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Why not write about it?I stuck a wiki and a journal together because I'm complicated like that. The journal is for passing thoughts and observations, the wiki is for more sketched out ideas. Sometimes you'll see a link to a wiki page that hasn't been written yet. Don't worry, it will be at some point. |
I requested a sample of Xorel material from Carnegie Fabrics. It's a synthetic woven fabric made out of polyethylene plastic that's intended to be used for upholstery and wallcoverings (think of a corporate office sort of environment). It is touted as an environmentally safer alternative to vinyl (PVC), both in its production aspects and its usage/life cycle. Basically, its manufacture seems responsibly-minded, it doesn't signifigantly off-gas, and it can be incinerated safely or recycled. It claims to have 'anti-bacterial qualities' but there's no active agents involved, chemical or otherwise (which is good). It's anti-bacterial in the same sense stainless steel is, it's just the nature of the material.  The samples are thin fabric with a rough feel, no give or stretch to speak of except along the bias (it's woven after all). It definitely feels like plastic, with no warmth. It does however feel very, very strong. It has no absorbancy so it seems very easy to clean.  For my purposes I think it could be made into great reusable grocery bags. They'd be strong, moisture wouldn't affect them, and they could be wiped clean. Definitely a good alternative to organic cotton or hemp in that application (or perhaps the two could be used together). I couldn't screen print on it in my usual way though, it would probably require solvent-based inks which I will not use. It's still plastic, but used in a responsible manner in non-disposable item it should have a long life cycle. Their website has more info, and as always, you should consult The Google Mind. |
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