Ultrafabrics, LLC Sustainability Statement
Ultrafabrics utilizes efficient manufacturing processes that are based on conservation of raw materials, toxic-free solutions, and minimal dependency on natural resources.
With influence from the numerous global markets we serve, our standards have been regimented to meet emissions and environmental criteria mandated by the U.S. EPA, USGBC, EU, and Canadian sustainable standards.
Check out our Eco-Scorecard for a quick reference to your sustainable specification, and our website for LEED credits that contribute towards USGBC projects.
Durability is Sustainability. The less to replace, the less there is to waste.
At Ultrafabrics, we provide a product solution that is a reliable investment guaranteeing product longevity, decreased waste, and costs for replacement. Our quality ensures a life span that will exceed the expectations for the function and performance of most applications.
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LEED™ Credits
- Ultrafabrics brand textiles can help clients achieve LEED® (Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design) certification in the area of Existing Buildings.
- Credits for our product line fall under the MR Credit 4.0 Sustainable Cleaning Products and Materials.*
- Please refer to our downloadable LEEDTM Credit Summary PDF (below) to submit for your LEED® project documentation.
*All of Ultrafabrics' textiles have cleaning codes W or WS and can be cleaned using low environmental impact cleaning fluids, and many using a soap and water solution.
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Ultrafabrics vs. Leather / Vinyl
No harm done. Period.
Ultraleather Performance Advantages
| Ultraleather™ Polyurethane | Leather | PVC (vinyl) | |
| Animal Friendly |  |
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| No Chromium | |
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| No Off Gassing / Meets most stringent VOC standards | |
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| No Plasticizers / Stabilizers (Phthlate Free) | |
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| No Waste Factor | |
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| No Scars / Flaws | |
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| Crack Resistant | |
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| Odorless | |
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| Enduring Aesthetic | |
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| Soft Hand | |
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Leather and the Environment
- Traditionally, leather production and the tanning process utilize several toxic chemicals which produce pollution in our external and indoor air environments.
- Many leather manufacturers use harmful substances such as Dimethyl Fumarate (DMF) in order to preserve the condition of the products. Ultrafabrics does not treat or apply any hazardous chemicals to our products.
- Tanneries have been known to release dangerous pollutants such as ammonia, mercury, lead and chromium in the form of solid waste.
- Although more "socially responsible" practices are being adopted such as plant-based dyes and toxic free treatments, massive farming, animal cruelty, energy and resource depletion are fundamental principles of the meat byproduct industry.
- As a meat byproduct, leather contributes to one of the largest market sectors, the meat industry, which single-handedly contributes to deforestation, soil depletion, and environmental destruction.
- With no reliance on these consuming industries and efficient manufacturing, Ultrafabrics brand products supercede leather in quality and environmental integrity.
Superior to Vinyl
- Polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) might sound similar, but they're not.
- Polyvinyl chloride is environmentally indestructible and can release hydrochloric acid and other toxic compounds when burned. In addition, vinyl also contains a high level of VOC's (volatile organic compounds) that negatively impact indoor air quality (IAQ), as these contaminants cause environmental and health risks. Vinyl is listed on the EPA's warning list of materials that contribute towards indoor air pollution.
- Polyvinyl chloride contains Phthalates, harmful plasticizers used to soften the texture and appearance of vinyl. Phthlates have been known to cause human health risks such as disrupting hormone activity, and have been listed on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) list of at-risk chemicals.
- Please visit the Healthy Building Network website for more information on the PVC-free movement.
Animal-Free/Cruelty-Free Products
- Of importance to Ultrafabrics is the preservation of ecosystems and the creatures that rely on and reside in them.
- Our products are a cruelty-free, socially responsible, healthy alternative to leather and animal hides.
- Ultrafabrics brand products often outperform leather in abrasion test results, while still maintaining a supple aesthetic finish.
