Textile manufacturer Designtex launched the Gold Standard upholstery line that achieved the first third-party verified gold level certification under the facts™ ecolabel developed by the Association for Contract Textiles. This certification recognizes the three styles of the Gold Standard collection – Concept, PopArt, and Precision – for meeting criteria of environmental sustainability.

The facts™ ecolabel is issued only after companies demonstrate to a third party certifier that their products meet requirements in eight key parameters across the product lifecycle, including Fiber Sourcing, Safety of Materials, Water Conservation, Water Quality, Energy, Recycling Practices, Air Quality in Manufacturing, and Social Accountability. These requirements are based on the NSF/ANSI 336 standard, the principal standard used in the United States to evaluate and certify the sustainability of commercial furnishings.

The Designtex research and development team worked with the mill to eliminate a harmful chemicals from the yarns and dyestuffs, while Vice President of Design Kimberle Frost contributed to the color palette, developing a range of intense and vibrant hues. The materials are made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester which is highly sustainable, and the uniform fiber content aids in future recycling since no separation of constituent elements is required at end-of-use. As a result, the vitality of the Gold Standard collection celebrates this milestone in textile sustainability, offering a material expression of the forward-thinking vision guiding its creation.