Forever 100% PVC-Free

Developing Xorel taught us to think more expansively. That we could find a better alternative to vinyl. And we did. Being 100% PVC-free is the right thing to do for people and our planet.

Knowing the environmental issues around PVC, we took on the challenge of finding better alternatives. Over time, this mission led Carnegie to become the first, and still only, 100% PVC-free textile and wallcovering company. Let’s talk about what led us to this bold commitment.

During the ‘80s and early ‘90s, Carnegie examined the issues with the most ubiquitous wallcovering material used in commercial buildings, PVC (polymerizing vinyl chloride) or vinyl. We discovered so many problems that few people at that time had really thought about. 

PVC is a common component found in furniture, textiles and wallcoverings. Due to its rigidity, PVC requires plasticizers to soften it or make it more flexible for use. These harmful plasticizers can be released during use and in vinyl manufacturing, among other processes. 

As we learned about the potential for the release of dioxin (a group of highly toxic chemical compounds that can be harmful to your health and the planet) during the PVC manufacturing and disposal process, we were convinced that we did not want PVC in our products. Carnegie committed early on, even at the expense of our business, to find a safer substitute. 

Our commitment to sustainability was a natural outgrowth of our development of Xorel in the late 1970’s and 80’s. The more we learned about this remarkable material: where it came from, and its small manufacturing footprint, the more committed we became to our environmental responsibility. By contrast, as we examined the issues with PVC, we realized that this material did not align with our business philosophy.

Xorel taught us to think more expansively. That development and production process proved we had the capacity and expertise to find an alternative - a better solution - to vinyl. We embraced our responsibility to our employees, our clients and the planet. We no longer just focused on design, color and technical specifications as we pursued solutions. Carnegie equally focused on sustainable material resourcing, impact in use and disposal issues. 

Many of our competitors and furniture companies are often touting the PVC-free message of the products they sell, while still selling PVC products within their portfolio. That doesn’t work for Carnegie. The research and development of safe, sustainable textiles is one of our core business principles. Our commitment to innovation is inseparable from our commitment to producing sustainable products.  

Not one of products contains PVC or Vinyl. And never will. 

Our vinyl alternatives:

Xorel

• It’s a high-performance woven alternative to vinyl.
• Xorel patterns are inherently free of chlorine and plasticizers.
• Xorel’s versatility makes it the perfect solution for walls, panels, and upholstery.
  Meets or exceeds all the specification requirements of a Type II wallcovering under CCC-408D.

TPO

• Free of plasticizers, chlorine, formaldehyde, heavy metals, and halogenated fire retardants.
• Uses water based inks and coatings only.
• Meets or exceeds all the specification requirements of a Type II wallcovering under CCC-408D.

Siltech

• It's inherently antimicrobial and antibacterial, stain and scratch resistant.
• Made without phthalates, plasticizers or BPA.
• It has a 10-year warranty.
• Suitable for Indoor/Outdoor use.
• It's HHI and California Proposition 65 compliant.
• It's available in over 100 colors.
• 1000 hours lightfastness.

Polyurethanes

• Our Carnegie polyurethanes are as soft as leather but perform like vinyl.
• They're made without phthalates, plasticizers, or BPA.
• Polyurethane is inherently antimicrobial and antibacterial, stain and scratch resistant.
• Compliant with California Proposition 65.

Carnegie believes it’s important to walk the talk. A deep commitment to the planet has long been one of our key business pillars. When we got smart on the effects of PVC, we didn’t like what we learned. 

We are equally committed to helping the industry stay smart on this topic. Reports on PVC by several organizations gives insight into the potentially harmful effects of this material. We invite you to draw your own conclusions:

• USGBC
• Healthy Building Network
• Healthcare without Harm

We actively choose to focus on material development that is safer for the planet and people. Our culture has always centered around how we could make a difference by pursuing safer material development. Even when our pursuits might not be the best business decision in the short term, we focus on the long-term impact and remain dedicated to finding high performance, sustainable alternatives for all our products.

How we support Sustainability:

• Continuously monitor our materials and their resulting impact on the planet.
• Leverage that information to improve our products.
• Push to achieve the highest levels of sustainability across all products lines.
• Focus on what’s needed to create a better tomorrow.
• Maintain the utmost respect for our employees, clients and the planet.
• Carnegie is committed to educating our clients on environmental issues.