- As a result of its substantially lighter weight, Ultraleather reduces fuel consumption, driving transportation costs down. (see chart below)
Ultraleather/Brisa: Less Than Half the Weight of Genuine Leather
| Ultraleather | Genuine Leather | |
| Weight (oz / square yard) | 9.3 | 25.0 |
| Weight (oz / linear yard) | 13.95 | 37.54 |
Transportation Industry estimates 2-4% less gas mileage for every extra 100 lbs. of weight
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Our Commitment
Today, Ultrafabrics is conscious of the overall impact of our internal practices and distribution. Therefore, we are striving towards a global standard regarding our sustainable commitment. The four areas of concentration are: Energy Efficiency and Climate Awareness, International Standardization, Eco-Smart Distribution and Corporate Practices.Energy Efficiency and Climate Awareness
- Our mill uses LPG (liquid petroleum gas), an efficient, low carbon emitting fuel which requires less fuel for operation, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions to a minimum.
- Over 99% of solvents are reclaimed and recycled during manufacturing.
- Ultrafabrics corporate offices are designed for maximum day-lighting in order to reduce energy consumption. As building energy utilizes 70% of energy consumption in the U.S., windows line the periphery of our offices to maximize daylight usage.
International Standardization
- ISO 9001 certified mill.
- Our products have met the emissions criteria issued by Greenguard (USGBC), CA 01350 (EPA), Oeko Tex 100 as well as the stringent standards of the automotive industry.
Eco-Smart Distribution
- Shipping palettes are 100% recycled and are reused for packaging and distribution in our warehouse procedures. All of our packaging materials sent to final destinations are 85% recyclable.
- We do not utilize harmful packaging agents such as Dimethyl Fumarate when packaging and shipping our products. Banned in 2009 by the EU and several other countries, DMF is a potential dangerous chemical that causes human health risks and linked to numerous skin allergies.
- Our sampling department utilizes minimum sizing for our samples and precision accuracy when cutting to eliminate waste.
- All spec sheets and binder information are accessible via our website and encouraged to be downloaded as an alternative to sending physical binders and paper information.
Corporate Practices
- We utilize electronic invoicing to minimize paper consumption.
- Our corporate sampling department uses biodegradable packing peanuts and minimum paper products.
- We are active members of the corporate recycling program in our offices and warehouse.
- Marketing and industry updates are paperless; sent as e-blasts as opposed to paper mailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between Ultrafabrics products and Vinyl?
A: Ultrafabrics brand fabrics are composed of polyurethane that is non-toxic, low VOCs and compliant with industry standards for indoor air quality. Ultrafabrics products do not contain any volatile plasticizers and stabilizers found in vinyl. Q: What are the benefits of being PVC free?
A: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is environmentally indestructible vinyl and can release hydrochloric acid and other toxic compounds when burned. In addition, vinyl also contains a high level of VOC's (volatile organic compounds) that negatively impact indoor air quality (IAQ). These contaminants cause environmental and health risks. Vinyl is listed on the EPA's warning list of materials that contribute towards indoor air pollution. What differentiates PVC from the other vinyls is the addition of the chlorine molecule (chloride "C" in PVC). Chlorine is the source of many environmental health concerns with PVC, including the generation of dioxin, a highly carcinogenic chemical produced in both the manufacturing and disposal of PVC. Due to its persistent and bioaccumulative nature, chlorine increases in concentration as it moves up the food chain to humans, thus being categorized as a persistent organic pollutants (POP's). The international treaty, The Stockholm Convention, was created to target POPs, and now prioritizes the elimination of processes that produce dioxins. Q: What are the environmental benefits of Ultraleather than genuine leather?
A: Leather production and the tanning process utilizes several toxic chemicals and produces pollution in our external environment and indoor air environments, as well as significant natural resource depletion. Tanneries have been known to release dangerous pollutants such as ammonia, mercury, lead and chromium in the form of solid waste. For a more comprehensive view of the benefits of Ultrafabrics products compared to leather, please visit the Ultrafabrics vs. Leather / Vinyl section of this page.
