How We Make It

Sustainability at ACF isn't a position statement. It's a set of decisions made inside the factory — about water, heat, waste, and materials.

This is what those decisions look like.

Water

Textile manufacturing is water-intensive. Our factory runs a closed-loop water reticulation system during wet processing, reusing between 30-40% of process water.

By reusing water, the manufacturing plant:

  • Conserves this vital resource for future generations.
  • Reduces the environmental impact of textile manufacturing.
  • Water-wise practices
  • Closed-loop water system

Heat

Manufacturing generates significant waste heat. Rather than releasing it into the atmosphere, our factory uses a heat exchanger - transferring waste heat to water needed elsewhere in the process, raising it from room temperature to 60°C without additional energy input.

By recovering waste heat, the manufacturing plant:

  • Minimizes its environmental impact by lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Promotes energy efficiency within the production processes.

Waste

Weaving generates offcuts. Ours don't go to landfill.

The majority are recycled back into polyester fibre and processed into non-woven fabric. Creative partners repurpose the rest — into school bags, beds for the homeless, hand-woven rugs. Local vendors turn remaining offcuts into bags and traditional artwork.

  • Recycling into New Fibers: A significant portion of the polyester waste is recycled back into fibers. This recycled material is then processed into non-woven fabrics, reducing reliance on virgin polyester.
  • Creative Upcycling Initiatives: The manufacturing plant also collaborates with creative partners who repurpose waste into valuable products. Examples include school bags, beds for the homeless, and hand-woven rugs.
  • Local Repurposing: All remaining offcuts are repurposed by local vendors who transform them into various products like bags and even traditional artwork. This not only minimizes landfill waste but also empowers local businesses.

Materials

Every raw material used in production is evaluated for human and environmental impact before use. That's included removing chlorinated compounds from acrylic coatings and shifting to safer fluorocarbon technology.

Here are some examples of the plant's success in sustainable material selection:

  • Elimination of Chlorinated Materials: The plant has successfully removed chlorinated raw materials from its acrylic coatings.
  • Greener Surfactants: They have replaced harmful APEOs (alkylphenol ethoxylates) with more eco-friendly surfactants.
  • Safer Fluorocarbon Technology: A shift has been made towards safer C6 fluorocarbon technology, ultimately aiming for complete replacement with fluoro-free dendritic polymers.

End of life

100% PET separates cleanly from the wooden strainer at end of life.

Canvas recycles as PET.

Wood recycles independently.

No mixed-material composite that can't be processed.

In light of the comprehensive analysis we've shared, it becomes evident that the decision between polyester and natural fiber canvases is not just about comparing immediate benefits but involves a deeper understanding of their environmental implications over time.

At ACF, we are committed to embracing practices that not only foster the sustainability of our planet but also ensure the enduring legacy of the art created on our canvases.

We understand that the art world's shift towards more eco-friendly materials is a nuanced journey, involving considerations of water use, energy consumption, emissions, and the lifecycle of products.

Why we use PET

What Conservators and Scientists Say