People ask us that all the time.
Practically everybody has some of the same questions about how to check stock on True Textiles products, order samples, get fabric specifications sent to them and things of this nature. All of the customer service queries that we get asked most often – and the answers to them – are conveniently listed here.
Guilford of Maine
Q. How can I have my samples updated?
To have your binders updated, please contact your sales representative or call our sales & service team at 800.544.0200.
Q. Who is my local representative?
Please call 800.544.0200 for the name of your local representative and how to contact them.
Q. How can I check stock on various products?
Please call our sales service team at 800.544.0200.
Q. How can I obtain product specifications?
Specifications for our panel fabrics can be downloaded from the Downloads page on this website or you may contact us at 800.544.0200 to have these specs sent to you.
Q. What is the minimum order size?
There is a 5-yard minimum for all openline panel fabrics. Full rolls for those customers eligible to purchase our upholstery products.
Q. Where can I fax or e-mail a purchase order?
Fax to 616.554.2255 or e-mail to .
Q. How can I set up an account?
Contact our sales service team at 800.544.0200 for assistance with setting up an account.
Q. How can I order samples?
Our on-line Sample Center allows you to search our entire panel fabric offering and order memo samples. You can also call sales service at 800.544.0200.
Q. What does railroading a fabric mean?
Turning the roll of fabric 90 degrees from its standard woven orientation.
Q. How are Guilford of Maine panel fabrics cleaned?
Visit the Downloads page of this website for printable cleaning instructions.
Terratex
Q. What are the raw materials that are used in Terratex fabrics?
Terratex fabrics that fall under the polyester classification, consist of nearly 100% polyester (polyethylene terepathalate). Less than one half of one percent of the product by weight consists of dyes or pigments (primarily coal tar derivatives) and very small amounts of residual chemicals and surfactants from the dyeing and finishing processes.
Q. Does Terratex fabrics contain recycled material?
What percentage of the product is made from recycled material? Is the recycled material post-consumer or post-industrial?
Terratex fabrics that fall under the polyester classification come in three forms: 100% post-consumer polyester, which are typically fabrics constructed from spun yarns made from fiber that was produced from recycled soda pop (PET) bottles, 100% post-industrial polyester, which are fabrics woven with filament yarns extruded from industrial PET waste, and combinations of the above. Please contact us if you are looking for specific content on a given style.
Q. Do the Terratex products use fewer resources than other products typical of the industry?
Fabrics are relatively simple products with few components. It is the process of manufacturing fabrics that consumes resources. True Textiles has made efforts to reduce energy consumption (and associated emissions) and to reduce water usage.
Q. What impact does the sustainable design of the product have on cost/pricing?
*True Textiles, Inc., manufacturer of Terratex products, pays a cost premium for the recycled fiber and yarn used in the Terratex classified polyester products. That premium averages in the 15% range. Considering that raw material can be 30% to 50% of the total cost to produce a fabric, this would imply a 4.5% to 7.5% cost disadvantage at the mill level. However, True Textiles and the various manufacturing facilities have been able to completely offset that cost increase through a combination of waste reduction efforts, significant energy and water use reduction projects, and process optimization in those areas requiring chemical use. They have found that, particularly in the facility where the fabrics are finished, it is possible to reduce the amount of chemical usage, the cost of those chemicals and resulting toxicity of their waste stream through process/chemical optimization.
Q. Are the Terratex products designed for re-use or recycling?
All Terratex products are recyclable and True Textiles has launched the ReSKU ™ program to reclaim Terratex fabrics and create a new generation of interior textile products.
Q. What steps have been taken to conserve raw materials and energy in the manufacturing process?
Textile manufacturing requires large amounts of energy and water. A great deal of the energy is consumed in heating the process water, therefore reductions in water usage yield a dual benefit. All of the mills that manufacture Terratex products use a system that measures environmental impact. This system measures material usage, recycled and renewable materials, energy and water usage, emissions and solid waste.
Q. What materials are used in packaging? Are they recyclable/reusable?
Terratex products are shipped in a polyethylene wrap that makes up less than one half of one percent of the product’s weight and is recyclable.
Q. What efforts are made to reduce and/or eliminate the use of hazardous materials in production?
True Textiles, Inc. employs a proprietary system to evaluate the relative toxicity of all of the process chemistry used in the making of the Terratex products. True Textiles requires that its suppliers of process chemistry go beyond compliance and submit their products to a series of environmental impact tests, such as 28 day biodegradability and aquatic toxicity. Using algorithmic analysis, True Textiles assigns a score to each process chemical. That process establishes a baseline and also targets the worst offenders for improvement, replacement, and optimization. True Textiles has, in several cases, found replacement chemistry that is cheaper, safer and more effective. Also, True Textiles will not use any new substances subject to reporting under SARA 313.
Q. Please describe the recommended installation process? What materials are required?
How is True Textiles working to eliminate the need for hazardous installation materials, and can the installation of Terratex products involve a low or “0” VOC adhesive.
Terratex fabrics are components of office panel systems, wall panel systems and chairs. Installation methods are under the control and discretion of the furniture manufacturer. Low “0” or low impact adhesives may be used for installation. However, in many cases, adhesives are not required at all.
Q. How are Terratex products cleaned?
Are the cleaning agents low “0” VOC, biodegradable, or made from renewable resources?
Recommended maintenance for Terratex products consists of routine brushing or vacuuming to remove accumulated dust and soil. The fabrics may be spot-cleaned using non-phosphate biodegradeable solutions for water-based stains and citrus-bases solvents for oil-based stains. However, the furniture manufacturer should be contacted for specific recommendations on stain removal, since the use of some cleaning methods could damage frames or underlying substrates.
Q. What percent of the product is recyclable at the end of its useful life?
All Terratex products are 100% recyclable barring installation methods that may alter that characteristic (adhesives, backings, etc.)