Q: What part of your materials is recycled?A: Ultrafabrics brand fabrics are composed of polyurethane that is non-toxic, low VOCs and compliant with industry standards for indoor air quality. Ultrafabrics products do not contain any volatile plasticizers and stabilizers found in vinyl. Q: What are the benefits of being PVC free?
A: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is environmentally indestructible vinyl and can release hydrochloric acid and other toxic compounds when burned. In addition, vinyl also contains a high level of VOC's (volatile organic compounds) that negatively impact indoor air quality (IAQ). These contaminants cause environmental and health risks. Vinyl is listed on the EPA's warning list of materials that contribute towards indoor air pollution. What differentiates PVC from the other vinyls is the addition of the chlorine molecule (chloride "C" in PVC). Chlorine is the source of many environmental health concerns with PVC, including the generation of dioxin, a highly carcinogenic chemical produced in both the manufacturing and disposal of PVC. Due to its persistent and bioaccumulative nature, chlorine increases in concentration as it moves up the food chain to humans, thus being categorized as a persistent organic pollutants (POP's). The international treaty, The Stockholm Convention, was created to target POPs, and now prioritizes the elimination of processes that produce dioxins. Q: What are the environmental benefits of Ultraleather than genuine leather?
A: Leather production and the tanning process utilizes several toxic chemicals and produces pollution in our external environment and indoor air environments, as well as significant natural resource depletion. Tanneries have been known to release dangerous pollutants such as ammonia, mercury, lead and chromium in the form of solid waste. For a more comprehensive view of the benefits of Ultrafabrics products compared to leather, please visit the Ultrafabrics vs. Leather / Vinyl section of this page.
A: Approximately 99% of our solvents are recycled in the manufacturing process. Q: What steps have been taken to conserve raw materials and energy in the manufacturing process?
A: Ultrafabrics' mill is an ISO 9001 certified facility that utilizes LPG as our primary fuel source. A cleaner energy resource, LPG reduces carbon emissions resulting in less fuel consumption. Our shipping and packaging materials are 100% recyclable and/or reusable, and our shipping and storage practices ensure minimal waste is distributed in our warehousing procedures. We continue to strive to implement the industries latest certifications and social responsibility practices to ensure our company procedures reinforce the environmentally sound nature of our products. Please visit the "Our Commitment" section of this page for more information.
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Green Glossary
Azo Dyes - any of a large class of synthetic organic dyes that contain nitrogen as the azo group -N=N- as part of their molecular structures; more than half the commercial dyes belong to this class. Depending on other chemical features, these dyes fall into several categories defined by the fibres for which they have affinity or by the methods by which they are applied.
Bioaccumulation - the process in which chemical compounds travel long distances through numerous ecosystems and food chain without breaking down. As a result, the concentration of the chemicals increases as it moves up the food chain to humans.
Biodegradable - capable of decomposing in nature within a reasonably short period of time.
Carcinogen - any of a number of agents that can cause cancer, including chemicals, radiation, and viruses. Exposure to such agents, singly or in combination, can initiate cancer under conditions not wholly understood.
Closed Loop Recycling - the process of recycling in such a way that the components of the original product are reclaimed or utilized into similar products without the process of downcycling.
Cradle-to-Cradle - term used to describe a material or product that is recycled into a new or similar product at the end of its intended life.
Dioxin - a highly unstable, toxic, monocyclic organic compound comprised of carcinogenic hydrocarbons that occur as impurities. Dioxins are man-made materials.
Dimethyl Fumarate (DMF) - a fine crystalline powder used in consumer products (particularly leather goods) as a packaging item to prevent the growth of mold and fungus. At very low concentrations, this chemical compound has been proven to cause several health problems including eczema and skin allergic reactions.
Ecological Footprint - the resulting impacts on the environment based on the choices we make (i.e., raw materials selection, energy selection, transportation, etc).
