With growing concern for the planet, industries worldwide are rethinking their approach to sustainability—and the textile sector is no different. Many fabric companies are adopting innovative, eco-friendly practices, creating a positive ripple effect on our global environment.
In the first part of this Q&A, we explored fabric trends and future predictions. Now, we turn our attention to responsible production, with insights from Mary-Jane Copeland, Commercial Division Manager at Warwick Fabrics, a leading supplier of high-quality fabrics to residential and commercial markets.
Jolene: Mary-Jane, have you seen a shift towards sustainability in the textiles industry during your career?
Mary-Jane: The push for sustainability began many years ago. It was approximately 10 years ago that Warwick began sourcing sustainable options. The cost of recycled yarn was at such a level we had to piggyback off European and American production.
Since then, demand has increased and prices have come down significantly, which is great to see. However, pricing for commercial fit-outs remains a balancing act, especially now, given the current economic challenges worldwide.
Jolene: How does the emphasis on sustainability influence fabric production?
Mary-Jane: Many textile companies now recognise the importance of preserving our shared environment, and at Warwick, we have implemented practices that lead the way in sustainability within the industry.
Our global initiatives include:
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- Membership in the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) where we reduce the environmental impact of packaging through sustainable design and recycling initiatives.
- An eco-friendly product range offering sustainable fabric options.
- Partnerships with ISO19001-certified suppliers to ensure high standards in quality management for all our textiles.
- Textile recycling initiatives that repurpose materials and reduce waste.
- Online Virtual Reality tools that minimise the need for physical samples.
- Furniture donation programmes that extend product life.
- And office sustainability measures such as waste reduction, energy-efficient lighting, and other eco-friendly practices.
Jolene: What challenges does sourcing sustainable fabrics present for the commercial textile industry?
Mary-Jane: Two major challenges we face are greenwashing and misinformation.
We are very careful not to over-promise, particularly in our sustainability messaging, because greenwashing—where brands exaggerate or mislead about the eco-friendliness of their products—continues to be a real issue in our industry (and many others).
Misinformation is rife as well, which can make it difficult for clients to know what to expect. For instance, some people believe recycled polyester means plastic bottles are collected, turned into yarn, and woven locally—unfortunately, local businesses are typically too small to meet the quantity needed for commercial demand.
Sustainable fabrics are not a black-and-white subject, but we find success in having honest conversations and working through the details with our clients.
Technological advances also present exciting opportunities in sustainability, and we have worked hard to reduce our digital footprint through updates to our website, Virtual Reality, and internal IT programmes.
Technology has also reduced some of the need for physical items like fabric samples, cuttings, and furniture, which traditionally had to be used to help customers visualise results. This saves on both material resources and waste.
And our Melbourne office is experimenting with AI, so who knows what the future holds!
Jolene: What types of sustainable materials and certifications does Warwick offer?
Mary-Jane: There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution to sustainable textiles, which is why we offer a variety of options to address different environmental concerns. To us, choosing quality fabrics that hold up to environmental tests is key. We focus on materials and certifications that meet our sustainability standards:
- Renew/Encore recycled fabrics contain at least 50% recycled fibres, diverting waste—such as plastic bottles and woollen jumpers—that would otherwise go to landfill.
- Natural fibres like wool and linen are among the most sustainable, with a low environmental impact.
- Oeko-Tex certification is a globally recognised standard for textile safety. Our fabrics featuring their ‘Confidence in Textiles’ label meet international standards for avoiding harmful substances, ensuring safety and sustainability.
Oekeo-Tex certified fabrics featured in the images in this article are:
Konfurb Loop chairs upholstered in Warwick Fabrics: Buckley Punch, Buckley Chili and curtain Picton Rosehip.
Konfurb Loop chairs upholstered in Warwick Fabrics: Keylargo Anthracite and Buckley Violet and curtain Picton Rosehip.
Jolene: How do you see the role of sustainable commercial fabrics evolving over the next few years?
Mary-Jane: With increased consumer awareness, demand for sustainable and circular upholstery and drapery fabrics is only growing. Recycling old materials into new fabrics is likely to become the norm.
However, items that are still traditional and highly technical, like vinyl and Tritan moisture barriers, are more challenging to have green alternatives. Sometimes adding even a slight sustainable component to these materials can compromise durability, causing premature breakdown, which is actually the worst thing for sustainability. I’m hopeful that technology will continue to evolve and provide solutions here.
Currently, the circular life cycle stops at the furniture level. Once a piece is at the end of its life, local recycling options are limited. We’re looking to the fashion industry where recycling systems for clothing, cotton sheets, and even shoes are promising.
There are still limitations on which textile compositions can be recycled, but I’m excited to keep an eye on progress in this area.
Jolene: How can collaborations with Buro bring sustainable materials into commercial spaces?
Mary-Jane: Having a shared vision for our mutual clients is essential. By working together on floor stock programmes and initiatives with our range of sustainable textiles, we can showcase our fabrics in finished products.
Education is also key—whether it’s training Buro teams or working with architects and designers, it’s important to focus on the sustainability of our textiles and on selecting the right fabric for different commercial environments.
We’re both innovators in our fields, so merging Buro’s seating styles with our high-quality fabrics allows us to find solutions that address customers’ challenges with a focus on great design and sustainability.
Jolene: Is there anything else we should know about the future of sustainability in the fabric industry?
Mary-Jane: Fabrics will always be an important part of our interiors and lifestyle, and sustainability is set to become the norm. This includes today’s focus on recycled materials, yarn types, chemicals, and systems—but also goes further, with heightened awareness at every step of the process.
We’ll see fabric and furniture design consciously focus on reducing waste and improving efficiency throughout production.
Konfurb Loop chairs upholstered in Warwick Fabrics: Coney Olive and Copeland Greenstone.
Konfurb Loop chair upholstered in Warwick Fabrics: Williamsburg Olive.
As the textile industry advances in sustainability, innovation, and design, partnerships like ours with Warwick Fabrics are paving the way for positive change in commercial spaces.
Together, we’re committed to high-quality, responsible solutions that enhance both functionality and aesthetics in modern interiors.
Discover how Buro’s seating featuring Warwick Fabrics, can elevate your space with style.
