Sustainable and Flame Retardant Roller Blind Fabric

Green and sustainability considerations

How sustainable is the supply chain and manufacturing process of the fabric? Will the blind fabric give off any harmful emissions when in place?

Sustainable roller blinds

Many manufacturers now give information on the source of materials and their manufacturing processes to enable customers to assess the sustainability of their fabrics. Some manufacturers also give information on the testing they have done to measure the levels of harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds) or other hazardous materials that could be released into the environment by the blind fabric.

Fire and flammability considerations

Will the blind be in a position that it may be exposed to a naked flame? Will the blind be in a public place? Are there any statutory regulations that must be complied with?

Flame retardant roller blinds

Being a vertically suspended piece of fabric, flames can spread quickly up and across a roller blind fabric. Fabrics which have no inherent resistance to ignition by flame can be treated with chemicals to make them resistant to flames and also to reduce the rate at which flames will spread. Most blinds marketed as flame retardant comply with BS5867 (Part 2, Type B) and should carry a permanent marking. In general blinds in most public buildings will be required to be flame retardant but there is currently no requirement in the UK for blind fabrics supplied for domestic use to be tested for fire resistance. However we suggest that all customers should check their statutory obligations and undertake a fire risk assessment of the proposed blinds location before selecting a blind to determine whether a flame retardant fabric should be used. Roller blinds for the kitchen situated close to an open flame may be a candidate for flame retardant fabric.

Other articles from the RollerBlinds.org buyer's guide series:
Light and privacy control
Solar control
Thermally efficient fabric
Anti-bacterial and washable fabrics