Contract Fabrics For Cruise Sector

International Maritime Organisation (IMO), is a specialised agency of the United Nations. The IMO’s primary function is to maintain a regulatory framework for shipping. One of the founding pillars of the organisation is the SOLAS convention – Safety Of Life At Sea.  This sets global standards for fire safety on board ships and provides the testing framework our fabrics need to pass to be considered safe to use. 

There are four key tests, depending on end use of the fabric:

IMO 2010 FTP Part 5 – for wall panels and bulkheads.

IMO 2010 FTP Part 7 – for drapery and free hanging textiles.

IMO 2010 FTP Part 8 – for upholstered furniture.

IMO 2010 FTP Part 9 – for bedding components.

At Panaz we have a wide range of fabrics available within each of these categories.

The Marine Equipment Directive (MED), enacted by the European Parliament, is a wide range of quality controls to provide guarantees around the safety of products on board ships.  Meeting this directive is essential for products placed on EU flagged vessels, and there are reciprocal agreement’s in place with the US Coast Guard – who will also accept the MED’s quality mark.

When you see the Wheelmark – as you will on a wide range of our products – it means that both the product and the manufacturer have undergone an extensive range of quality control inspections by an external agency.  This doesn’t just cover the IMO fire certificate,  it covers production methods, internal quality control, technical specifications of each product, and globally is the most stringent inspection of materials being placed on ships.

The Wheelmark is awarded if you pass all aspects of the inspection.  Products are awarded a Module B certificate and we – as the manufacturer – are awarded a Module D certificate.

Panaz are one of the few global textile providers to undergo this level of external inspection, and therefore be able to offer the Wheelmark. We take pride in placing the safety of lives at sea and quality control at the very heart of everything we do in this sector.

It is time we all specified sustainably, to do this look for a supplier that uses dry printing techniques – no harmful chemicals and no water usage – and one that offers fabrics made from 100% recycled materials and is itself recyclable. Panaz were the first to introduce dry printing techniques and continues to be at the forefront of the sustainability agenda in contract fabrics. Fabric longevity is also critical for sustainability, lower frequency of change equals less impact not just on cost but also on the environment. By working in partnership with the right fabric manufacturer and their technical team from the very beginning, designers can create not just the most visually appealing scheme but also one that offers longevity and safety and is great for the environment as well.

To find out more about how we can help with high-quality hospitality fabrics, get in touch with our team today. Alternatively, complete the form today and we’ll respond as soon as possible. No matter your requirements, we’re here to help.