NuBonelle Textiles & Yarn: Interesting Facts - Sustainable Interiors
🌿 NuBonelle Textiles and Yarn: Interesting Facts - Sustainable Interiors
When we think about textiles, fashion usually comes to mind first. Sustainability issues for interior textiles, in our homes — curtains, cushions, upholstery, rugs, baskets — quietly shape our everyday lives.
Interior textiles are designed to last longer. Durability tends to come with heavier materials, coatings, natural and synthetic fibres — which brings its own environmental, sustainable interiors and standards challenges.
So, let’s wander into the world of eco-friendly interior textiles, and explore what’s really behind the textiles we live with.
🌿 Textiles and Yarn: Interesting Facts
The UK generates roughly 206,000 tonnes of textile waste annually, yet only about 14.6% of this is recycled or reused.
When all streams are included, up to 1 million tonnes of textiles are discarded a year , with an estimated 20% to landfill and the rest mostly incinerated.
Natural fibres dominate the sustainable textile materials market, with natural fibres (organic cotton, hemp, linen, bamboo and others) holding roughly 46–60% share due to their renewability and biodegradability.
In the UK Home Textile Market bamboo and hemp blends are expanding at 9.64% per year as eco-conscious consumers seek lower-impact alternatives, while Linen is enjoying a premium resurgence.
Developing a range of natural textiles and yarn for sustainable interiors decor.
Before we get started let us look at a few terms specific to sustainable textiles and yarns for Interiors.
Carbon emissions are the release of greenhouse gases—primarily carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) into the atmosphere, caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, driving global warming and climate change.
Microplastics are small plastic particles less than 5 mm in diameter, originating from broken-down waste. They pollute oceans, soil, and air. Some health risks include inflammation, oxidative stress, and toxicity.
Degradation refers to the physical, chemical, and biological breakdown of fabric materials over time, resulting in a loss of strength, brittleness, colour changes, and subsequent fibre destruction.
Chain‑of‑custody is the sequential, written document recording an unbroken, documented trail from acquisition to desired outcome of a process. It ensures the procedure has not been tampered with, altered, or contaminated.
Breathability a material's ability to allow air to circulate and moisture vapor (sweat) to escape, preventing it from building up inside a textile covering. It keeps coverings dry and comfortable by allowing perspiration to evaporate.
🌿 Sustainable Interiors - Textiles and Yarns
Polyester in Interiors: Durable, Affordable, Everywhere
Polyester isn’t just dominant in fashion — it plays a huge role in interiors too.
Globally, synthetic fibres account for around 60–65% of all textile production, with polyester being the most widely used. In home furnishings, polyester is favoured because it is:
- hard-wearing
- stain-resistant
- colourfast
- affordable
But polyester is derived from fossil fuels, and its production contributes significantly to carbon emissions. Over time, synthetic furnishings also shed microplastics through wear, cleaning and degradation.
Durability is valuable — but it raises an important question:
Where do we draw the line between practicality and impact?
Cotton, Linen and Hemp: Natural, But Not Impact-Free
Whilst natural fibres often feel like the obvious sustainable choice, and in many cases they are — but each comes with its own footprint.
Cotton
- Accounts for around 24% of global fibre production
- Conventional cotton farming uses significant water and pesticides
- Organic cotton can reduce chemical use by up to 90%
Linen (Flax)
- Requires less water and fewer chemicals than cotton
- Produces strong, long-lasting fibres
- Often considered one of the lower-impact natural textiles
Linen is a sustainable interior textile
Hemp
- Grows rapidly with minimal pesticides
- Produces durable fibres
- Often cited as one of the most sustainable textile crops
These fibres work beautifully in interiors, especially where longevity and breathability matter — but sourcing and processing still make a difference.
Hemp yarn is perfect for sustainable interior decor.
Jute: The Quiet Sustainable Hero
Jute is often overlooked, yet it’s one of the most environmentally friendly fibres used in interiors.
- Biodegradable and renewable
- Low water and chemical requirements
- Commonly used in rugs, baskets and storage
Its natural texture also makes it a popular choice in more considered interior design.
