˚ textile information 7 preface 40 weaving 42 Plain weave 8 natural fibers 42 Twill weave 8 Chart 44 Satin weave 10 Wool 44 Jacquard 12 Cotton 46 Double weave 12 Organic cotton 46 Épinglé 14 Linen 46 Velour 16 Silk 48 finishing 18 man-made fibres 50 Mercerisation 18 Chart 50 Milling 20 Regenerated fibres 50 Sanforising 20 Viscose 50 Stain resistant finish 20 Synthetic fibres 50 Alucoating 20 Polyester 52 Flame-retarding 22 Trevira CS 22 Trevia CS bio-active 54 tests and specification of requirements 24 Polyamid / Nylon 56 Abrasion resistance 24 Polyurethan 58 Pilling 26 Helanca 58 Light fastness 26 Modacrylic 58 Fastness to weathering 26 Microfibre 60 Fastness to rubbing 60 Fire tests 28 yarns 30 Spinning 68 care and symbols 30 Staple yarn / filament yarn 70 Washing 30 Carded woollen yarn / worsted 70 Bleaching 30 Plied yarn 70 Dry-cleaning 30 Chenille 71 Drying 71 Finishing – ironing 32 dyeing 72 Upholstery fabric maintenance 34 Material dyeing 74 Trevira CS curtain maintenance 34 Yarn dyeing 76 Stain removal 34 Piece dyeing 78 quality and environment 36 printing 80 Quality 38 Pigment printing 82 Environment 38 Reactive printing 84 EU Eco-flower 38 Burn-out 38 Inkjet / digital printing preface
Textiles are used in all sorts of interiors – offices, hospitals, nursing homes, theatres and hotels as well as in the home. Each setting poses specific requirements on the furnishing, curtains and screen fabrics It is therefore important how to know how to find the material that best meet these particular requirement
Readers of this Kvadrat textile information manual will discover that there is a wide selection of materials, weaving and finishing methods, each offering distinctive characteristics and benefits. It reviews the important facts of the textile manufacturing process and is an excellent tool for working with textiles and identifying the fabrics that are best suited to your needs natural fibres
Natural fibres are derived from animals or plants
Animal Vegetable Mineral
Fur Cocoon Bast Leaf Stem Seed / Fruit Asbestos
Wool Silk Coconut Manila Linen Cotton Angora Sisal Hemp Mohair Llama Camel Cashmere wool
Wool, a natural animal fibre, is made from sheep fleece. Being a natural fabric, it has many excellent properties
Wool fibres are curly and elastic, allowing the yarn to stretch when pulled and helping it return to its original form. Woollen fabric is capable of withstanding a high degree of wear and has very little tendency to crease
Wool resists dirt to a greater extent than other types of fabric because of the unique structure of the wool fibre and the fact it generates very little static electricity
Wool is intrinsically flame-retardant as its ignition temperature is very high. It neither drips nor melts, but chars. If a glowing ember from a match or cigarette is dropped on it, there will only be a singed mark, which can be brushed off
Woollen fabric is very comfortable since the wool fibre adjusts to room temperature thanks to the compactness of the fibres. Hence, wool upholstery feels warm in the cold and cool in the heat
New Zealand Wool
Wools of New Zealand is an organization helping to promote the use of wool from New Zealand
In order to obtain a licence allowing the labelling of items as “Wools of New Zealand”, fabrics must fulfil certain requirements in respect of properties such as abrasion resistance, pilling, light fastness, colourfastness and crocking, etc. The fabrics must also be manufactured with due regard for the environment R cotton
Cotton is a vegetable fibre. Cottonseed lint, consisting of cellulose, is used for cotton yarn
Robust and durable, cotton it is also resistant to sunlight
Cotton has good colour and printing properties, since the fibre has a high absorption capacity, i.e. dye binds well to the yarn
Since cotton fibre is fairly inelastic, cotton items have a tendency to crease. Cotton items also generally shrink to some extent when washed. This can be overcome by sanforising the cotton (forcing it to shrink), stabilising the item to reduce changes in size during normal washing M organic cotton
Organic cotton is completely natural. The cultivation does entirely without synthetic fertilisers and pesticides. The use of genetically modified seeds is banned
Organic cotton is cultivated in rotation with other crops and is fertilised with manure and compost, which preserves and even increases the soil’s fertility
Both the growing and production of organic cotton are based on long-term, sustainable methods that benefit both the environment and people
Organic cotton is recyclable and biologically degradable linen
Another vegetable textile fibre, linen comes from the stems of the flax plant. The flax filaments in the stem – which, like the seed hairs of cotton, also consist of cellulose – are made into the linen yarn
