Biobased Coated Fabrics - A Textile Breakthrough

As sustainability goals become more specific, designers are looking beyond surface performance to better understand what materials are made from, how their ingredients are sourced, and what happens to them over time. This has created growing interest in coated upholstery that incorporates renewable resources, supports greater material transparency, and still delivers the durability and cleanability required for commercial interiors. Biobased polyurethane responds to that need by offering a high-performance material pathway with a more thoughtful composition story.

Carnegie Biobased Siltech is an innovative coated fabric that replaces traditional petroleum-based content with rapidly renewable, plant-based resources. It is PVC-free, made without added PFAS or antimicrobial finishes, and engineered for exceptional durability, cleanability, and aesthetic appeal. As the first biobased coated upholstery fabric in the industry, it represents another step forward in Carnegie’s commitment to creating materials that are beautiful, durable, and thoughtfully designed with sustainability in mind.

The innovation behind Carnegie Biobased Siltech lies in its composition. The coating is a biobased polyurethane derived from corn starch. These renewable ingredients significantly reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, lowering the carbon footprint of the material. Combined with a nonwoven textile substrate, Carnegie Biobased Siltech offers a premium look and feel without compromising environmental values - the perfect solution for high traffic spaces with strict cleanability and durability requirements.

Plant-Based Material Innovation

• Made with biobased content derived from rapidly renewable, plant-based resources

• Replaces traditional petroleum-based content with a plant-based material pathway

• PVC-free

• Supported by third-party certifications and material documentation

• Meets California Indoor Air Quality Specification CA 01350

• Can contribute to applicable LEED credits

• Additional certifications and attributes include: OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, Mindful Materials, Healthier Hospitals Initiative, Kaiser Permanente, California Proposition 65, and RoHS and REACH compliance

Thoughtful Material Composition

• Made without added PFAS or antimicrobial finishes

• Made without antimony, BPA, chlorine, DMF, formaldehyde, halogenated flame retardants, heavy metals, ozone-depleting chemicals, phthalates, plasticizers, or stain-resistant finishes

• No added topical finishes

• Extremely low VOCs

• Offers antimicrobial characteristics inherent to the fabric itself, as verified in accordance with Test Method AATCC 147

Commercial-Grade Performance 

• Bleach cleanable
• Approved for select hospital-grade disinfectants 
• Wipeable and easy to maintain
• Inherently stain resistant
• Performs to 500,000 double rubs on the Wyzenbeek Abrasion Test
• Achieves 15 weeks of hydrolysis resistance, as verified in accordance with ISO 1419 (Tropical Test Method C)
• Backed by a 10-year warranty

Design Versatility 

• Available in more than 50 colorways, patterns, and textures

• Digitally printed designs recreate the visual depth and detail of woven or embroidered textiles

• Offers options ranging from subtle textures to expressive patterns

• Integrates easily across a wide range of interior styles and commercial applications

Carnegie Biobased Siltech reflects our commitment to expanding what high-performance coated upholstery can be. By combining plant-based material innovation with durability, cleanability, and expressive design, it gives designers another well-considered option for projects where performance and material composition both matter.

Explore Carnegie Biobased Siltech to discover a coated upholstery collection designed to support beautiful, functional spaces—and more informed material decisions.

Since 1999, Mary has enjoyed collaborating on designing sustainable futures with creative professionals worldwide, working on hospitality, healthcare, and corporate interiors. In 2013, she helped Carnegie pursue and achieve B-Corp certification - a first in the commercial textile industry. In her approach to product design, she pursues aggressive sustainability standards through rigorous testing and third party certifications, and pushes the boundaries of alternative source materials like post-consumer recycled plastic. She’s received several recognitions, including Best of NeoCon, MetropolisLikes, and Interior Design's HiP awards, and is a sought after contributor at conferences, panels, and podcasts that cover sustainability-related topics.