![]() ![]() It can be produced by smaller companies, rather than solely by large corporations, which aided in its quick uptake in the industrial world. Olefin fabric was first created in Italy in 1957.īecause the process used to produce olefin is relatively simple and does not require much machinery or tech, its use quickly spread. However, in the mid-1900s, a new upcycling possibility was discovered. This chemical was originally burnt off during the production process, as other uses for the chemical weren't known. The primary chemical used to produce olefin, propylene, is a by-product of oil production. Those chemicals are ethylene and propylene, with propylene being the primary source. Olefin is a type of synthetic, or human-made fabric, that is derived from two chemicals. That's why we're using it in a variety of products. We also tell you how it's produced, and why it's the superior choice. That's why we've created this guide to tell you what olefin is. While it's widely used for a variety of products, few consumers know what it is. Although, there is another choice that beats them in terms of durability, stain and water resistance and comfort. Most consumers have heard of these fabrics. Instead, fabrics like nylon and polyester are better choices. It's not stain- or water-resistant unless many byproducts are added. When it comes to fabric for outdoor, industrial, or other heavy-duty use, cotton is a poor choice. But that doesn't mean that cotton fabric is the best choice for every product. More than 29 million tons are produced each year. When it comes to pure production numbers, there's no denying that cotton is the world's most popular fabric. Today we ask the question, what is olefin fabric? Just stay away from the sandbox, and you’ll do fine.If you're serious about your outdoor furniture, then you'll be hot on the trail of this relatively new fabric. But that in itself can be a fun project for the little ones, and you can lounge easy knowing you’ve cushioned them with the greenest stuffing out there. They will probably also require more than just running out to the store to buy them, as natural beanbags are still a specialty item – you might need to buy the cover first and fill it yourself with bulk beans. Obviously, all of these will be a lot heavier than airy EPS or foam, and they will vary in terms of comfort and shape. If I were to repeat my beanbag project today, I’d use something as close to the earth as possible: Popular eco-friendly fillers include buckwheat hulls, dried field peas, popcorn, or rice, and yes, beans. Like so many things, though, the beanbag industry may have been needlessly complicating its products when the perfectly natural answer is right there in the name. Still, I’d choose it over the beads above. It’s also heavy, and therefore better for smaller beanbag chairs. Natural latex does often come to us from third world countries, so labor abuses and deforestation can be an issue here – not to mention the shipping footprint. It’s biodegradable and can also, theoretically at least, be composted when its beanbag days are over. Made from the sap of the rubber tree, in its pure form the foam is renewable and doesn’t off-gas dangerous chemicals (because it’s expensive, it’s often mixed with synthetic fillers, so shop carefully). To support our nonprofit environmental journalism, please consider disabling your ad-blocker to allow ads on Grist. This is also petroleum-based and complicated to recycle, but to add insult to injury, it may also be treated with cancer-causing, hormone-disrupting flame retardants. Nor should we be seduced by beanbags filled with polyurethane foam, aka memory foam or compressed foam. But you’ll have to decide where you stand on the safe vs. This seems to be a much bigger problem with food containers and hot drinks than it is with beanbag stuffing – in fact, I know of no studies linking that kind of EPS with health risks. But there is some concern about EPS leaching carcinogenic chemicals. Recycled (sometimes called reground) EPS bits are another option, and they’re good in the sense that they keep the white stuff out of landfills. Yes, it can be possible to reuse or recycle it, but it’s energy intensive and usually more complicated than putting it out on the curb. Still, EPS should be a DNB (Do Not Buy) it is petroleum-based and presents difficulties at disposal time. That’s because it’s very light and durable enough to last a few years without squishing under the weight of your growing kiddos. Most conventional beanbag chairs you’ll find are stuffed with expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads – the light, crumbly plastic that’s frequently confused with Styrofoam (a similar, name-brand product). Let’s flop down and take a look.įirst, a few words about the fillings we don’t want. Fortunately, kids these days have better options for safe and eco-friendly spherical furniture, Brent. ![]()
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