The fibre of the flax filament is particularly long and smooth, giving linen great tensile strength and a minimal tendency to stretch. However, linen does not take kindly to mechanical processing, where its durability is not on par with cotton
The long, inelastic flax filaments cause untreated linen to shrink and crease in the wash
Dry dirt can easily be removed thanks to the smoothness of the flax filaments, whereas wet dirt penetrates into the linen fibre more easily silk
Silk is an animal fibre that comes from the silkworm, which creates its cocoon from very long silk fibres
Taking care of the frail silkworm requires careful attention and hard work. Climate also is an important consideration: mulberry leaves, the sole food of the silkworm, require a frost-free climate
Silk is a living material since silkworms do not produce the exact same silk. This means that the yarn may vary somewhat in thickness and shine
One kilo of cocoons (approx. 2,000 cocoons) gives between 200 and 300 gram of silk, hence the fabric’s high cost. One cocoon produces approx. 4 km silk, of which 3 km can be used for grade A products. Naturally, it is not an extremely long yarn and has to be tied together, which creates small knots
Dry cleaning and ironing at low temperatures without steam is recommended
Silk does not tolerate water, which can leave stains. Dry cleaning will, however remove these
Silk offers poor resistance to sunlight, which is why silk fades fairly quickly. In fact, the fibres are damaged by sunlight. Consequently, if silk curtains are to be placed in direct sunlight they should be lined with other fabrics man-made fibre
Man-made fibres are divided into two main categories: regenerated fibres and synthetic fibres
Regenerated
Cellulose Cellulose Protein Sundry Esters
Viscose Acetate Modal
Synthetic
Polyamide Polyester Polyvinyl Polychloride Polypropylene Elastane Polyurethane
Nylon Trevira Lycra
Polyacrylic PVC Polyvinyl Teflon Sundry Alcohol
Cordelan regenerated fibres
Regenerated fibres, made from natural fibres and wood, have a high cellulose content viscose
The most important “recreated” fibre is viscose, which is made from wood chips and the leftover materials from the spinning of cotton. Viscose is used to good effect for curtain materials since the fibre is highly resistant to sunlight. Viscose can also be mixed with wool in upholstery fabrics in order to increase the lustre
Viscose fibre is fairly inelastic, which is why viscose items crease so easily. The material can, however, withstand high ironing temperatures synthetic fibres
Synthetic fibres are made from chemical compounds in the form of oil, natural gas and hydrocarbons polyester
Polyester is the most popular man-made fibre and is often combined with cotton and wool. Polyester is extremely hard-wearing, which is why it is often added to furnishing fabrics
Polyester is frequently used in curtains because of its ability to resist sunlight and creasing trevira cs
Trevira CS is a special type of polyester: the chemical composition of the fibres makes this textile permanently flame-retardant. This quality remains intact after repeated laundering and long-term usage
Trevira CS fulfils all current fire standards applicable in Europe, both for home use and for the contract market. In addition, this easy care textile ensures a high degree of light fastness, which means minimal fading N trevira cs bio-active
All the advantages of Trevira CS can now be combined with a new strength: Bio-activity. Trevira CS Bio-active actively protects against micro organisms and meets the special hygiene requirements for the healthcare sector
Built-in silver ions in the fibre destroy the cell membranes, preventing the spread and growth of bacteria
The silver ions are built into the fibre and the effect is permanent – it cannot be washed out or worn off, and it has no harmful effect on the skin
Trevira CS Bio-active Permanently flame-retardant and bio-active Meets the highest hygiene standards Does not cause allergy Easy care polyamide / nylon
Like polyester, polyamide (or nylon, as it is popularly called) is often used in combination with wool. Polyamide / nylon is hard-wearing and can be mixed in small quantities (5-10%) it with wool to increase the durability of the material polyurethane
Polyurethane is a synthetic polymer created from the reaction between di-isocyanate and polyvalent alcohol. A very versatile fibre, Polyurethane is used in the Kvadrat product Bazil
Bazil is a composite material made of a base material of cotton / polyester with the addition of a polyurethane film, which is coloured to produce the desired shade. The film has an intricate pattern, making the surface extremely precise
Bazil is produced conventionally, but with consideration for the environment. The benefits of these types of technical products are intensity of use and ease of maintenance helanca