Environmentally Friendly - a general statement often used to designate a product or process that has a reduced ecological footprint when compared to other products/processes.
Environmentally Preferable - products, services or systems that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products, services or systems that serve the same purpose.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - an independent federal agency of the U.S. government founded in 1970 that sets and enforces rules and standards that protect the environment and control pollution.
Formaldehyde - a toxic chemical used widely in consumer products and building materials. A known carcinogen to negatively impact indoor air quality (IAQ), formaldehyde is on the EPA's list of pollutants that create indoor air pollution.
Greenguard - The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) was founded in 2001 with the mission of reducing chemical exposure and improving indoor air quality. The GEI oversees third-party certification programs that identify acceptable product emission standards and certify low-emitting products. GEI also establishes building standards and writes standards in conjunction with the LEED Rating System.
Healthy Building Network - a leading environmental health organization founded in 2000 based on the beliefs of healthier indoor environments for improved public health. Healthy Building Network supports the opportunities to change the building materials market by educating on the negative impacts of PVC and recommending substituting cost-effective, healthier building and interior furnishing materials.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) - the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. IAQ can be affected by microbial contaminants (mold, bacteria), gases (including carbon monoxide, radon, volatile organic compounds-VOC's), particulates, toxic chemicals, or any mass or energy stressor that can induce adverse health conditions. Indoor air is becoming an increasingly more concerning health hazard than outdoor air.
Leather Tannery Toxins - toxic chemicals commonly used and released into the environment as a result of the tanning process. Tanneries produce thousands of tons of solid waste each day as well as air emissions containing ammonia or hydrogen sulphide. Other toxic substances used in tanneries include mercury, lead and chromium.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) - a mixture of hydrocarbon gases used and increasingly replacing CFC's (chlorofluorocarbons) as an aerosol propellant and a refrigerant to reduce damage to the ozone layer and global warming. LPG is a low carbon emitting hydrocarbon fuel.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) - a series of building rating products developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to provide a standard for what constitutes a "green building" or "high performance" building. The various LEED products are used as design guidelines and third-party certification aiming to improve occupant well-being, environmental performance and economic returns of buildings used to establish and innovative practices, standards and technologies.
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP's) - organic compounds that are resistant to environmental degradation through chemical, biological, and photolytic processes. As a result, they have been observed to persist in the environment, to be capable of long-range transport, bioaccumulation in human and animal tissue, biomagnified in food chains, and to have potential significant impacts on human health and the environment.
Phthalates - or Phthalate esters, are esters of phthalic acid and are mainly used as plasticizers (substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity). They are primarily used to soften polyvinyl chloride. Phthalates are being phased out of many products in the United States and European Union over health concerns. (wikipedia definition)
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE) - organobromine compounds that are used as flame retardants. Like other brominated flame retardants, PBDE's have been used in a wide array of products, including building materials, electronics, furnishings, motor vehicles, airplanes, plastics, polyurethane foams, and textiles. The health effects of PBDEs have not been studied in humans however, studies with laboratory animals provide information on the toxic effects of PBDEs including problems with brain development, learning, memory and behavior. They also show that exposure to PBDEs during development can decrease thyroid hormone levels and affect reproduction. Foam products that might contain these PBDEs include: couches, upholstered chairs, mattresses, futons, foam carpet padding, children's car seats, automobile interiors, foam pillows (including breastfeeding pillows), and other foam items. Do not reupholster foam furniture. Even those items without PBDEs might contain poorly studied fire retardants with potentially harmful effects.
Polyurethane - any of a class of synthetic resinous, fibrous, or elastomeric compounds belonging to the family of organic polymers made by the reaction of diisocyanates (organic compounds containing two functional groups of structure -NCO) with other difunctional compounds such as glycols.
PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) - a thermoplastic vinyl polymer constructed of repeating vinyl groups (ethenyls) having one of their hydrogens replaced with a chloride group. Polyvinyl chloride is the third most widely produced plastic, after polyethylene and polypropylene. PVC is estimated to be the single largest material source of dioxin to the global environment over the course of its life cycle, production, use and disposal. PVC has a high level of VOC's and contributes to poor indoor air quality (IAQ).
Recyclable - a designation for products or materials that are capable of being recovered from, or otherwise diverted from waste streams for recycling.
Recycled Content - the percentage of the total weight of recycled materials in a product.
Recycling - the series of activities, including collection, separation, and processing, by which materials are recovered from the waste stream for use as raw materials in the manufacture of new products.
Sustainable - a process that maintains a source of renewability and environmental health over time to meet present and future needs.
Toxic Byproducts - hazardous ingredients found in every day products that that cause human health risks and pollution. Examples of are lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, form and VOC emissions.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) - chemical compounds that evaporate from many housekeeping, maintenance and building products. These compounds may be released from the products both in use, and in storage. In sufficient quantities, VOC’s can cause irritation, are carcinogenic, and are suspected of causing or exacerbating acute and chronic diseases.
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) - a non-profit trade organization that promotes environmental sustainability in how buildings are designed, built and operated. The USGBC is best known for the development of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system and Greenbuild, a green building conference that promotes the green building industry, including environmentally responsible materials, sustainable architecture techniques and public policy.
Bioaccumulation - the process in which chemical compounds travel long distances through numerous ecosystems and food chain without breaking down. As a result, the concentration of the chemicals increases as it moves up the food chain to humans.
Biodegradable - capable of decomposing in nature within a reasonably short period of time.
Carcinogen - any of a number of agents that can cause cancer, including chemicals, radiation, and viruses. Exposure to such agents, singly or in combination, can initiate cancer under conditions not wholly understood.
Closed Loop Recycling - the process of recycling in such a way that the components of the original product are reclaimed or utilized into similar products without the process of downcycling.
Cradle-to-Cradle - term used to describe a material or product that is recycled into a new or similar product at the end of its intended life.
Dioxin - a highly unstable, toxic, monocyclic organic compound comprised of carcinogenic hydrocarbons that occur as impurities. Dioxins are man-made materials.
Dimethyl Fumarate (DMF) - a fine crystalline powder used in consumer products (particularly leather goods) as a packaging item to prevent the growth of mold and fungus. At very low concentrations, this chemical compound has been proven to cause several health problems including eczema and skin allergic reactions.
Ecological Footprint - the resulting impacts on the environment based on the choices we make (i.e., raw materials selection, energy selection, transportation, etc).
Environmentally Friendly - a general statement often used to designate a product or process that has a reduced ecological footprint when compared to other products/processes.
Environmentally Preferable - products, services or systems that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products, services or systems that serve the same purpose.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - an independent federal agency of the U.S. government founded in 1970 that sets and enforces rules and standards that protect the environment and control pollution.
Formaldehyde - a toxic chemical used widely in consumer products and building materials. A known carcinogen to negatively impact indoor air quality (IAQ), formaldehyde is on the EPA's list of pollutants that create indoor air pollution.
Greenguard - The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) was founded in 2001 with the mission of reducing chemical exposure and improving indoor air quality. The GEI oversees third-party certification programs that identify acceptable product emission standards and certify low-emitting products. GEI also establishes building standards and writes standards in conjunction with the LEED Rating System.
Healthy Building Network - a leading environmental health organization founded in 2000 based on the beliefs of healthier indoor environments for improved public health. Healthy Building Network supports the opportunities to change the building materials market by educating on the negative impacts of PVC and recommending substituting cost-effective, healthier building and interior furnishing materials.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) - the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. IAQ can be affected by microbial contaminants (mold, bacteria), gases (including carbon monoxide, radon, volatile organic compounds-VOC's), particulates, toxic chemicals, or any mass or energy stressor that can induce adverse health conditions. Indoor air is becoming an increasingly more concerning health hazard than outdoor air.
