Focus on Polypropylene Outdoor Fabrics
In recent years, you’ve probably noticed the growing number of upholstery collections designed specifically for outdoor use. This trend is partly due to the increasing use of polypropylene, a material that has steadily gained ground in the textile industry.
We now see polypropylene not just in furniture, but also in a growing array of textiles: fabrics, rugs, and coverings made entirely from this plastic fiber. Time to take a closer look.
What is Polypropylene?
Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic from the polyolefin family. It’s far from new—it was developed in 1957 by the Montecatini company and became widely adopted during the 1960s.
Food-grade by nature, PP has excellent chemical, thermal, and flexural resistance—among its most valued qualities.
Polypropylene exists in two main forms: homopolymer and copolymer. Copolymers are better suited for cold environments, while homopolymers are harder and withstand higher temperatures.
It is generally referred to by its abbreviation: PP.
Common Uses
Polypropylene is used in a wide variety of products: bags, films, flexible tubing, containers, toys, and the automotive industry. Increasingly, it’s also used in textiles. This mastery of the material has contributed to the boom in outdoor upholstery fabrics.
Key Properties
PP has a slightly rough feel but is both strong and flexible. It’s widely used in chemical industries and plastic engineering.
- Colors are solution-dyed and highly UV-resistant
- Excellent resistance to wear, weather, and chemical agents
- Naturally rot-proof due to its plastic nature
- Recyclable under proper conditions
Polypropylene Seating Fabrics
These synthetic fabrics are highly resistant to wear and light, making them ideal for outdoor seating—or even indoor chairs placed in bright rooms. They’re also well suited to kitchen seating that requires easy maintenance.
Upholstery Applications
Polypropylene has earned its place in the outdoor textile segment. Its resistance to UV and moisture makes it one of the few materials truly suited to poolside furniture or sun-drenched terraces.
However, manufacturing expertise is required to overcome its inherently plastic feel. PP remains somewhat coarse and, despite its growing presence in fashion textiles, its comfort level still raises eyebrows.
Only the top fabric editors manage to create PP textiles that feel truly natural. These high-end indoor/outdoor fabrics strike the right balance between aesthetics and technical performance.
The Most Prestigious Outdoor Fabric Editors
If you’re looking for premium outdoor upholstery for a luxury project, here are the standout names:
🇫🇷 Pierre Frey
Strengths: heritage-inspired motifs, invisible technical performance, noble textures
Applications: conservatories, terraces, indoor/outdoor lounges
View collections: https://www.pierrefrey.com/fr/tissus?filter_type=outdoor
🇮🇹 Dedar
Strengths: Italian sophistication, bold color palettes, soft feel
Applications: contemporary terraces, designer furniture, residential projects
View collections: https://www.dedar.com/en/products/fabrics?cat=collections-outdoor
🇫🇷 Élitis
Strengths: bold patterns, woven textures, refined finishes
Applications: stylish verandas, outdoor salons, boutique hotels
View collections: https://www.elitis.fr/fr/tissus/outdoor
🇫🇷 Lelièvre Paris
Strengths: discreet luxury, muted tones, technical innovation
Applications: yachting, five-star hotels, premium outdoor sofas
View collections: https://www.lelievreparis.com/fr/tissus?filter_type=outdoor
🇫🇷 Nobilis
Strengths: dense and elegant textures, tone-on-tone jacquards, classic chic
Applications: architects’ residences, yachts, high-end terraces
View collections: https://www.nobilis.fr/fr/tissus/outdoor
🇪🇸 Gastón y Daniela
Strengths: Iberian elegance, technical reliability, refined finish
Applications: Mediterranean terraces, heritage villas, lounge chairs
View collections: https://www.gastonydaniela.com/en/collections/fabrics
🇩🇪 Sahco (Kvadrat)
Strengths: minimalist aesthetics, high-performance fibers, quiet luxury
Applications: contemporary hotels, Scandinavian outdoor design
View collections: https://www.kvadrat.dk/en/products/sahco/fabrics?filter=outdoor
Bonus: High-Performance Outdoor Specialists
🌍 Sunbrella
Strengths: unmatched durability, wide color and texture range
Applications: public seating, parasols, contract spaces
View collections: https://www.sunbrella.com/outdoor-fabric
🇺🇸 Perennials
Strengths: luxurious feel, high UV-resistance, fully washable
Applications: high-end hospitality and residential projects
View collections: https://www.perennialsfabrics.com/performance-outdoor-fabrics/
🇮🇹 Mariaflora
Strengths: luxurious finishes, natural weaves, softness and strength
Applications: bespoke terraces, fine dining, slow luxury hotels
View collections: https://www.mariaflora.com/collections
🇫🇷 Serge Ferrari
Strengths: composite technology, extreme longevity, dimensional stability
Applications: pergolas, shade sails, premium urban and marine seating
View collections: https://www.sergeferrari.com/fr/produits/textiles-pour-la-protection-solaire
Polypropylene and Sustainability: What’s the Real Story?
A popular material in technical and upholstery textiles, polypropylene (PP) is durable, light, and inexpensive. But how sustainable is it?
1. Solution-Dyed = Lower Pollution
PP is dyed in the mass, avoiding chemical dye baths. This reduces water usage, chemical runoff, and environmental impact.
2. Technically Recyclable
While classified as recyclable (code 5), textile recycling infrastructure for PP remains limited, especially in closed-loop systems.
3. Long Lifespan
PP resists UV rays, mildew, and heavy wear, which means fewer replacements and less waste.
4. Lightweight = Lower Transport Emissions
Its low density makes for easier, cleaner shipping.
❌ The Limits of PP from an Ecological Standpoint
1. Petrochemical Origin
PP is derived from fossil fuels, contributing to its high initial carbon footprint.
2. Non-Biodegradable
PP takes hundreds of years to decompose and leaves microplastics behind.
3. Rarely Recycled in Practice
Most PP textiles are incinerated or landfilled due to limited recycling options.
4. Microplastic Emissions
Though it sheds fewer particles than polyester, PP still releases microplastics through wear and washing.
Conclusion
Polypropylene is neither a miracle material nor a villain. It offers certain ecological benefits when used long-term and with care. The real issue lies in its end-of-life management.
🪡 The HART Take
Using PP fabrics responsibly can make sense—particularly in demanding outdoor settings. The key is to avoid disposable use, choose certified or local producers, and prioritize durability. Smart design is long-lasting by nature.