Helanca is the brand name of a stretchable nylon fibre, which, when mixed with wool, makes material particularly suitable for upholstering certain types of furniture. Tonus is an example of just such a fabric modacrylic
This is a modified polyacrylic with flame-retarding advantages. It is used in combination with polyester, for example, in curtain fabrics microfibre
Microfibre is an exceptionally thin fibre, typically created using nylon, polyester, polyurethane or a mixture of these man-made fibres
The definition of a microfibre is: The weight of 9,000 m of thread measured in grammes < 1 – i.e. less than 1 denier. The microfibres used in Kvadrat’s microfibre furnishing fabric, Glove, are called super microfibres, since they are as fine as 0.001 denier
During the production of the microfibre, the fibres are first pressed together using pins, after which the surface is napped in order to achieve a suede-like appearance. The extra fine fibres mean that microfibre fabrics are very light and soft, but at the same time extremely hard-wearing yarns
Yarn types are created by different spinning methods spinning
Loose fibres go through a number of processes before they finish up as yarn. The purpose of these processes is to open, clean and align the fibres and gather them into a “band”. At the end of the process, these bands are stretched and twisted to give the yarn its final strength and thickness staple yarn / filament yarn
Staple yarn is a term for yarn made of fibres of a set length. Yarns from natural fibres are always staple yarns
Synthetic items, on the other hand, are most often made from filament yarns, which is the term for yarns made from fibres of infinite lengths carded woollen yarn / worsted yarn
Carded woollen yarn undergoes few alignment processes and is a relatively “woolly” yarn. Worsted yarn undergoes more alignment processes and is also combed, during which the very short fibres are removed. This gives worsted yarn a very smooth, lustrous yarn
Carded woollen yarn Worsted yarn plied yarn
To achieve greater strength / tensile strength and evenness, two or more yarns can be plied together. Special machines can also ply yarns of different types together to achieve effects as seen in bouclé, slub yarns or loop yarns chenille
Chenille yarn consists of a thread that has short fibres fastened onto it. This gives the yarn the appearance of a pipe cleaner dyeing material dyeing
Term for the dyeing of loose wool / cotton or spun-dyed synthetic fibres yarn dyeing
The off-white yarn is dyed to the desired shade(s) prior to weaving piece dyeing
The off-white yarn is made up into cloth before being dyed. Used for uni-coloured fabric, with this process there will always be slight colour variations from batch to batch printing pigment printing
Pigment printing is used for simple patterns but can also be used where a rather more special effect is desired, such as printing with mother-of-pearl colours or white printing on a white background
With pigment printing, there are distinct differences between the front and the back. The process can be used on either synthetics or cottons reactive printing
Reactive printing is only used on synthetics because the dye makes a compound with the fibre, therefore reactive printing is rather like dyeing. With reactive printing, the difference between the front and the back is less distinct burn-out
Burn-out printing uses either a colourless paste or a paste to which colour has been added. The paste etches away a component of the fibres and these areas become transparent
This kind of printing can be used on many different types of material, including cotton / polyester blends and pure polyester fabrics inkjet / digital printing
Inkjet / digital printing is a fairly novel textile printing method. The pattern is printed directly from a computer and the process is similar to that of an ordinary printer
The method is ideal for limited productions / amounts
This technique can be used for multi-colour printing, hues with fine lines, photos and very large pattern repeats weaving
A woven item consists of two thread systems; the warp threads run lengthways and the weft threads run widthways. The desired material is obtained depending on how the two chain-systems are woven together. There are many different weaves, but they can all be traced back to three basic weaves: canvas, twill and satin plain weave
This weave is the simplest and one of the most common. The weft threads are guided alternately above and below each warp thread A plain weave looks the same on the front and reverse. It is firm and produces a strong fabric, since it makes use of the maximum number of intersections
twill weave
