Number
224-EN
Section
General Section
Use
Sector
Manufacture of textiles, leather, fur
Manufacture of pulp, paper and paper products
Function
Other
Process
Other
Product category
polymer ppaations and cimpounds
Abstract
Textile wallpapers are made ??with synthetic fibers such as PAN, PVC and PUR or with natural fibers such as jute, linen, cotton and grasses. The products containing natural fibers are preferable compared to the synthetic fibers.
Substituted substances
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
CAS No. 9002-86-2 EC No. Index No.
Chemical group
Polymers
Polyurethane (PU)
CAS No. 9009-54-5 EC No. Index No.
Chemical group
Polymers
Polyacrylnitrile (PN)
CAS No. 26658-88-8 EC No. Index No.
Chemical group
Polymers
Reliability of information
Evidence of implementation: there is evidence that the solution was implemented and in use at time of publication
Other type of alternative
Jute, linen, cotton, grasses, recycled paper
Description of Substitution
According to the report published by the Austrian Ministry of Life and the Austrian Eco Counselling wallpapers made ??with natural fibers are a better alternative compared to synthetic fibers.
Synthetic fibers such as polyacrylnitrile (PAN) or natural fibers are used for textile wallpaper. Synthetic materials do not breathe and for this reason cannot be recommended. For people suffering from dust allergies textile wallpaper is not suitable because of dust which can attach well in the wallpaper open structures.
Vinyl (PVC) and polyurethane (PUR) are counted among synthetic wallpapers. On a paper layer a PVC or PUR layer is applied in order to create a three-dimensional pattern. PVC coated wallpaper can release plasticisers and other air pollutants. PUR coated wallpaper can release hazardous isocyanates.
Several studies link this to health issues such as asthma and cancer. The production of vinyl is also a highly polluting process with serious environmental costs. If vinyl enters the waste stream, dioxins will be released into the air and water supply environment. Vinyl wall coverings don?t breathe; this provokes the development of mold in between at moist locations such as bathrooms.
Recycled paper is a great choice and is increasingly available on the marketplace.
Natural wallpapers are made from rapidly renewable materials such as jute, linen, cotton and grasses. These are a good environmental choice. They add a warm, natural touch to any room and are biodegradable at end of life cycle.
Case/substitution evaluation
This case story presents replacement of wallpapers containing hazardous chemicals. The non-chemical alternatives are jute, linen, cotton, grasses and recycled paper.
State of implementation
In use
Availability ofAlternative
On the market
Type of information supplier
Research
Contact
https://www.umweltberatung.at/
Type of publication and availability
Free available publication in German
Publication source: author, company, institute, year
Austrian Ministry of Life and Austrian Eco Counselling. Selbst gemacht? Ja, aber ökologisch! Pages: 36 - 40. 2012
Publication source
Type of publication and availability
https://www.bmk.gv.at/themen/klima_umwelt/chemiepolitik/publikationen/selbstgemacht.html
Date, reviewed
March 1, 2013