Leather and PVC: Complex Choices
Leather and PVC occupy a more complicated space in sustainable interiors.
Leather
- Extremely durable and long-lasting
- Environmental impact depends heavily on tanning processes
- Traditional tanning can involve harmful chemicals and high water use
PVC (synthetic leather)
- Plastic-based and difficult to recycle
- Often used as a cheaper alternative to leather
- Long lifespan, but significant environmental cost
Colourful Woven interior decor textiles.
🌿 New generation sustainable textiles
PIÑATEX® - is a vegan leather alternative made from pineapple leaf fibers, which are waste products from the pineapple industry.
TômTex Series M - is a plant-based, biodegradable material made from seafood shell waste and coffee grounds - a suitable leather alternative.
Dani leather – a leather produced under stringent environmental guidelines, with a focus on minimizing the use of non-recyclable chemicals during the tanning process.
In many cases, reuse, vintage sourcing or reclaimed materials can be more sustainable than producing new alternatives.
Whilst some textiles are used for both fashion and interiors the former differ as they have finishes and treatments designed to improve functionality, met regulations, prolong their life, etc.
🌿 Hidden Impact: Finishes and Treatments
Many interior textiles are treated to improve performance:
- stain resistance
- water repellency
- flame retardancy
- anti-microbial finishes
These treatments can involve chemicals that affect both environmental and indoor air quality.
Furthermore, sustainability issues in interior textiles span environmental, social, and health impacts across the full lifecycle of products, from fibre production to disposal.
Sustainable home textile applications are projected to grow roughly 6.5–8.5% annually as households and hospitality projects specify organic and low‑impact textiles.
Certifications systems have been developed to ensure that producers, designers, manufacturers and consumers are supporting the sustainable home textile agenda.
🌿 Certifications and what to look for
Key sustainability and safety labels for interior textiles include:
Fibre and content certifications
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): Validates organic fibre content plus responsible processing from raw fibre through to finished fabric, including chemical restrictions and social criteria. This s the key label to look for if prioritising organic cotton or other organic natural fibres in upholstery or soft furnishings.
The GOTS logo - validates organic fibre content
GRS (Global Recycled Standard): Sanctions genuine recycled content, chain‑of‑custody, and basic environmental and social practices in the production of recycled textiles. Valuable for upholstery made from recycled polyester or other recycled fibres, helping distinguish credible recycled claims from greenwash.
The GRS logo - distinguishes credible textile recycling claims.
Chemical and health-focused labels
OEKO‑TEX Standard 100: This is a well‑known labels showing a fabric has been tested for a long list of harmful substances and meets strict limit values, supporting healthier indoor air and skin contact.
OEKO TEX logo - indicates a textile has been tested harmful substances - to strict limit
bluesign / OEKO‑TEX MADE IN GREEN / Eco Passport: bluesign focuses on chemical management and resource efficiency in textile production
OEKO‑TEX MADE IN GREEN combines product safety with traceable, environmentally responsible manufacturing.
Eco Passport by OEKO‑TEX certifies individual chemicals as safer inputs.
Social and ethical standards
Fairtrade, Fair Trade, SA8000, Responsible Business: These schemes address fair wages, safe working conditions, and workers’ rights within textile supply chains.
The Fairtrade logo - denotes social and economic standards
ZQ / ZQRX wool: For wool‑rich upholstery, ZQ and its regenerative ZQRX programme ensure animal welfare, land stewardship, and social responsibility in merino production.
ZQ logo, et al - ensures social responsibility in wool production
Safety and performance
BS 5852, BS 7176 (FR performance): In the UK, upholstery that claims fire retardancy must meet tests such as BS 5852 and BS 7176, ensuring appropriate flame resistance. The pairing of safety and sustainability standards, with eco‑labels (e.g. OEKO‑TEX, EU Ecolabel, GOTS/GRS) helps avoid reliance on more hazardous legacy flame retardant.
