At Materialised, the aim has always been to deliver high performance fabrics, whilst also treading lightly on our planet. That’s why we are so proud to have housed Crypton intelligent fabric since 1993. And now it gets even better, with the transition to PFAS-free Crypton fabric from October 1, 2022.
Performance fabrics have traditionally contained trace amounts of fluorine – the chemical in PFAS.
The family of chemicals known as PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) has been in the news, with concern growing over the range of places they are found and their cumulative impact on the environment and human health. Used to manufacture thousands of everyday products, these chemicals are used across many industries.
What is fluorine?
Fluorine is a natural element on the periodic table. It’s in many of the products we use daily, from toothpaste to clothing, cookware to smartphones. Why? Because it delivers the superior performance that consumers demand.
While more than 5,000 known substances contain fluorines, not all are the same. There are the ‘concerning’ fluorines such as PFOA, PFOS and ‘C8’, and there are ‘preferred’ fluorines of no controversy, including some used in common pharmaceuticals.
Fabrics have contained these trace amounts of fluorine because it is the only known element to repel oil.
So how can Crypton be PFAS-free and remain a performance fabric?
While oil-based stains such as olive oil or chocolate cannot bead up without fluorine present, Crypton’s PFAS-free formulation nonetheless allows the successful removal of oil-based stains using simple cleaning methods.
The PFAS-free formulation is of superior quality, compounded in-house and is continuously enhanced by Crypton scientists, meeting their meticulous standards for quality and cleanability.
Crypton, whose performance fabrics have been industry leaders for nearly three decades, is a forerunner whose PFAS-free technology is applied to all new fabrics produced by Crypton. This PFAS-free chemistry has been offered since 2018, reflecting their innovation-forward vision. Now they’re applying it globally to all Crypton fabrics, both residential and commercial.
Both timely and transparent, the firm’s new policy is sensitive to global concerns over the impact of even microscopic amounts of PFAS. Since their PFAS-free technology has been in use in commercial and residential applications for nearly 5 years, this introduction of a brand-wide PFAS-free policy comes with no guesswork and a well-earned level of trust among architects, designers, furniture manufacturers and consumers.
Crypton fabrics are offered in beautiful colours, textures and patterns, aesthetically indistinguishable from non-performance decorative textiles. Fashion-forward looks including textural bouclé, soft velvet, rich tweed and lofty chenille styles have contributed to Crypton’s reputation for design leadership.
Their designers avidly research colour and pattern forecasts, and creatively adapt documentary patterns and themes for contemporary looks. All have Crypton’s patented embedded stain protection that can’t wash or wear off for the life of the fabric.
Lifecycle balance
Crypton utilises highly engineered, fabric-specific processes to permanently seal patented performance technology into every fibre; the permanent bind of Crypton chemistry guarantees safe use and consistent performance. It is ‘not’ a topical solution.
Extend the useful life of fabric, and the furniture it covers, for 7 years
The company is known for innovation in every area of sustainability. Not just PFAS-free, Crypton fabrics contain no harsh or harmful chemicals and are manufactured with at least 40% renewable resources to help slow the impact of climate change. They hold many third-party safety and sustainability certifications including GREENGUARD® Gold.
Their durability extends the useful life of the fabric and the furniture it covers for 7 years, reducing landfill waste.
By extending the useful life, the cost and environmental benefits fall in line. There’s reduction in replacement and repair costs, plus reduction of use of non-renewable fossil fuels and natural resources – wood, water, energy, landfill waste, and carbon emissions – emissions of greenhouse gasses that contribute to climate change.
“With Crypton you are ‘future-proofing’ your interior spaces. We invest our time and resources in planned longevity, not disposable technology. We believe that by using Crypton you are selecting the most environmentally preferable performance fabric. It is a longer-game approach, but by extending the useful life of fabric and furniture, you measurably reduce your environmental footprint overall,” said Michael Grigat, VP of R&D, Crypton.