Leather Tannery Toxins - toxic chemicals commonly used and released into the environment as a result of the tanning process. Tanneries produce thousands of tons of solid waste each day as well as air emissions containing ammonia or hydrogen sulphide. Other toxic substances used in tanneries include mercury, lead and chromium.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) - a mixture of hydrocarbon gases used and increasingly replacing CFC's (chlorofluorocarbons) as an aerosol propellant and a refrigerant to reduce damage to the ozone layer and global warming. LPG is a low carbon emitting hydrocarbon fuel.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) - a series of building rating products developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to provide a standard for what constitutes a "green building" or "high performance" building. The various LEED products are used as design guidelines and third-party certification aiming to improve occupant well-being, environmental performance and economic returns of buildings used to establish and innovative practices, standards and technologies.
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP's) - organic compounds that are resistant to environmental degradation through chemical, biological, and photolytic processes. As a result, they have been observed to persist in the environment, to be capable of long-range transport, bioaccumulation in human and animal tissue, biomagnified in food chains, and to have potential significant impacts on human health and the environment.
Phthalates - or Phthalate esters, are esters of phthalic acid and are mainly used as plasticizers (substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity). They are primarily used to soften polyvinyl chloride. Phthalates are being phased out of many products in the United States and European Union over health concerns. (wikipedia definition)
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE) - organobromine compounds that are used as flame retardants. Like other brominated flame retardants, PBDE's have been used in a wide array of products, including building materials, electronics, furnishings, motor vehicles, airplanes, plastics, polyurethane foams, and textiles. The health effects of PBDEs have not been studied in humans however, studies with laboratory animals provide information on the toxic effects of PBDEs including problems with brain development, learning, memory and behavior. They also show that exposure to PBDEs during development can decrease thyroid hormone levels and affect reproduction. Foam products that might contain these PBDEs include: couches, upholstered chairs, mattresses, futons, foam carpet padding, children's car seats, automobile interiors, foam pillows (including breastfeeding pillows), and other foam items. Do not reupholster foam furniture. Even those items without PBDEs might contain poorly studied fire retardants with potentially harmful effects.
Polyurethane - any of a class of synthetic resinous, fibrous, or elastomeric compounds belonging to the family of organic polymers made by the reaction of diisocyanates (organic compounds containing two functional groups of structure -NCO) with other difunctional compounds such as glycols.
PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) - a thermoplastic vinyl polymer constructed of repeating vinyl groups (ethenyls) having one of their hydrogens replaced with a chloride group. Polyvinyl chloride is the third most widely produced plastic, after polyethylene and polypropylene. PVC is estimated to be the single largest material source of dioxin to the global environment over the course of its life cycle, production, use and disposal. PVC has a high level of VOC's and contributes to poor indoor air quality (IAQ).
Recyclable - a designation for products or materials that are capable of being recovered from, or otherwise diverted from waste streams for recycling.
Recycled Content - the percentage of the total weight of recycled materials in a product.
Recycling - the series of activities, including collection, separation, and processing, by which materials are recovered from the waste stream for use as raw materials in the manufacture of new products.
Sustainable - a process that maintains a source of renewability and environmental health over time to meet present and future needs.
Toxic Byproducts - hazardous ingredients found in every day products that that cause human health risks and pollution. Examples of are lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, form and VOC emissions.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) - chemical compounds that evaporate from many housekeeping, maintenance and building products. These compounds may be released from the products both in use, and in storage. In sufficient quantities, VOC’s can cause irritation, are carcinogenic, and are suspected of causing or exacerbating acute and chronic diseases.
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) - a non-profit trade organization that promotes environmental sustainability in how buildings are designed, built and operated. The USGBC is best known for the development of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system and Greenbuild, a green building conference that promotes the green building industry, including environmentally responsible materials, sustainable architecture techniques and public policy.