Multi-attribute textile certifications
EU Ecolabel (Textiles): The EU’s “flower” logo sets strict criteria on fibre sourcing, hazardous chemicals, durability, and colourfastness for home textiles like throws, pillow covers, bedding and indoor home comfort products. This signals lower overall environmental footprint and high performance.
🌿 How textiles affect interior sustainability
- Choosing durable textiles (for example, tightly woven wool, high‑quality linen or robust blends) reduces replacement frequency and associated waste over a product’s life.
- Thick or insulating textiles such as wool or dense weaves can improve thermal comfort at windows and walls, reducing heating and cooling needs and supporting energy‑efficient interiors.
· Light‑coloured textiles can reflect more sunlight and help keep interiors cooler in summer, while low‑emission, certified textiles reduce indoor chemical exposure and improve air quality.
It’s one reason why untreated natural textiles, deadstock textiles and reclaimed materials are increasingly valued in conscious design.
🌿 The NuBonelle Perspective
As I’ve been developing NuBonelle’s collections, I have realised that sustainability in textiles rarely fits into neat categories.
This is why NuBonelle now works across three evolving collections:
✨ Revival
Using recycled and upcycled textiles, reclaimed garments and revived deadstock — giving existing materials a second life.
🌿 Better Choices
Using thoughtfully selected natural fibres such as cotton and linen — chosen for their lower environmental impact, even when certification isn’t always possible.
🌱 Positive Impact
Using certified eco-friendly materials including cotton, hemp, linen, bamboo, Tencel and other plant-based textiles — offering clearer traceability and measurable sustainability benefits.
In interiors as much as fashion, each material choice involves trade-offs between durability, availability, cost and impact.
NuBonelle doesn’t aim for perfection. Instead, it focuses on transparency, intention and continuous improvement. We create pieces that are handmade to be used, loved and kept.
🌿 So… What Does Sustainable Interiors Really Mean?
We don’t need to replace everything we own.
Sometimes sustainability looks like:
· Choosing:
o durable textiles to reduce replacement frequency
o thick or insulating textiles to improve thermal efficiency
o light‑coloured textiles can reflect more sunlight
o quality over quantity
- Keeping what already works
- Repairing instead of replacing
- Understanding materials before buying new
Small, thoughtful choices — made consistently — can have a meaningful impact.
🌿 What Can I Do? Practical Steps for More Sustainable Interiors
- Reuse and repurpose existing textiles, such as curtains, bedding or garments, rather than discarding them.
- Repair or refresh upholstery instead of replacing furniture.
- Choose natural or certified materials where possible when buying new textiles.
- Support brands that are transparent about materials and production processes.
At NuBonelle, these principles shape how we design our collections — from upcycled textiles in the Revival range to certified eco-friendly materials in Positive Impact.
👉 Explore our collections, at the NuBonelle website.
NuBonelle's next blog will focus on women as a prelude to International Women's Day on 8th March. The title is: International Women’s Day: Women Makers, Textiles - the Future of Sustainable Design.
🌿 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
Have you ever thought about the materials in your home?
Is there something you’ve consciously chosen to keep, reuse or replace?
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks for being here 💚
If you would like to access sustainability training the Carbon Literacy Project provides generic training courses and specialist for different sectors. https://eu.patagonia.com/gb/en/actionworks/organizations/the-carbon-literacy-project/
One of my earliest memories is sewing at infant school. I’d take my needlework home over the weekend, finish it as quickly as I could, and bring it back on Monday, hoping I’d be immediately given another piece to make. That joy of creating something by hand has never really left me.
I went on to study textiles and fashion, trained at the London College of Fashion, and worked in the fashion industry, gaining professional experience in garment technology and high-quality craftsmanship.
Later I ran children’s wear businesses and managed a fashion centre, so I’ve seen the industry from the inside — its creativity, its pace, and its impact.
Over time, I became increasingly disillusioned with the direction of the industry, the environmental toll of textile production and fast fashion. That awareness changed how I thought about materials, design, and what it really means to create responsibly.
NuBonelle grew from that shift in thinking.