What does “Eco-Friendly” really mean for stage fabrics?
I am starting to hear a lot about “eco-friendly” textiles. My first reaction was, “Yes, of course, eco-friendly fabrics are the way to go.” Use biodegradable fabrics as much as possible. That’s not as easy as it sounds, especially in the theatrical marketplace.
For example, let’s say I decide to use a 100% cotton fabric. That should be a “green” option, right? Cotton is a natural fiber and therefore should be 100% biodegradable.
But what if it isn’t? I just read a post on “O Ecotextiles” that talks about the many chemicals that 100% cotton may be treated with in the manufacturing process. Suddenly, 100% cotton doesn’t sound so “green” anymore.
Then you add on the flame retardancy requirements for stage curtains. How “green” can a fabric be, regardless of the fiber content, if it has been topically treated with a flame retardancy chemical? So is a topically treated 100% cotton fabric really better for the environment than a 100% Avora polyester fabric that is inherently flame retardant?
Hummm…a lot to think about, too much to put down in this single post (stay tuned for more thoughts on this subject in the future).
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hmmmm…great conversation.
We have to constantly think about “repurposing” custom sewn textile products and stage drapes. Call it …….stitched to be RE-staged.
Most of the .99c “own your own” grocery bags in the market place are made from non-green solvent printed polyester..(eeech!)..but the point is that we are “reusing” them….. in part this is one reason I am so interested in our rental stage drapery program.
Comment by Megan Duckett — May 7, 2009 #
Is “pigment” based wide format printing any more eco-friendly than “solvent” based printing?
Can we make more environmentally friendly choices by not only considering the textile on which we print, but by also considering the methodology by which we digitally print our stage and concert backdrops?
Comment by Megan Duckett — May 7, 2009 #
I’ve always thought it’s better to choose an organic fabric and put yucky (FR) chemicals on it - rather than choosing a conventionally produced fabric and putting the yucky chemicals on it because, hey, the fabric is already full of chemicals so adding a few more wouldn’t hurt. If you choose an organic fabric to start you’re preventing all those chemicals used during processing from entering the ecosystem - and our bodies. The chemicals used in processing remain residual in the fabric (dyestuffs for example - because you can see the colors!)and are absorbed by our bodies. Plus you’re supporting organic agriculture which revives our soils, promotes biodiversity and mitigates climate change. But you raised a good question about inherently flame retardant fabrics, which are polyester based vs. natural fibers. Which is a better choice? I wrote a blog comment today on this subject, (www.oecotextiles.com/blog.php) which I’ll refer you to because…the answer is complicated!
Leigh Anne
Comment by leigh anne van dusen — May 9, 2009 #
Very interesting information. Leigh Anne. I am just getting started on learning about this subject, and your comments here as well as the expanded information on your blog, are illuminating. There is just so much to learn and take in.
Comment by Lynda — May 10, 2009 #