Sustainable textiles
Sustainable Textiles The John Horsfall team discuss why there isn’t just a single solution to single-use textiles…
As textile experts John Horsfall are committed to finding eco-conscious, sustainable inflight options that create a big impact – in terms of design, not on the environment! The conversation around sustainable airline textiles is complex and can be confusing for the uninitiated. Plastic free packaging, recycled fibres, biodegradable fabrics, rotable vs disposable etc… the list can seem endless; so, where do we start? Recycled fibres are the first approach. Rotable fleece blankets can be made from recycled PET (polyester derived from discarded plastic bottles) and 30
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are completely indistinguishable from the usual virgin fibre polyester fleece blankets. So, if that is the type of blanket your airline needs, then you are taking 20-30 plastic bottles out of circulation each time one is made. This seems like a great solution to make a soft, cosy, and completely serviceable airline product, doesn’t it? But another approach looks at the overall life cycle of a blanket. A fleece blanket will stay fresh for around 30 wash cycles. If you use the same 100% recycled Polyester but in a woven blanket, the tighter spun yarn and smoother handle mean that the
blanket can be washed for around 100 cycles! Investing in longevity could be considered a more environmentally sustainable option. John Horsfall Business Development Manager Ellie Parkes has another environmental consideration in mind – micro plastics in the water supply, “Fleece fabrics, however they are made, are a great product; but they do still shed micro fibres during laundry. The tightly spun yarn and fabric construction of a woven blanket sheds far fewer fibres – and provides an ideal platform for interesting textures or strong all over design.”
