Seattle Designers Talk Sustainability and the Future of Textiles

Last week, the Seattle design community met at ZGF Architects’ downtown office for a roundtable discussion hosted by Metropolis Magazine editor Avi Rajagopal and Crypton. 

More than 60 design professionals attended this unique roundtable discussion to share the methodologies and tools their teams use to address and define what sustainability really means, as well as how upholstery fabric fits into the design and specifying process. 

The Demand for Sustainable Fabrics  

The word “sustainability” is a hot topic in the design industry, but its definition has become complex and can mean a variety of different things. To ensure client demands are met, some of the firms in attendance have developed internal metrics based on a tiered system. 

In addition to the tiered system, firms are educating new hires during the onboarding process to help maintain the high standard for material selection. Some mentioned using platforms like AIA requirements, Mindful Materials’ Common Materials Framework, and Cradle to Cradle as additional resources. 

Product Lifecycle and Recycling Matter 

A highlight of the discussion was the focus on the product lifecycle and the reuse of existing materials. Designers noted that large projects, from higher education buildings to healthcare facilities, are beginning to specify plans for material reuse, but long-term impact depends on what happens after installation. 

Textiles Choices in the Design Process 

Although “fabrics are the most fun part of the project,” textile selection represents a small slice of the design specification process. But this lightbulb moment proves why these discussions are so valuable. We can make a difference by simplifying our sustainability certifications. 

Showing Off Our New Performance Fabrics 

In addition to the roundtable discussion, our textile partners were able to show off our latest performance fabric designs. Special thank you to Anna Elisabeth, Designtex, Fabricut Contract, Four Hands Furniture, KB Contract, Mayer Fabrics, Momentum, and Reid Witlin Textiles for attending the event and sharing their time. Click through the slideshow below to see the latest swatch selections. 

Our Commitment to Healthier Interiors 

The discussion also spotlighted the growing importance of Red List compliance and product transparency. The following certifications and standards demonstrate our commitment to creating healthier, more sustainable indoor environments.  

GREENGUARD Gold Certified

Crypton technology is third-party GREENGUARD Gold Certified, helping to create healthier, more sustainable indoor environments. 

Healthier Hospitals Initiative (HHI)

Crypton is compliant with Healthier Hospitals and Health Care Without Harm’s healthy interiors challenge by avoiding the use of PFAS, PVC, antimicrobials, flame retardants, and formaldehyde. 

HPD Open Standard

A Health Product Declaration (HPD) is publicly available for our fabrics. HPDs share transparent product chemistry with the customer and user. 

WELL Ratings

Crypton contributes to the WELL Building rating system in one (or more) of the following categories: Material Transparency, Enhanced Material Restrictions, Low VOC. 

LBC Red List Compliant

Crypton complies with the Living Building Challenge rating systems’ material Red List by avoiding the specified chemicals of concern. 

PFAS-Free

All new production runs of Crypton and Crypton Home Fabrics have been manufactured using our PFAS-free technology since October 1, 2022. 

No Halogenated Flame Retardants

Crypton has no halogenated flame retardants (e.g., PBDE). 

Recycling Program

Crypton maintains an ongoing recycling program for manufacturing remnants. 

Designers Ask for A Cheat Sheet 

We are developing a downloadable cheat sheet for designers that outlines our sustainability certifications to help align our contract fabrics with your projects. 

This simple guide will help designers quickly identify the best upholstery fabric based on usage. You can request a copy sent to you by filling out the form below. Once it is complete, we will email it to you.

Looking Ahead 

The Seattle event capped a national series of Crypton × Metropolis roundtables. You can read about our Austin Roundtable here. As the design industry evolves, Crypton will continue to ask questions, design better products, and listen to your feedback to help you create healthier spaces. 

Special Thank You 

We want to thank the attendees for sharing their thoughts and time with us.  

Thank you to the amazing team at Metropolis for partnering with us on this insightful and meaningful conversation! 

Special thanks to these leading firms for attending: Gensler, Perkins & Will, LMN, NBBJ, ZGF, KMB Architects, and Source Procurement. 

Learn More About Our Performance Fabric

Anna Elisabeth just released their new line of contract fabrics — over 800 SKUs and 4 books.

We have these new pet-friendly couches on our living room wishlist.

Check out these new upholstery fabric patterns that are trending now in the interior design world!

Take a step inside Crypton Mills and see how our sustainable fabric is made.

Our performance fabric is now available at Four Hands Furniture. See the latest collection.