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Future Fabrics Expo 2025: How Toxic Are Flame Retardant (FR) Chemicals For Upholstery?

Publisher Textiles Intelligence
Published Oct 28, 2025
Length 8 Pages
SKU # TXI20496356

Description

Flame retardant (FR) chemicals are used in almost all upholstery and soft furniture materials, particularly foams, mattresses and upholstery fabrics. However, many of these chemicals pose a risk to human health and the environment—particularly through the release of toxic smoke during combustion but also through leaching into the environment during their life cycles. In fact, FR chemicals have been found to be persistent in the human body, in the air, and in animals, dust, food, soil and waterways, and they have been associated with a number of serious health problems. Reflecting this, they have been classified as substances of very high concern (SVHC) under assessment by regulatory bodies. Also, the use of FR chemicals in upholstery and soft furniture materials is presenting a significant barrier to recycling and therefore their use goes against efforts to develop a circular economy. In addition, such chemicals are said to provide only a “negligible benefit” in the event of a fire. At a seminar at Future Fabrics Expo 2025, entitled “New material opportunities in home and interiors”, there were critical discussions from a panel of experts regarding the use of FR chemicals in upholstery, and many of these experts were pushing for a shift in the regulations, arguing that upholstery can be produced without the use of FR chemicals and still comply with open flame tests. With this in mind, experts from the panel argued that the key to the production of products which are safe and environmentally sustainable is to be resourceful and work with materials in their natural form.

Table of Contents

8 Pages
SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
HOW TOXIC ARE FLAME RETARDANT (FR) CHEMICALS FOR UPHOLSTERY?

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