Sustainability in Fabrics
Small steps can make a big difference if the whole community comes together.
This area of the website is for anyone interested in Sustainable businesses. It offers tips and advice to ensure a sustainable approach in fabric selection and…….planet.
Follow the pathway below to learn more about some of the sustainability initiatives already in place at Panaz. Then read on for more useful tips and advice.
Climate Change
Probably the most talked about and possibly the most detrimental to our planet, climate change initiatives include renewable energy sources and energy efficient measures.
Tips and Advice for a Greener Business
Check if you’re eligible for funding assistance to go greener.
(current funding period ends March 2025)
Biodiversity Loss
It is surprisingly easy to make a difference. Panaz recently introduced 3 bee hives to their HQ and planted “Bee friendly” flowers creating a new eco system. Simply planting “Bee friendly” flowers in gardens or window boxes helps support wildlife and protect habitats.
Best plants for attracting bees
Lavender, Alliums, Buddleia and Catmint –
Bees love the colour purple as they can see this colour more easily.
Foxgloves, Honeysuckle, Penstemons and Snapdragons –
Tubular shaped flowers are an important source of food for long-tongued bees such as the garden bumblebee.
Tips and Advice for a Greener Business
Attract bees by planting a variety of plants and flowers.
gardenersworld.com/plants/plants-for-bees/panaz.com/about-sustainability
Pollution
Manufacturers have the potential to be the biggest polluters, so it is important to look for suppliers that use chemical free processes, such as Panaz’ dry printing technique or Panaz’ chemical free anti-microbial solution. Identify suppliers that not only “tick the box” in terms of compliance but also comply with ISO 14001, which ensures businesses continually improve their environmental performance. iso.org/standard/60857
A Few Tips for Fabric Selection
Production and printing processes – ask your suppliers for their compliance credentials.
FR treatment – try to avoid topical aftermarket FR treatments these can leach into the environment. Look for chemical free and halogen free, or Trevira yarns.
Stain resist – look for PFAS free options that do not compromise on performance.
Antimicrobial treatments – many contain heavy metals and leach into the environment, look for water-based treatments that remain on the fabric like Panaz’ ShieldPlus™.
trevira.de/en/filaments/flame-retardant-yarns
panaz.com/innovation/shieldplus
Deforestation
Go paperless! Ensure recycling points in multiple locations, use recycled paper and source only from certified sustainable forestry, simple but effective measures in place at Panaz.
Look out for initiatives that support habitats for example Panaz support Ribble Rivers Trust, by planting tree saplings each time they sell 200 metres of fabric. ribbletrust.org.uk
Tips and Advice for a Greener Business
Visit tree-nation.com to reforest the world and panaz.com/about-sustainability
Water Scarcity
Our “blue planet” is made up of 3% freshwater (and much of that is stored in the polar ice caps) and the rest is salt water. According to the worldcounts.com if we carry on doing what we do today we will run out of freshwater by 2040.
The textile industry has always been known to consume large amounts of water, which is used as part of the printing process. Unlike others Panaz use dry ink printing techniques, no wasted water. Other simple initiatives include, dual flush toilets, low flow taps and harvesting rainwater for our
garden.
Tips and Advice for a Greener Business
Visit worldcounts.com to discover more about global environmental challenges.
Some simple steps to adopt at home and at work
- Use energy efficient lighting such as LED.
- Consider dimmer switches and sensor driven lights.
- Introduce low flow taps or taps with flow limiters.
- Install dual flush and low flush toilets.
- Avoid leaving taps running eg. when brushing teeth.
- Plant bee friendly flowers eg Lavender and foxgloves.
- Participate in tree planting initiatives in your local community.
- Make educated choices, choose products that use environmentally friendly chemicals and companies that comply with ISO 14001.
Small steps can make a big difference if the whole community comes together.
Speak to an Expert
If you’re looking for help finding the right type of commercial fabrics, our team has you covered. Simply get in touch or fill in the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. No matter your requirements, we can help.
