies. Some pretty good reasons to specify and shop for PVC-free.
In November, Carnegie, a leader in sustainable textiles and acoustical management solutions, announced Cressida and Verona, two new upholstery patterns in its Elements Collection. Carnegie’s Elements brand offers a versatile range of affordable upholstery fabrics that maintain high quality. Cressida and Verona deliver affordable sophistication to designers who need performance without trade-offs, reaffirming Carnegie as one of the 100 percent PVC-free sources for high-performance coated upholstery.
Last May, commercial design leader Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering explored the next level of biophilic design in its wallcovering launch: the Renaturation collection by 13&9 Design. The high-performing PVC-free wallcovering, named for the concept in which nature reclaims manmade or developed spaces, employs natural fractals for an approach to commercial design deeply grounded in science, design and wellness. The power of fractals, intricate, self-repeating patterns, is core to nature itself and has a proven impact on brain health and healing, improved wellbeing, and enhancing overall cognitive function. The resulting wallcovering collection transcends aesthetics, creating restorative environments with measurable benefits for occupants.
In November 2024, Interface, Inc., the global flooring solutions company and leader in sustainability, announced a full color line refresh of its norament 926 satura rubber flooring collection. This nora by Interface introduction combines an inspiring and versatile color palette with the durability and functionality needed to perform in very high-traffic spaces. The PVC-free floor covering is dimensionally stable, requires no welding, and features exceptional durability due to its dense surface.
For additional information on the dangers of PVC, click here.