This weave is characterized by the diagonal stripes that are formed during the weaving process. If the diagonal goes from right to left, the twill is called Z twill. If it goes from left to right, it is called S twill. Twill weave fabrics have fewer intersections than a plain-weave fabric and are therefore also more supple satin weave
Fabric in this category is characterized by a smooth and frequently lustrous surface. There is a distinct difference between the right and reverse sides because either the warp threads or the weft threads form the wearing surface. Satin items are very flexible and allow for a closer weave than with fabrics of other weaves
jacquard
When large patterns are to be woven, e.g. floral motifs, a special technique is used, whereby each individual warp thread can be raised or lowered independently of the others. The jacquard technique is used for this purpose. The jacquard machine is placed over the weave and is typically digitally guided double weave
This refers to two items woven together. Typically a plain weave is used, achieving two right sides, one the colour negative of the other. Double weave is often used for bedspreads épinglé
The Épinglé technique, a classic weave, is also called uncut Mecca. Each loop is tied either once or twice like a V or a W in the base weave. This produces a very strong surface where it is almost impossible to pull out the loops velour
The technique used to produce velour can be the same as that used for épinglé. In the case of velour, however, the loops are cut, resulting in a very soft surface mercerisation
Cotton yarn or piece-goods are simultaneously stretched whilst being treated in strong soda lye. Mercerisation increases the lustre and strength of the cotton. The effect is permanent milling
Milling is a finishing method for woollen fabric, where the fabric is subjected to mechanical processing with soap and water. This gives the fabric a felt-like appearance. (Milled fabric, however, is not really comparable with a true felt, which is not woven) sanforising
A controlled shrinking process for woven cotton fabrics, resulting in fabrics that are highly stable in terms of holding their shape finishing stain resistant finish
A stain resistant finish protects a textile from everyday dirt and liquid spills, but does not take the place of regular cleaning of the material It is most commonly used on cotton items
The treatment is normally based in fluorocarbons, which do not alter the handle and appearance of the textile. It is hypoallergenic, and does not harm the envirnonment
The finish is also relatively resistant to washing and dry-cleaning After cleaning it can be revitalised by the effect of heat, e.g. ironing Teflon is a registered trade mark / treatment within this category alucoating
Alucoating is a process used for more transparent curtains. A coating is applied that reflects heat rays and visible light to a varying degree depending on colour of the relevant textile. This helps to create a pleasant and healthy indoor climate inside buildings that are exposed to high levels of sunlight and heat. Importantly, this is a function that usually involves a high cost solution such as air-conditioning flame-retarding
Products for public buildings often have to pass certain fire tests. Many textiles pass the relevant tests without any modification, whilst others need additional flame-retardant treatment
Different types of flame-retardant treatments are available such as Low Smoke Zirpro, a treatment developed by the International Wool Secretariat (IWS) to heighten the flame resistance of wool fibres. Another retardant is Flovan, which can be used on several different materials
In addition, a number of private label retardants are available for use on diverse types of material
The retardants are usually cleaning-proof, and some are even wash-proof
The above retardants are usually applied by dipping, but a flame-retardant back-coating may be applied where appropriate flame-retarding – flovan
A flame-retardant based on nitrogen-containing s phosphoric acid salts. Flovan is water-soluble and is therefore only suitable for dry cleaning flame-retarding – low smoke zirpro
The International Wool Secretariat’s (IWS) approved treatment, designed to achieve greater flame-resistance, can withstand laundering and dry-cleaning. Zirpro is an agent based on zirconium compounds and is not water-soluble tests and specification of requirements abrasion resistance areas of application
The most widely used method for determining abrasion resistance is In the home the Martindale Method, since this has proved to be the most accurate Rooms used occasionally During Martindale testing a sample of the item to be tested is rubbed soft upholstery 10,000 revolutions against a standard woollen fabric while a given weight-load is applied hard upholstery 15,000 revolutions
