8.13.14 | New York, NY | In 1994, Designtex introduced Hardwear as the industry’s first extreme performance wallcovering. Developed in collaboration with textile designer Nancy Giesberger, Hardwear employed PVC-coated polyester yarns in the weft, which were derived from a yarn type originally used in geotextiles to mitigate erosion in road beds. The resulting fabric offered excellent durability along with a sophisticated aesthetic.

The latest generation of Hardwear—once again designed in collaboration with Giesberger—utilizes solution-dyed nylon in the warp, giving the new construction a level of durability and bleach-cleanability suitable for seating in hard-working, 24/7 environments from healthcare to cafeterias, airports, theaters, and indoor stadiums. In addition, the PVC-coated weft yarns have been re-engineered to clear them of phthalates (pronounced “thal-ates”), chemicals which act as endocrine disruptors and are typically found in the softening agents used in the manufacturing of PVC. In the new PVC-coated weft yarns, these chemicals have been removed and replaced with an FDA-approved softening agent that is used in the production of children’s toys, allowing the products to comply with the phthalates restrictions of State of California Prop 65.

The three new Hardwear upholsteries—Eon, Glaze, and Radar—showcase classic weave constructions with a twist, including a micro-check and an undulating twill. These styles also boast an extensive color palette, ranging from neutrals to pastels to intense, bold hues. Designer Nancy Giesberger has consciously foregrounded the performance aspect of the yarns in developing these constructions. As she states: “My goal with this generation of Hardwear is to create fabrics that are primarily filling-faced to take advantage of the wear story.” The result is a grouping of upholsteries that are technically sophisticated
and exceptionally tough while still attuned to the importance of aesthetics.

Eon
3641
In Eon, a two-tone micro-check is given a strongly dimensional construction, with a dominant, brighter hue raised slightly above the muted background.
Colors 17
Use Upholstery
Content 72% Vinyl (without Phthalates), 19% Nylon (Preconsumer Recycled,
Solution Dyed), 9% Polyester
Finish Stain Repellent
Backing Acrylic
Cleaning Water-Based/Solvent (WS), Bleach Cleanable (10:1)
Width 57 inches
Repeat None
Abrasion 100,000+ Wyzenbeek double rubs (CD)
Optimized Chemistry No Harmful Phthalates
Warranty 10 years
Origin United States

Glaze
3639
Glaze presents a tour-de-force of construction: a densely woven solid that is entirely filling-faced to showcase the hardworking warp yarns. Available in 22 colorways.
Colors 22
Use Upholstery
Content 72% Vinyl (without Phthalates), 19% Nylon (Preconsumer Recycled,
Solution Dyed), 9% Polyester
Finish Stain Repellent
Backing Acrylic
Cleaning Water-Based/Solvent (WS), Bleach Cleanable (10:1)
Width 56 inches
Repeat None
Abrasion 100,000+ Wyzenbeek double rubs (CD)
Optimized Chemistry No Harmful Phthalates
Warranty 10 years
Origin United States

Radar
3640
At close scale, Radar appears as a two-toned wavy twill, evoking sound waves. At a larger scale, the undulating lines form mirror images within a gridded structure.
Colors 8
Use Upholstery
Content 72% Vinyl (without Phthalates), 19% Nylon (Preconsumer Recycled,
Solution Dyed), 9% Polyester
Finish Stain Repellent
Backing Acrylic
Cleaning Water-Based/Solvent (WS), Bleach Cleanable (10:1)
Width 56 inches
Repeat V 3.688 inches x H 14.125 inches
Abrasion 100,000+ Wyzenbeek double rubs (CD)
Optimized Chemistry No Harmful Phthalates
Warranty 10 years
Origin United States

About Designtex

Designtex is the leading company in the development, design, and manufacturing of applied materials for the built environment. Designtex is a recognized innovator in the research and development of textiles, wallcoverings, and digitally imaged materials with reduced environmental impact. A Steelcase company, Designtex is headquartered in New York City with over 100 sales offices around the world. For more information call 800 221 1540 or visit www.designtex.com.