Interior Designers’ Perspectives on Environmental Issues Concerning Textiles

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Abstract

The lack of sustainability in the textile industry has been exacerbated, to a considerable extent, by the introduction of fast furnishing. This has greatly changed the way companies operate, encouraging them to adopt more holistic and sustainable design approaches to interior textiles. The present research aims to discuss interior designers’ perspectives on the considerations needed toward the decision-making processes of interior textile design, how these decisions affect the environment throughout the product’s life cycle, and whether these decisions could be influenced by stakeholder engagement. This research was based upon a product life-cycle assessment and the stakeholder theory. A questionnaire was conducted with designers and design experts who were well versed in the creation and/or application of interior textiles. A qualitative research method was employed. The findings indicate that the respondents had achieved higher comprehension of environmental issues connected to the first stages of the product life cycle, which include the selection of raw materials as well as textile processing and finishing. However, the respondents showed a weaker consideration or understanding of the later stages, which encompass transportation, end use and maintenance. These findings contribute to the body of knowledge regarding the critical role that interior designers play in curbing the adverse environmental effects of interior textiles.