SCS Global Services (SCS) has issued the first gold-level certification to Designtex, a Steelcase Company, under the factsm ecolabel developed by the Association for Contract Textiles (ACT). The certification recognizes Designtex's "Gold Standard" textiles collection – including its Concept, Precision, and Pop Art styles – as meeting stringent criteria for environmental sustainability from the fiber stage to end-of-use.
"This certification confirms Designtex's commitment to environmental excellence," said Stowe Beam, Managing Director of SCS Environmental Certification Services division. "Its precedent-setting gold-level certification is a valuable example for other textile companies to follow."
According to Beam, the facts ecolabel is issued only after companies demonstrate that their products meet requirements in eight key parameters across the product lifecycle, comprising: Fiber Sourcing, Safety of Materials, Water Conservation, Water Quality, Energy, Recycling Practices, Air Quality In Manufacturing, and Social Accountability.
These requirements are based on the NSF/ANSI 336 standard, the principal standard used in the U.S. to evaluate and certify the sustainability of commercial furnishings. Certification to this standard allows Designtex to further demonstrate its commitment to transparency and environmental stewardship, and to showcase responsible sourcing and manufacturing processes in order to promote awareness of best practices in sustainability within the contract furnishings industry.
"With a deep commitment to environmental rigor, it was important that Designtex go through a third party auditing and evaluation process of these products to make sure we captured all areas of performance and did so without bias," said Carol Derby, Vice President of Research and Development at Designtex. "SCS moved us through the process efficiently and was able to guide us to further improve the sustainable attributes of this collection."
Designtex is an award-winning design and product development firm that celebrates inquiry and collaboration. Guided by a strong environmental vision, Designtex has employed lifecycle thinking to frame its environmental design process for close to two decades, and continues to create opportunities for closing the loop. A Steelcase company, Designtex's offerings include upholstery, wall covering, panel fabrics, drapery, architectural panels, and digitally-printed surfaces.
SCS Global Services has been providing global leadership in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing, and standards development for three decades. Its programs span a wide cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, retail, and more. SCS provides services under a wide range of internationally recognized certification programs, and is a chartered benefit corporation and Certified B Corp, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices.