The machine runs at intervals of 5,000 revolutions, continuing until two Rooms used intensively threads are worn. The abrasion value is one of the key factors to consider soft upholstery 15,000 revolutions when choosing a fabric hard upholstery 25,000 revolutions
The Clothing and Textile Centre of the Danish Technological Institute has prepared a classification chart stating the minimum abrasion resistance areas of application required for various types of application Public areas and office environments
Hotel and meeting rooms and hospital wards not used intensively soft upholstery 10,000 revolutions hard upholstery 15,000 revolutions
Lounges in hospitals and nursing homes, function rooms and student hostels soft upholstery 15,000 revolutions hard upholstery 25,000 revolutions
Offices, staff rooms, meeting and lecture rooms, restaurants, canteens, cinemas, theatres and aircraft soft upholstery 25,000 revolutions hard upholstery 35,000 revolutions
Trains, buses, passenger boats, hotel foyers, departure halls, cafeterias, schools and institutions for children and youths soft upholstery 30,000 revolutions hard upholstery 45,000 revolutions
Furniture fabric classification: 2002 (5th revised edition) pilling
Pilling is the term used to indicate whether a fabric “piles”. The test for pilling is carried out using the Martindale apparatus. The fabric is rubbed against the same standard fabric that is used in the abrasion test. However, there is no weight applied. Afterwards, the appearance of the item is compared with standard photos, designated 1 (worst) to 5 (best) light fastness
Light fastness relates to the ability of a textile to retain its colour under the influence of light. When testing for light fastness, the samples are illuminated using artificial daylight for a specified period. Together with the samples, a so-called blue scale is also illuminated. The blue scale consists of eight standard textiles of known light fastness. In the evaluation, the fading of the samples is compared with the fading on the blue scale
The evaluation scale ranges from 1 to 8, with 8 being the best value An increase of one point corresponds to a doubling of the light fastness, i.e. the same fading takes twice as long
Kvadrat’s minimum requirement is 5, and we endeavour to ensure that all our materials fulfil this requirement. In some cases, however – e.g. pastel colours and un-dyed items – that can be difficult to achieve fastness to weathering
Weathering fastness indicates the degree to which a given textile fades when exposed to outdoor weather conditions, i.e. the fabric is exposed to non-UV filtered artificial daylight. In addition, the fabric sample is alternately moistened and dried
The scale used for assessing the degree of fading is identical to that used for lightfastness
Minimum requirement for private decoration, note 4 Minimum requirement for public decoration, note 5 fastness to rubbing
Fastness to rubbing is a term for resistance to colour transfer onto other textiles. A distinction is made between wet and dry rubbing. Wet rubbing refers to the colour transfer that may occur when someone wearing slightly damp trousers, for example, sits on a piece of furniture. Colour transfer is evaluated by comparing the degree of transfer with a grey scale, and the degree of transfer is characterized using 1-5, where 5 is the best value fire tests
There are differing requirements concerning the flame-retardance of furnishing fabrics and curtain materials. Individual countries have their own standards regarding the requirements to be met. As a rule, it is more a matter of general standards than statutory requirements
In addition, there are differences relating to whether textiles are for the home or for contract use
In the section to follow, we have described the most common regulations, but there may be special areas where other requirements apply. In addition, the local fire authority must generally approve the textiles to be used
This information is for guidance only K fire requirements – private sector
Furniture fabric
Denmark, Germany USA No legal requirement, but we recommend: There are no general requirements EN 1021-1 (cigarette test). Ignition source 0 Cruise Ships Finland, Norway, Sweden IMO A.652 (16). The fabric is tested in combination with “worst case” Legal requirement: foam. A pass or fail result is obtained EN 1021-1 (cigarette test). Ignition source 0
The Netherlands The same requirements as the UK often apply
United Kingdom Legal requirement: BS 5852, Part 1 (cigarette + match test). Ignition source 0-1 Where an interliner is used, the cover is only required to pass the cigarette test, ignition source 0. This only applies, however, where the cover consists of a minimum of 75% cotton, linen, viscose, modal, silk or wool
France No legal requirement, but we recommend: EN 1021-1/2 (cigarette + match test). This also applies to the office sector
