The HON Company, through its new partnership with G3 Technology Innovations, LLC (G3i), is one of the first manufacturers to offer G3i’s GreenShield™ FR finish on its seating, upholstered in 100% polyester Striae, Tile, and Panorama fabrics. This technology for fabric treatment offers protection from water and stains with advanced flame retardant properties.
G3i develops environmentally responsible solutions that eliminate or dramatically reduce the use of chemistries, typically fluorocarbons, in traditional finishes. Fluorocarbons, as identified by the Environmental Protection Agency, are possible carcinogens, and are persistent in the environment and have been found to accumulate in human and animal bodies. Traditionally, adding protection to fabrics has been provided by using fluorochemical-based finishes.
“We achieve more with less,” explains Dr. Suresh Sunderrajan, one of G3i’s founders. “We can use fewer chemicals to achieve the functionality we need and reduce the amount of treatment textiles require. We make every atom count.”
The manufacturing of the GreenShield FR finish by G3i is based upon green nanotechnology principles, a practice that offers the opportunity to head off adverse effects before they occur. The processes used eliminate waste, use ambient temperature and pressure, and also solely use aqueous solvents, thereby no volatile organic compounds are released after application onto the fabric.
“We’re constantly searching for ways to reduce the amount of chemicals and emissions that enter the environment,” explains Mindy Billingsley, HON’s environmental marketing manager. “When we learned about G3i’s new textile finishes, we knew they would be a perfect fit for our polyester seating fabrics.
“Kandice Tjebkes, HON’s product business manager for surface materials, says the reduction in chemicals in GreenShield FR benefits the appearance and texture of the treated polyester fabrics. “Unlike other traditional flame-retardant finishes, this one makes the fabric feel ‘normal’ instead of giving it a more stiff texture,” Tjebkes says. “The fabric’s colors remain true to its original palette, as well.”
GreenShield FR is certified both as a Low Fluorocarbon Treatment and Indoor Advantage™ Gold by Scientific Certification Systems, a third-party auditor, certifier and standards developer for environmental, sustainable and product quality claims.
