Leading external shading specialists explores the benefits of sustainable patio awning fabrics

With consumers becoming ever more conscious of environmental factors when making purchasing decisions, recent surveys have shown that a growing number are likely to choose sustainable products and services.

Adjustable solar shading solutions, such as awnings and louvered pergolas, are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners and businesses as they offer significant benefits in reducing energy consumption and combating climate change in both residential and commercial settings. By regulating the amount of sunlight entering indoor spaces, these passive cooling systems help to prevent overheating and glare, promoting comfort and reducing the need for air conditioning.

The average UK household generates approximately two tons of carbon dioxide during the lifetime of a typical air conditioning unit, so by choosing high-quality awnings to keep the home cool, customers can opt to significantly reduce their carbon footprint. These reductions are of course much greater still for commercial properties, and, as modern fabrics offer high levels of UV protection, blocking around 95% of the sun’s damaging UV rays, users of outdoor spaces are also protected from the sun.

As a company dedicated to minimising its environmental impact, Caribbean Blinds naturally sees supplying sustainable products as fundamental. This autumn sees the launch of Caribbean Blinds’ 393 ELEMENTS CROSS FIBRE collection which builds on the commitment to environmental responsibility which lies at the very core of this company’s ethos.

Stuart Dantzic, MD at Caribbean Blinds, comments: “Sustainability is not just a buzzword at Caribbean Blinds, but something we live and breathe. From launching the first PVC-free external screen fabric many years ago, I’m super excited that we can continue to build on fabrics which are more environmentally friendly.”

Manufacturing sustainable awning fabric

In the creation of coloured fabrics, the transition between different colour batches is not always smooth, leading to small quantities of mixed-tone fibres. These fibres were previously discarded as waste during the production process, but it is now possible to repurpose them to prevent this. The mixed-tone fibres are carefully collected, sorted, and spun into yarn before being incorporated into the high-quality 393 ELEMENTS CROSS FIBRE fabric. By using this recycled yarn in the weft, which constitutes approximately 30% of the finished fabric, Caribbean Blinds maintain consistent visual and technical properties, ensuring the product is more sustainable whilst retaining the highest standards of quality. The fact that they can do this while meeting the OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN certification standard is a source of great pride, and just as importantly, comes at no extra cost to clients.

The OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN label ensures that products are manufactured sustainably in socially responsible workplaces. Customers can purchase with confidence knowing that these products are traceable and have been tested for harmful substances. By choosing MADE IN GREEN products, consumers support both better working conditions and a healthier planet. There are six contemporary designs in the collection to choose from so there is something to suit all tastes, and the PFAS-free TEXgard finish on all fabrics ensures water and dirt repellency and outstanding durability.

External shading specialists in the UK

Established in 1987, Caribbean Blinds is a multi-award-winning, family-run business specialising in high-quality external shading solutions. With decades of experience, they have become the leading supplier of luxury shading systems in the UK, transforming outdoor spaces into functional and enjoyable areas. This recent introduction of 393 ELEMENTS CROSS FIBRE fabric is the latest in a whole host of measures they have taken to ensure the company adheres to the highest standards of environmental responsibility.

As well as this latest innovation, Caribbean Blinds has sought to reduce its carbon footprint by introducing various measures including a comprehensive recycling programme, closed-loop recycling, a fleet of electric vehicles, paperless operations as well as installing solar panels at its main headquarters in Suffolk.

Caribbean Blinds is dedicated to continuous improvement and will continue to explore new opportunities to reduce its environmental footprint. The company is committed to being a leader in the industry in terms of sustainability and environmental stewardship. To find out more information about the full range of awnings manufactured by Caribbean Blinds, visit: https://www.cbsolarshading.co.uk