Treated to last
Fabric treatment is a sector in the textile industry that has a great impact on the longevity, functionality and level of end use practicality. Some industries including health care, hospitality, hotels and public transport, use treated fabrics for protection, safety, cleanliness, durability and functionality.
Designed to protect and increase lifespan, the invisible treatment layer on textiles, is a bit like the application of sunscreen on your skin. Once it’s absorbed it is invisible to the naked eye, fabric like our skin absorbs the various treatments directly into its fibres.
Fire retardancy, stain resistance, cleanability and antimicrobial elements are paramount for the lifespan of textiles, and often used as a safety tool, for the areas these fabrics are used in.
One treatment that is highly regarded in these current times is an antimicrobial treatment in the healthcare sector, as viruses are not able to attach to the fabric.
Creating a safe and clean environment for all may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of fabrics on a seat on a train or window furnishings in a hotel. Not only is the longevity of the fabric important but the functionality with tests, research and ongoing innovation in the industry.
Fire retardancy is a treatment that is done to curtains, carpets and any fabrics that are seen as potential fire and safety hazards. The treatment function is considered extremely important as it means the fabric will burn slowly and potentially self-extinguish, limiting the spread or ignition of fire. Curtains and carpets in hotels and health care would be one place this treatment would be specified by the architect or designer. In essence these are safety tools incorporated within the textile, used in a variety of applications and industries, including personal protective equipment and aeronautical arenas. The retardant reduces the flammability of fuels or by reducing the heat, and ability for the fire to combust.
Image Credit: ruico global
One could say the innovation, testing and research in this area is taken for granted as we go along our merry way without even considering the number of tests that need to be conducted to make these spaces safe and clean for us. There is continuous research being conducted with ever-changing forward thinking and innovative ways to treat fabrics with more eco-friendly outcomes. The key considerations being the use of finishes, chemical free dyes and flame retardants that are environmentally friendly and kinder to human skin.
Image Credit: fantastic services
Image Credit: green street fabrics
Anti-microbial fabric treatments have been designed as a deterrent against the growth of bacteria, fungi, and viruses within the fibres. This comes hand in hand with stain protection that is used to protect the fabric from stains and microbes adhering to the fabric surface. These surfaces have been used in health care, senior living spaces, commercial spaces and moving more into the home environment as safe and sanitary upholstery options.
Image Credit: green street fabrics
The treatment works by protecting the fabric from liquid and solid spills that can be cleaned with ease leaving no stains evident. Liquid and solid spills are repelled from the fabric surface, beading and making them easy to wipe off, whilst not penetrating the surface. This protective invisible layer on the fabric, is undetectable to the eye or hand and repels moisture and stains like coffee, sauces, wine, blood, urine and greasy substances without a trace. Killing bacterial growth and unwelcome virus microbes within the fibres, is a brilliant innovation.
Image Credit: live smart by culp
Puncture resistant fabric backings are not a topical treatment but also have a place in the treatment of fabrics for longevity and durability. A knitted backing bonds with fabric to prevent penetration from things such as stiletto heels or other sharp objects which may cause tearing, saving the surface fabric from being damaged. Typically made from a knitted poly cotton blended fabric to strengthen and stabilise the top layer of fabric or leather, it’s strong enough to withstand tough wear and tear and help maintain the shape and form of the item or furniture.
These textile and fabric treatments continue to improve as technologies, research and demands from end users come into play. Environmental developments and considerations toward safer treatments exist with water-based technology, products free from formaldehyde, solvents, VOC’s, PFOS and PFOA.
Treatments like these keep fabrics and textiles clean, stain free and resistant to fires. An invisible shield that protects us every day, going unrecognised. Sometimes the things you can’t see are there to extend the useful life of an item, prevent harmful microbes and keep you safe. Using science and technology, fabrics and textiles are so much more than they appear on the surface.