F.R.E.S.H. Ideas From Valley Forge

dear diana,

i am an architecture student looking into polyester recycling technologies. I am interested in the research (although unsuccessful) you have done into trying to remove antimony during the recycling process. Any other info regarding the differences between post consumer and post industrial waste would also be very helpful. Many thanks and keep up the good work

To the delight of the fast food industry, quick food options have become engrained in the mind of the consumer as a choice between convenience and nutrition. For students and employed adults who don't have time to prepare meals, convenience inevitably wins out almost every time.

Yes, all FRESH fabrics inherently pass NFPA 260 and many inherently pass NFPA 701.

I was wondering if the flammability of this product has been tested? Thank you.

In response to Alison Pollack’s post: We appreciate the comment and agree the subject deserves continued conversation. Recycling plastic beverage bottles into pellets is an industry that was established in the early 1980’s. In almost 30 years the good news is that the recyclers have developed into producing better quality pellets that can be used for more up-cycle products than when first established. In addition, the pellet production itself has only gotten safer and more environmentally sensitive as the recycling industry has matured. As a company we leveraged an existing industry and provide a much needed buyer to keep this American manufacturing platform and the jobs it creates intact. It si the pellet that is used to make FRESH yarn. Referring back to Mr. Don Lennon’s previous question in regards to antimony; I assume Ms. Pollack’s question about human health is connected to the same antimony subject. LCA data has clearly shown better measurements for post consumer recycled polyester when compared with antimony free virgin polyester across all categories. The ultimate solution is to get the bottle producers to remove the antimony from the bottle manufacturing initially. Inside the yarn the antimony is secure. We verify the end user safety of the textiles through VOC testing protocol. While we are satisfied with this safety, certainly it is not a perfect product yet. However, to quote a friend “do not let the perfect be the enemy of the good.” Reducing carbon impact is of grave and immediate importance at this time. Recycling plastic beverage bottles substantially combats global warming as the LCA data shows across all categories. Please contact me directly if you would like more information. ddobin@valleyforge.com

According to our R&D Post-Consumer Recycled Polyester unfortunately is not available without antimony. This is not for lack of effort, but because antimony is used in the actual plastic bottle manufacturing and this is the source from which Post-Consumer recycled Polyester derives. We have explored removing the antimony but have been unsuccessful; in addition the question arises of how to appropriately dispose of the antimony if we could successfully take it out. We are moving into new ground here. Valley Forge is working with chemists and other experts and is committed to developing FRESH products further - with as broad a kaleidoscope of environmental considerations as possible. The most recent FRESH product release is called LIVING FRESH and is made of an innovative construction of fiber from Eucalyptus blended with Cotton. As part of the FRESH collection, the Eucalyptus bedding products fall into Valley Forge’s established reclamation program and the fabrics will be picked up by Valley Forge from the hotels at the end of their useful lives. All FRESH fabrics are recyclable and Valley Forge has a reclamation program in operation to facilitate the recycling.

It feels good to reduce the trash heap, no doubt. However, plastic being made into something it was not originally intended for brings forth human health concerns. How has the health of the end user been insured?

Excellent idea!! Our firm will like to received this great book.. Congrats to Valley Forge!!.. (LK.idsp@gmail.com)

I love it! Congratulations to Valley Forge!

Is the recycled polyester content antimony free?