Glen Raven Expects to Eliminate PFAS Chemicals Across Entire Portfolio Worldwide by Year End 2023
March 29, 2023
David Swers
BURLINGTON, NC — Glen Raven Inc., makers of Sunbrella®, says it has begun to phase out PFAS chemicals across its global fabric portfolio.
The company began incorporating optimal non-PFAS solutions into production last month and all production will be transitioned to non-PFAS by the end of 2023 according to David Swers, president and COO of Glen Raven Custom Fabrics.
In addition, all new fabric designs, will be specified as non-PFAS and will be produced using the company’s new non-PFAS solution, he says.
“Since 2015, our global research and development team has been working with accredited research laboratories and universities to evaluate and develop the best alternatives to PFAS-based finishes,” Swers states. “We have invested significantly in this work and the solutions we’re introducing will allow us to continue providing anyone who purchases our fabrics with the best-in-class performance they expect while minimizing our environmental impact as an organization. Our Sunbrella Contract fabrics have included non-PFAS solutions since 2019 and we look forward to implementing non-PFAS solutions across our portfolio.”
While Sunbrella performance begins at the fiber level and is strengthened by proprietary processes, a PFAS-based solution was previously used to enhance repellency of Sunbrella fabrics, Swers says. The transition to a non-PFAS solution will not impact the ability to clean Sunbrella but will result in reduced levels of oil repellency, an industry-wide challenge that is not exclusive to Sunbrella. In anticipation of this challenge, Glen Raven recently developed a new and proprietary Sunbrella® Extract™ Oil-Based Stain Remover, to aid in the removal of oil-based stains. Swers says this cleaning product is also compatible with previously produced Sunbrella fabrics.
The new non-PFAS chemistry meets all regulatory requirements, Swers says. Sunbrella upholstery fabrics will continue to carry their third-party GREENGUARD Gold® and OEKO-TEX® certifications verifying that these fabrics have low chemical emissions, are safe to use next to the skin and are not produced with any harmful substances, he adds.
Glen Raven’s conversion to non-PFAS production by the end of the year will allow the company to work with customers to transition inventories in advance of the recently enacted regulations in several states. Glen Raven will continue to share more specifics with its partners directly as the transition continues. This transition is not expected to disrupt the company’s lead times or service levels, Swers says.
About Glen Raven, Inc.
Founded in 1880, Glen Raven Inc. is a family-owned company known for delivering innovative fabrics with compelling design and exceptional quality through a portfolio of global businesses built around category-leading brands. The company serves a variety of markets, such as shade, marine, furniture, window, protective and more through well-respected brands including Sunbrella®, Dickson® and GlenGuard® as well as its Trivantage®distribution and Glen Raven Logistics businesses.
Headquartered in Burlington, N.C., Glen Raven Inc. has a presence in 23 countries, including five production facilities in the U.S., two in Europe and one in Asia to serve the global market.
The company began incorporating optimal non-PFAS solutions into production last month and all production will be transitioned to non-PFAS by the end of 2023 according to David Swers, president and COO of Glen Raven Custom Fabrics.
In addition, all new fabric designs, will be specified as non-PFAS and will be produced using the company’s new non-PFAS solution, he says.
“Since 2015, our global research and development team has been working with accredited research laboratories and universities to evaluate and develop the best alternatives to PFAS-based finishes,” Swers states. “We have invested significantly in this work and the solutions we’re introducing will allow us to continue providing anyone who purchases our fabrics with the best-in-class performance they expect while minimizing our environmental impact as an organization. Our Sunbrella Contract fabrics have included non-PFAS solutions since 2019 and we look forward to implementing non-PFAS solutions across our portfolio.”
While Sunbrella performance begins at the fiber level and is strengthened by proprietary processes, a PFAS-based solution was previously used to enhance repellency of Sunbrella fabrics, Swers says. The transition to a non-PFAS solution will not impact the ability to clean Sunbrella but will result in reduced levels of oil repellency, an industry-wide challenge that is not exclusive to Sunbrella. In anticipation of this challenge, Glen Raven recently developed a new and proprietary Sunbrella® Extract™ Oil-Based Stain Remover, to aid in the removal of oil-based stains. Swers says this cleaning product is also compatible with previously produced Sunbrella fabrics.
The new non-PFAS chemistry meets all regulatory requirements, Swers says. Sunbrella upholstery fabrics will continue to carry their third-party GREENGUARD Gold® and OEKO-TEX® certifications verifying that these fabrics have low chemical emissions, are safe to use next to the skin and are not produced with any harmful substances, he adds.
Glen Raven’s conversion to non-PFAS production by the end of the year will allow the company to work with customers to transition inventories in advance of the recently enacted regulations in several states. Glen Raven will continue to share more specifics with its partners directly as the transition continues. This transition is not expected to disrupt the company’s lead times or service levels, Swers says.
About Glen Raven, Inc.
Founded in 1880, Glen Raven Inc. is a family-owned company known for delivering innovative fabrics with compelling design and exceptional quality through a portfolio of global businesses built around category-leading brands. The company serves a variety of markets, such as shade, marine, furniture, window, protective and more through well-respected brands including Sunbrella®, Dickson® and GlenGuard® as well as its Trivantage®distribution and Glen Raven Logistics businesses.
Headquartered in Burlington, N.C., Glen Raven Inc. has a presence in 23 countries, including five production facilities in the U.S., two in Europe and one in Asia to serve the global market.
