ELEMENTS OEKO WEAVE – the new sustainable fabric from Sattler
In autumn 2023, Sattler launched a new, sustainable awning quality on the market. We spoke to Ibrahim Türköz, CEO for R&D and Production at Sattler SUN-TEX GmbH
What makes the new and sustainable quality "ELEMENTS OEKO WEAVE" so special?
Ibrahim Türköz: For our new product, we use high-quality acrylic fibers that would be sorted out in the "normal" manufacturing process. In doing so, we are pursuing the approach of making the best possible use of resources as early as possible in the product development process.
How does this process work in detail?
Ibrahim Türköz: In the manufacture of fabric fibers, it happens that color-mixed fibers are produced after a change from let’s say gray to yellow, over a certain period of time. These are color-mixed and would normally be sorted out. During the Cross Fiber Process these mixtures are collected, sorted, spun and afterwards woven into six wonderfully textured designs.
What is the difference to a recycled product?
Ibrahim Türköz: Recycling is a complex and expensive process. In order to produce a fabric from PET bottles, for example, plastic granules are shredded, melted down and then fibers and subsequently yarns are produced, which then form the recycled fabric. Not only is the production resource-intensive, but it also takes something out of a functioning cycle, which on the other hand has to be replenished in the form of raw material – in this case crude oil.
That isn’t the case with our fabric. Here I take a material - in our case sorted out fibers - and use it in its original form for its original purpose.
What else does this product offer in terms of sustainability?
Ibrahim Türköz: Last summer, we switched the finishing for our products to PFAS-free. We were actually the first to do this among the manufacturers in Europe. This means, that we are now tested with all qualities according to OEKO-TEX© Standard 100 Class 2. This class is generally used for clothing, for fabrics suitable for direct skin contact. This is especially important for our garden furniture fabrics, but also for the people who come into direct contact with them when they process our sun protection fabrics into awnings, umbrellas, sun sails and other products.
But you're probably not just working on environmentally friendly products?
Ibrahim Türköz: That's right. As part of our holistic sustainability concept, which we call the "Sattler Green Chain", the product is only one link in the chain. This year, for example, we have completed an extensive certification with OEKO-TEX© STeP and thus achieved the label "OEKO-TEX© Made in Green". This means that our customers can be sure that not only are the products low in pollutants, but also that our processes are constantly monitored for ecological and social sustainability.
Another example is that we rely 100% on green electricity and continuously expand our photovoltaic systems to generate a part of our electricity consumption ourselves. Many small – and sometimes larger – steps on the way to a more sustainable future!
Thank you for the insights!
suntex.sattler.com
Photo captions: (Source: Sattler SUN-TEX GmbH)
Ibrahim Türköz, CEO Sattler SUN-TEX GmbH, R&D and Production ELEMENTS OEKO WEAVE: Transition fibers in combination with the PFAS-free TEXgard OEKO CLEAN finishing