GreenFR flame retardant coating

Time To Go Green?

19 September 2022

Let's talk Halogen-free FR. 

Global sustainability concerns have raised questions about textile production, including the upholstery industry. Questions include traceability, safe manufacturing processes, chemical consumption and end of life. For years, there has been an increased demand for fabrics and furniture companies to do more. Recent data shows that the trend is continuing, and according to a PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) study, three-quarters of consumers consider sustainability when purchasing furniture. This has driven manufacturers and retailers to evaluate their products and their responsibility to the issue.

Today we're focusing on Flame Retardant solutions and how Mobus has worked on a better, greener way of treating fabrics.

Ocean

                                                                                         GreenFR® By Mobus

Standard FR vs Halogen-free FR (GreenFR®)

Standard FR uses Brominated/Antimony trioxide chemistry. Historically flame-retardant compounds used chemicals such as Bis(pentabromophenyl) and ether(decabromodiphenyl ether (DecaBDE); however, these were added to the SVHC (substance of very high concern) list in 2012 and promptly phased out. Decabromo-diphenyl ethane (DPDPE) was used as a replacement, but many saw this as a sideways step that didn't address the issues.

There has since been continual pressure on brominated systems. Whilst currently legal and widely used, even by ourselves, Mobus has been keen to explore new, greener options further.

Halogen-Free flame retardants use Phosphate chemistry and therefore have a greener, safer association. Halogen-free flame retardant treatments have been available since the 1990s; their application was limited to cotton or cotton-rich fabrics. Our GreenFR® has changed this and now can be used on all fully synthetic fabrics. As the popularity of fully synthetic fabrics has increased, so has the need for new halogen-free chemistry.

Hopsack green

                                                                                       View Our GreenFR® Ranges Here

Introducing GreenFR®

GreenFR®, a flame retardant brand by Mobus Fabrics, is the result of years of extensive research and development. This latest FR development delivers a safe, effective flame-retardant coating that can be used on our vast range of soft furnishings. OEKO-TEX endorses GreenFR®, and its green credentials have been accredited with STANDARD 100 – Class 1 and ECO PASSPORT.

GreenFR® also meets the requirements of ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) to wastewater and the environment. Mobus' GreenFR® is the most exciting development in the flame retardant treatment of fabrics since the introduction of government legislation in 1998. It is incredibly efficient across many fabric types and is validated by many global retail brands for its performance through independent testing and certification.

greenfr picture

                                                                                                    GreenFR® By Mobus

GreenFR® is a tried and tested solution offering a more sustainable, environmentally friendly flame retardant coating that can be used on our fabrics. Mobus strives to be at the forefront of innovation regarding fabric design and flame retardancy. We work with industry experts to develop new products like GreenFR® utilising unique ground-breaking chemistry that surpasses current global flame retardants for performance and consumer safety.

Sustainable production, which conserves natural resources and avoids animal suffering, is gaining popularity. People are increasingly looking for sustainable furniture and demanding transparency about the manufacturing process and materials used. This posed a significant opportunity to provide a more sustainable option.  

elgin chair 2

                                                                                     View Our GreenFR® Ranges Here

GreenFR® uses no harmful chemicals to human health or the environment and is compatible with GRS-certified fabrics. With many of our ranges already benefiting from GreenFR® Mobus are determined to continue to work on new ways to support further companies looking for greener, better ways of working. 

Please get in touch with us if you want more details regarding GreenFR® or our fabrics.