Belgium / Spain The same requirements as France often apply
Switzerland No legal requirement, but we recommend: SN 198 898, Class 4.2
Austria No legal requirement
Italy No legal requirement, but we recommend: EN 1021-1/2 (cigarette + match test). Ignition source 0-1 fire requirements – contract sector
Furniture fabric
Denmark Germany No requirements, but we recommend: Catering – legal requirement: EN 1021 DIN 54 342, part 1 (= EN 1021-1, cigarette test) Cinemas – if smoking Norway is permitted – upholstery must comply with DIN 4102 B1 Catering – no requirement. The local fire authority may require: EN 1021-1 (cigarette test). Ignition source 0 Offices, no legal requirement, but we recommend: EN 1021- 1/2 or DIN 4102 B2 Hotels, offices and hospitals no requirement Hotels and Hospitals – the local fire authority sets requirements, generally Sweden specifying DIN 4102, B2 or B1. Compliance with B1 is usually required for Hotels and catering legal requirement: same as the private sector. use in hospitals. Public places + 200 persons: DIN 4102 B1 (MV stätt V § 33) In some cases, the fire authorities may also require: EN 1021-2 (match test). Ignition source 1 Switzerland No legal requirement, but we recommend: Offices and hospitals – no requirement SN 198 898, Class 5.2 Finland Austria Hotels and catering – legal requirement: No legal requirement, but we recommend: EN 1021-1/2 (cigarette + match test). Ignition source 0-1 ÖNORM 3800, Teil 1. ÖNORM 3825 Offices and hospitals, no requirement Italy The Netherlands Legal requirement: The same requirements as the UK often apply UNI 9175, Class 1 IM. In addition, the combined totality of materials has to be tested United Kingdom Legal requirement: USA EN 1021-1/2 (cigarette + match test). BS 5852, crib 5 Some states have legal requirements, e.g. California Tech. Bulletin 133, Offices, BS 5852 Ignition source 2-5 which is required in “high risk buildings”, etc.; others are voluntary, e.g. Cal. Tech. Bulletins 116 and 117; elsewhere there are no requirements France whatsoever. It is necessary to investigate the fire requirements individually NF D 60 013 / AM 18 has replaced NF P 92 507 M2 for each project EN 1021-1/2 (cigarette + match test) often accepted for movable furnitures Cruise Ships IMO A.652 (16) Belgium / Spain The fabric is tested in combination with “worst case” foam. A pass or fail The same requirements as France often apply result is obtained fire requirements – contract sector
Curtain material
Denmark Italy No requirement Legal requirement: UNI 9177, Class 1
Norway Cruise Ships No known requirement Curtain materials IMO A.471(XII). The fabric is set alight in a vertical position. A pass or fail result is obtained Sweden No known requirement Wall and ceiling coverings IMO A.653(16). The fabric is subjected to NT 043 may be required radiated heat. A pass or fail result is obtained BS 5867 may also be accepted
Finland No known requirement
The Netherlands The same requirements as the UK often apply
United Kingdom Legal requirement: BS 5867, Part 2
France NF P 92 507 M1 or M2
Belgium / Spain The same requirements as France often apply
Germany DIN 4102 B1
Switzerland No legal requirement. The test applied to furniture fabrics is also applied to curtain materials
Austria No legal requirements, but we recommend: EN 13 773 care and symbols washing drying
Y A washing bowl is used as the basic symbol for washing V A circle surrounded by a square is used as a basic symbol for drying in connection with laundering F The number gives the highest washing temperature that the textile can tolerate W Where all drying methods, i.e. tumble-drying, line-drying, X drip-drying and drying flat are possible, the symbol shows S Where the washing bowl is underlined, a delicates wash should the maximum basic temperature for tumble-drying in the form of be used. Delicates wash means a more gentle wash combined with one or two dots a higher water level, which means that the textile is subjected to less creasing. The words “half load” and “gentle spin” will be shown in addition C Where tumble-drying would damage the item irreparably, the basic symbol is crossed out G Where washing would damage the item, the basic symbol is crossed out, unless information regarding the risk is given in a supplementary text finishing / ironing
U An iron is used as the basic symbol for post washing treatment bleaching The temperature is given by using one, two or three dots in the iron
Z A triangle is used as the basic symbol for bleaching in connection E Ironing with or without steam. Max 110°C (acrylic / acetate) with washing. Where bleaching is possible, the chemical designation “Cl” for chlorine is given in the triangle I Ironing with or without steam. Max 150°C (wool / polyester / viscose) B The basic symbol is crossed out where bleaching is to be avoided, since it would damage the item J Ironing with or without steam. Max 200°C (cotton / linen)
