What does environmentally responsible mean to Unika Vaev ?
At the moment, there is no single definition of what constitutes an environmentally responsible textile. Until there is, Unika Vaev is taking the strictest interpretation of “green” for our green-labeled products.
Only those Unika Vaev fabrics that meet each of the above standards are labeled by us with a green tag. We do have products in our collection with “mostly” natural content or “some” recycled material, but in our view “mostly” or “some” is not enough to make a fabric truly environmentally responsible.
In order to better inform our clients, our web based specification sheets (for example: Arbor) will include the environmentally responsible attributes of all Unika Vaev patterns. It is our hope that this information will allow end users to make educated decisions about how individual fabrics impact an entire project.
Whenever possible, we partner with mills that employ energy efficient manufacturing practices and sustainable materials. Beyond practices and materials, we do our best to produce all of our environmentally responsible fabrics here in the United States because Unika Vaev believes that protecting our environment should begin at home.
Arbor • Biedermeier Stripe • Biedermeier II • Central Park South • Hanover • Insight • Lana • Liberty • Mindscape • Nosegay • Windsor • Wool Crepe • Zephyr
A brief guide to environmental standards and organizations:
ACT
The Association of Contract Textiles developed the original voluntary performance
guidelines for contract textiles. They are probably best embodied as [the
5 symbols], assuring the end user that fabrics with these symbols perform
up to contract standards and pass all applicable testing. ACT is
currently developing a new set of voluntary standards for evaluating environmentally
responsible textiles.
In an effort to demystify environmental jargon, ACT has compiled a glossary
of green terminology with particular emphasis on terms used in reference
to the textile industry.
http://www.contracttextiles.org
CRADLE TO CRADLE
The Cradle to Cradle certification process was developed by American architect
William McDonough and German chemist Michael Braungart to classify a product’s
ecological and social impact through every stage of its existence, from
the production of its component materials to its reusablility upon disposal.
In creating a new standard at MDBC, McDonough and Braungart aim to do more
than just contain harm through conservation and recycling. They intend
to spark nothing less than a new industrial revolution, in which manufacturing
becomes a closed loop where the waste from one product becomes a nutrient
for the next.
Cradle to Cradle certification happens at the manufacturing level where
it is possible to consider the impact of the entire production cycle. Lana,
Zephyr, Stretch Appeal and Liberty are Cradle to Cradle certified through
their manufacturers. Other manufacturers are in the process of certification,
so please check back as this list will continue to grow.
www.mbdc.com
GREENGUARD
The Greenguard Environmental Institute monitors “off-gassing” and
indoor air quality. Anyone can submit products – from fabric
to furniture to paint - for evaluation of impact on indoor air quality. At
present, Unika Vaev does not have any Greenguard certificates, but we can
submit individual patterns upon request.
www.greenguard.org
ISO 14000
The International Organization for Standardization has created the ISO 14000
family of voluntary generic management system standards to evaluate environmental
impact. www.iso.org
LEED
The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating
System® is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for
developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. Textiles can
contribute to an overall LEED rating, but at the moment they are not individually
certified through LEED.
www.usgbc.org/LEED
