Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC, Glen Raven, N.C., recently launched Sunbrella® Renaissance Unity awning and shade fabrics made using 50-percent post-industrial recycled Sunbrella solution-dyed acrylic fiber. The Unity fabrics, which feature the same fade resistance and solar protective properties as all other Sunbrella fabrics, comprise the third collection in the Sunbrella Renaissance product line, which also includes braided rugs and upholstery fabrics that the company introduced in 2011. 

"Because of the recycled content, Unity fabrics have a vintage canvas look that is subtly textural and feels very substantial," said Vince Hankins, industrial business manager, Glen Raven Custom Fabrics. He added that the fabrics, initially offered in five solid colors, also are Greenguard Children and Schools(SM) certified for their contribution to indoor air quality. 

The Renaissance program, which has been in development for five years, engages certain trade partners that are reclaiming and reprocessing fiber and fabric both internally and from outside sources - including materials collected through the company's Recycle My Sunbrella service, under which it accepts post-industrial and post-consumer Sunbrella fabric waste shipped to its recycling center in South Carolina.