a Where finishing would damage the item, the basic symbol is dry-cleaning crossed out
T A circle is used as the basic symbol for dry-cleaning Please see www.kvadrat.dk for more information D The letter in the circle indicates the dry cleaning fluid and dry-cleaning method to be used (information for the dry-cleaners)
H An underlining of the basic symbol means that the textile requires a gentle dry-cleaning process
L If dry-cleaning will damage the item, the basic symbol is crossed out unless information regarding damage is given in supplementary text upholstery fabric maintenance
Regular cleaning is important in order to keep the upholstery looking its best and to prolong its life. Dust and dirt wear down the textile and also reduce its fire-retardant properties
Normal cleaning Vacuum frequently, ideally every week. Remove non-greasy stains by carefully dabbing with a lint-free cloth or sponge wrung out in soapy water or water with a little washing-up liquid added. (See formulae.) Afterwards, dab the surface with clean, tepid water. Warning! Do not rub the material hard because this could result in loss of colour or potentially damage the nap
Formulae Soapy solution is made of 1/4 dl. of soap flakes to 1 litre of hot water; leave to cool before use
Washing-up liquid solution: max. 1 teaspoonful of washing-up liquid to 1 litre of water. With concentrated agents, use a few drops per litre of water
Please see www.kvadrat.dk/textiles/collection for additional care instructions trevira cs curtain maintenance
Normal use Private sector and hotels, institutions, etc
Delicate wash, 40°C, half load, slowest spin Drip dry Iron at lowest temperature, if necessary Shrinkage approx. 1% in the length It is possible to wash at higher temperature, but it is not necessary at normal use
Extreme use Health care
Delicate wash, 60°C, half load, slowest spin Drip dry Ironing will be necessary when washed at 60°C, iron at lowest temperature Shrinkage approx. 1% in the length To disinfect the fabric, introduce a suitable disinfectant to the washing process to avoid washing at very high temperatures
Please note that a few designs are washable at only 40°C
The appearance after washing depends on the washing method, the temperature, the amount of water compared to the amount of textile and the spinning and the drying method
All curtain fabrics by Kvadrat are delivered with care instruction labels
Please see www.kvadrat.dk/textiles/collection for additional care instructions stain removal
If you act quickly, it is not difficult to remove spills and prevent stains Ballpoint pen from forming Dab / rub carefully with white spirit
First, soak up the liquid with an absorbent napkin or cloth and scrape off Blood any hardened residue with a spoon Wash off using cold water. If that does not work, add a neutral washing agent Test stain-removal agents on an inconspicuous area first, to see if there is any effect on the cover. Edge marks can be avoided by dabbing gently Chocolate in circular motions towards the centre of the stain. It may also be Scrape off with a spoon or knife necessary to use a hairdryer to avoid leaving edge marks Ketchup Warning Dab with tepid water. Then wash using mild soapy water Be careful when using solvents because these could dissolve the upholstery materials beneath Cosmetics Dab with tepid water. Then wash in mild soapy water. If necessary, General information dab with cleaning benzene These tips are purely recommendations and cannot guarantee complete stain removal. In all cases, we recommend contacting Grease and fat a professional cleaning establishment, particularly for large stains Dab with a solvent, e.g. mineral turpentine or cleaning benzene and / or thorough cleaning Nail varnish Please also refer to the following guide Dab with acetone or an oil free nail varnish remover
Oil-based paint Clean with turpentine and dab with mild soapy water For old stains, consult a specialist
Water-based paint Dab with mild soapy water. For (water-based) old stains, consult a specialist
Shoe polish Dab with a solvent, e.g. mineral turpentine or cleaning benzene
Wax Cool with ice cubes in a plastic bag, then break the wax and carefully remove the loose pieces. Run a medium iron over layers of absorbent, white paper. Any remainder can be removed using a cloth moistened with solvent, such as petroleum quality and environment quality
At Kvadrat, we began to describe our work procedures and objectives in the early 1990s. We were among the first in Denmark to collate all our processes into a quality management system, becoming certified to ISO 9001 in March 1992
With our quality management system, we were able to describe the work procedures used hitherto, and common sense became systematised environment
