Inward investment

Texstyle

Mark Cuddy, General Manager, Texstyle Australia, tells WFA the recently released Texstyle Eclipse Collection looks set to perform well in the market. 

“Eclipse is the revolutionary new 100% blockout fabric by Texstyle, featuring Sanitized Hygiene Protection. Utilising traditional sunscreen manufacturing processes, this functional and unique product is flame retardant, durable, washable and waterproof, making it the perfect solution for every residential and commercial application.” 

The Collection is a 100% blockout. It’s durable, waterproof, easy to clean and hygienic, making it “the perfect pairing solution” for residential and commercial applications.

“Designed for longevity, Eclipse withstands the rigours of constant use without compromising on quality, making it a strong choice for interiors where durability meets design. Being waterproof, Eclipse is ideal for environments prone to high humidity and water splashes, such as the gym, the pool or even in a home kitchen or bathroom. The fabric is also designed for easy maintenance. Whether in commercial environments or the home, accidents can happen. Eclipse’s durable surface ensures effortless cleaning. Just a gentle wipe with soapy water removes dirt and smudges.”

Treated with Sanitized Protection, Texstyle’s Collection also inhibits the growth of bacteria, mould and mildew. This antimicrobial hygiene function enhances the performance of shades for added comfort and peace of mind.

“The Sanitized Hygiene Function protects the fabric surface from the formation of bacteria, mould, and mildew. This ensures the product is continuously cleaner and less at risk of degradation. Sanitized Protection will last for the useful lifetime of the product.” 

Another point of difference is that Eclipse does not have a traditional foam blockout coating and features a colour-matched back.

Cuddy also confirms that the product’s “modern colour palette has been designed to seamlessly complement the Texstyle range of sunscreens, combining to provide an extensive range of textures and colours to control light, reduce glare, enhance thermal comfort, regulate temperature, and accommodate privacy.” 

Shaw

Mark Lewis, Head of Shaw Performance Fabrics, tells WFA the company’s sunscreen program continues to provide cost effective, quality solutions to the commercial and residential window furnishing market.

“The extent of Shaw’s range permits openness and colour combination to give heat and light control plus other ergonomic benefits like eye comfort and view to the outside. The range includes Duo Screen, a 2×1 weave with a lighter more subtle appearance than the 2×2. It has a 5% openness factor and is available in two widths; 2500mm and 3200mm, and 10 colours.

“Meanwhile Aventus is an even 2 x2 basketweave, with a superior view to the outside. It is supplied in 2m, 2.5m and 3m widths. There are 17 colours, all available in 3%, 5%, and 10% openness factors, providing for all aspects of the building and associated levels of solar control requirements. Every SKU is sampled in a hand-held feeler swatch allowing customers to easily compare colours and openness.

“EnviroVision is Shaw’s non-PVC screen, 3000mm wide in 10 colours. This product carries an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) enabling Shaw customers to complete in commercial tenders and reflecting Shaw’s commitment to this product.”

Lewis notes that all Shaw’s sunscreens are highly specified, with Greenguard and Greenguard Gold Certification and testing to AS1530 Part III as standard attributes. The range carries a five year warranty.

“Shaw presents customers with a screen solution for every installation opportunity. The colour ranges are on trend with current interior design and consider end user motivations to buy including health and well-being. From a financial perspective, screen products assist with reducing energy bills, currently an intense pressure point for the consumer. The screens, like all Shaw products, are presented in practical, durable presentations. They are supported by the national sales and customer service teams and distributed by Shaw’s national network of distribution centres.” 

Lewis remarks that end users are becoming more curious about the technical attributes of screen fabrics, pushing retailers to be more knowledgeable. 

“There is a demand for performance products that consider environmental pressures, and aesthetics, particularly in workplace where visual eye comfort is increasingly a topic of discussion, and energy costs are at a premium.”

In terms of colour trends, he says that screen fabrics have traditionally always sold at the opposite ends of the spectrum of charcoal and white, but that is being enhanced through subtle nuances. “Shaw has added colours which co-ordinate with interior trend colours so a darker shade could have a blue or a red undertone, while on the lighter side Shaw has soft pale greys and warm whites.

He adds that Shaw is also increasingly noticing an increased demand for products developed with consideration for the environment, particularly in the commercial sector. The company has invested in an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for its EnviroVision non PVC screen product, which was recently published by Global Greentag.

Uniline

For nearly two decades, Uniline’s Uniview interior screen fabric has established itself as a high-quality consistent product, George Lucas, Fabrics Category Manager for Uniline, tells WFA. He says that the 2 x 2 weave construction in all three openness factors further adds to Uniview’s durability and performance. With Greenguard Gold Certification, Uniview is also safe for users’ health and the environment.

“Indulge in a wide array of 17 exquisite colours, carefully curate to suit discerning tastes. Available in openness factors of 2%, 5%, and 10%, these fabrics effortlessly elevate any interior.”

He adds that Uniline understands that every window deserves the perfect solution, regardless of its orientation. 

“It is essential to embrace the fact that different colours provide distinct thermal and visual comfort levels. Embrace the airy tranquillity of lighter shades, allowing an abundance of natural light to flood your space, while minimising the heat with its superior solar reflectance. On the other hand, darker hues offer captivating vistas with minimal glare, although they do admit more radiant heat into the room.

“With a selection of three openness factors, users can now tailor their desired thermal and visual properties to perfection. They can choose the ideal blend that complements their space’s unique ambience and offers uncompromising luxury.

“Moreover, our Uniview interior screen options vary in degrees of UV protection, ensuring that end users’ well-being is prioritised,” he adds. “These fabrics not only exude elegance but also provide shelter from the sun’s harmful rays.

Lucas notes that Uniview interior screen fabrics from Uniline offers more light, better views, visual and energy saving thermal benefits and day time privacy.

“Uniview interior screen fabrics are a timeless blend of function and beauty, standing the test of time,” he concludes.