From Xorel® to wallcoverings and upholstery, Carnegie materials are designed to perform with less added chemistry.

Carnegie was founded on the belief that commercial materials can deliver exceptional design and performance while reflecting greater care in how they are made. That belief has shaped our portfolio from the start, driving our commitment to transparent material documentation, rigorous third-party certifications, and continuous improvement.

As material science continues to evolve, Carnegie continues to invest in high-performance materials designed with transparent chemistry, including materials made with rapidly renewable, biobased content.

Carnegie’s longstanding commitment to sustainability created a natural foundation for the development of Xorel® in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Made from polyethylene, Xorel draws on the material’s inherent strength, flexibility, and resistance to caustic compounds to deliver lasting performance across wallcovering, panel, and upholstery applications.

Biobased Xorel builds on this technology using polyethylene derived from rapidly renewable, plant-based sources. It delivers exceptional durability, cleanability, and commercial performance while remaining free from harmful additives.

Xorel also encouraged Carnegie to think more holistically about material sourcing, manufacturing processes, product longevity, and life-cycle impact. This ongoing work is supported by third-party certifications and transparent documentation, including Cradle to Cradle certification and an Environmental Product Declaration for qualifying Biobased Xorel constructions. Carnegie’s continued B Corp certification further reinforces our commitment to social and environmental accountability.

“No finish is the best finish” is a principle that guides Carnegie’s approach to product development. We prioritize materials whose essential performance qualities are inherent to their composition or construction, reducing the need for added treatments or topical finishes.

PFAS, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” have been associated with adverse health effects.¹ Antimicrobial finishes or additives may be incorporated into materials to inhibit microbial growth. However, Carnegie’s stocked products are manufactured without intentionally added PFAS and without added antimicrobial finishes or additives, except where an antimicrobial treatment is expressly requested by a customer.

Xorel is made without added antimicrobial finishes or additives. Instead, the inherent properties of the Xorel yarn do not support microbial growth.

Our approach to material selection is clear:

• PVC-free: Carnegie does not formulate or sell products containing PVC.
• No added PFAS: Carnegie’s products are made without added PFAS.
• No added antimicrobial finishes or additives: Carnegie’s products are made without added antimicrobial finishes or additives, except where an antimicrobial treatment is specifically requested by a customer.

Carnegie continues to:

• Monitor and improve our products and their impacts on human and planetary health
• Pursue rigorous third-party testing and certification
• Maintain high standards of social and environmental performance through B Corp recertification
• Equip the architecture and design community to create positive change through thoughtful materials, shared knowledge, and responsible innovation

Sources:

1. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. “How PFAS Impacts Your Health.” Last modified July 21, 2025. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/about/health-effects.html