Respect for the environment is paramount at Kvadrat. We are committed to preventing unnecessary use of resources, reducing pollution and ensuring excellent health and safety at work
Environmentally certified ISO 14001 in 1997, we consistently review our products and processes with the aim of minimising their environmental impact. To that end, we use the latest technology to enhance the quality of our products and reduce their impact on the environment
Products Kvadrat textiles have an extremely long life span, thanks to our policy of using only the finest quality raw materials, innovative production processes and timeless designs
All our textiles adhere to our strict quality and environmental guidelines whilst complying with the relevant legislation, regulations and standards We also adhere to the strict limits set by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency’s List of Undesirable Substances. The list is focused on the 68 most damaging and harmful substances on the EU commission’s List of Hazardous Substances. The complete List of Undesirable Substances can be seen www.kvadrat.dk/company/environment/
We work closely with our partners to ensure that potentially damaging substances are never present in our products and processes. For example, in 1997, we stopped mothproofing our woollen products to protect workers involved in the process and to reduce contamination of waste water
We never use AZO dyes, which can split off into carcinogenic acryl amines Dyes that contain heavy metals Bromide flame-retardants Chemicals that require chlorine for production PVC in base production Moth proofing for woollen products eu eco-flower
A number of our products have been recognised for their environmental credentials and, as a result, carry eco-labels
Pure, Molly, Hallingdal and Hacker have all been awarded the EU “Flower” eco-label. This is only awarded after the product’s complete life cycle has been evaluated and confirmed to be among the best on the market in its category. (The evaluation process covers the type of fibre used, the production process, the use of chemicals and quality control)
Find out more about the EU Flower eco-label www.kvadrat.dk/company/environment/
Flora, Kosmos and Helix fabrics by Fanny Aronsen have been awarded the Bra Mijloval eco-label – “Good Environmental Choice” – by the Swedish Society for Nature and Conservation and Retailers
The yarns of Trevira CS, one of our most popular materials, are certified to Oeko-Tex 100
It is our aim to earn many more eco-label awards in the future
Trevira CS Transportation 90% of Kvadrat curtains are made of Trevira CS. Made from top quality All our forwarding agents must employ an environmental manager, have yarn, this unique type of polyester is durable and economical to maintain. a written environmental policy and document environmental accounts Produced by Trevira GmbH, a company that is ISO 14001 certified, the Trucks must use an EU3 engine (which produces minimal pollution and yarns are hypoallergenic and are certified to Oeko-Tex 100 standard. has low fuel consumption) Visit www.trevira.com to find out more about Trevira CS Packaging Wool At Kvadrat, we use a customised packaging machine that reduces the We choose the wool that best fits the design, sourcing from New Zealand, amount of plastic used. We only use recyclable plastic (within the limit Australia and Norway. Only biodegradable detergents and spinning-oil for heavy metal content pursuant to 94/62/EEC), and we recycle packaging are used in the scouring and spinning processes. As far as possible, whenever possible. Our fabric arrives in cardboard boxes, which are residual fibres are gathered and recycled in other industries. The coils recycled if they cannot be reused from the coning process are also recycled along with the plastic bags the wool is delivered in Partners We build long-term relationships with our partner suppliers founded on Cotton a shared commitment to maximise quality and minimise environmental We use quality cotton from Africa, Greece and South America. The impact. Annually, we hold a seminar where, together, we explore new different types of waste from the manufacturing process are gathered, ways to achieve these goals sorted and recycled, whenever possible, whilst dye and wastewater is drained to the local water treatment plant. To further protect the Every two years we undertake an environmental survey of our partners environment, spinning oil is never used. Our collection includes textiles and re-approve contracts. All new contracts are accompanied by an made from both organic (grown naturally, without pesticides and environmentally focused code of conduct fertilisers) and conventionally grown cotton. Our EU Flower winning Pure is made from the 100 per cent organic cotton
For more information www.kvadrat.dk