Gabriel is constantly working on environmental improvements. The environment has been a high priority area since the mid-80s, and this has given Gabriel a leading position as supplier of environmentally correct upholstery fabrics.

Gabriel has gained a large number of environmental certifications, in several instances the first in the sector to have done so:

• In the 1980s, Gabriel was the first Danish textile manufacturer to offer dyes without heavy metals. 
• In the 1980s, Gabriel was the first company to prohibit the use of toxic anti-moth impregnation chemicals.
• In 1996, Gabriel was the first textile company in Denmark to implement an environmental management system under EMAS/ISO 14001.* 
• In 2003, Gabriel was the first manufacturer of upholstery fabrics to be awarded the EU Flower eco-label. 
• Oeko-Tex was introduced on the company's main product, Comfort, in 2006. In 2010 two out of three Gabriel fabrics are labelled with Oeko-Tex.

The choice for the user is easy
User safety and health are ensured by making certain that our products do not, for example, contain any allergens or mutagens.

Most of Gabriel's upholstery fabrics are labelled with either the EU Ecolabel Flower or the Oeko-Tex label.

All products are guaranteed free of hazardous heavy metals and are made in accordance with Gabriel's environmental policy.

The working environment

Environmentally correct production and products secure the working environment for all employees throughout the supply chain. The working environment is assessed and planned so that each employee is protected against negative influences, e.g. when working with chemicals and dyes.

Raw materials

Raw materials are selected in accordance with specified criteria. The raw materials have a major influence on health and safety, e.g. fibres containing PVC, which develops highly toxic cases when burned, are not used. Dyes and chemicals are selected on the basis of documented environmental properties.

Pure new wool from New Zealand has always been a preferred raw material for Gabriel. Animal welfare is a central consideration when we buy wool, and we ensure that the sheep are not exposed to hazardous pesticides used to prevent attack by insects.

We select wool with a good natural colour, thus avoiding the need for chemical bleaching. High quality wool fibres ensure a long life for the fabrics, again sparing the environment.

Environmental management

Production of upholstery fabrics uses significant quantities of water, energy, chemicals and dyes. Resource consumption is minimised here via Gabriel's environmental management system, which is certified under the international environmental management standards ISO 14001 and EMAS.

This system effectively ensures that all unnecessary resource consumption and environmental impacts are avoided, among other ways by using advanced production equipment with the cleanest technology.

The advantages are numerous.  The user's health is ensured, environmental impacts are minimised, and the products are made at competitive prices as production costs are not burdened with unnecessary resource consumption.

Information

Each year, Gabriel prepares a detailed environmental report in accordance with EMAS requirements. The report itemises the specific environmental impacts in figures, and the reader is informed of Gabriel's latest and forthcoming environmental action programmes.

The environment is of increasing important for users and customers. Gabriel's environmental department is available to answer questions on the environment and is happy to assist with contractual matters. Mandatory requirements with respect to the environment are becoming increasingly important for the ability to enter into contracts.

Download Gabriel's 2008/09 environmental report

Certificates

In 1991, Gabriel was the world's first manufacturer of upholstery fabrics to gain quality certification under ISO 9001. Environmental certification under DS/EN ISO 14001 followed in 1996, and in 1998 Gabriel was registered under the EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS).

In November 2002 Gabriel was awarded the Ecolabel Flower, the official EU environmental label, on most of its product range - as the first in the sector. Oeko-Tex was introduced on the company's main product, Comfort, in 2006. In 2010 67% of the fabrics are labelled with Oeko-Tex.

Certificates