MILK FABRIC: FROM FARM TO FABULOUS
I recently learned something new in the textile world that immediately made me wonder: Are we drinking our milk…or decorating with it?
During a recent demonstration for interior design students at FSU’s Department of Interior Architecture & Design in Tallahassee, my friend Ben and Thibaut representative introduced us to one of his newer textile offerings 'milk fabric' from Coraggio X Thomas Lavin. We were invited by Professor Stephanie Sickler, who also owns Chrysalis Fabrics, a Tallahassee showroom specializing in designer textiles.
Naturally, I had to learn more.
Is It Really Made From Milk?
Yes, but not exactly.
Milk fiber is made from casein, a protein found in milk. The casein is separated and processed into a material that can be spun into fibers, yarn and ultimately fabric.
So, no you’re not upholstering your chair with dried milk! It is more accurately described as a regenerated protein fiber derived from milk.
And surprisingly, it isn't new. Casein fiber was developed commercially in Italy in the 1930s and marketed as 'Lanital', a wool-like alternative. In the U.S. regenerated protein fibers such as casein fall under the generic fiber category 'Azlon'.
Is Milk Fabric Natural or Organic?
This is where terminology matters.
Although casein comes from a natural source, the finished fiber requires processing and regeneration. Under U.S. textile terminology, it is therefore a manufactured fiber made from naturally occurring protein, rather than a natural fiber in the same sense as cotton, wool or linen. And milk-derived does not automatically mean organic; organic claims require appropriate certification.
I think “bio-based, regenerated protein fiber” is a much more accurate description.
What Makes It Interesting?
Milk fiber can offer a soft, smooth, luxurious hand, with qualities sometimes compared to silk, cashmere or fine wool. Depending on its construction and fiber blend, it can also offer beautiful drape making it especially interesting to interior designers.
One caveat: performance varies by manufacturer and blend, and historical casein fibers had limitations in strength, particularly when wet. Testing the specific textile before specifying it is important. We would be happy to do a courtesy sample for you.
What About Allergies?
I would not automatically call milk fabric hypoallergenic. Casein is a known milk allergen, and while textile processing is very different from consuming milk, that alone doesn't prove every casein textile is suitable for someone with a milk-protein allergy.
Where Could Milk Fabric Work in Interior Design?
This is where things get exciting. Depending on the construction and manufacturer's specifications, I see several possibilities:
Drapery: Its soft hand and drape could be beautiful for window treatments. FabBack® Light Knit Backing can add stability while helping preserve drape.
Upholstery: For appropriate constructions, FabBack® Standard or Heavy Knit Backing can add support also for pillows, headboards, occasional seating and upholstery.
Wallcovering: With our FabWall® non-woven backing system, suitable fabrics can be converted into textile wallcoverings.
Performance: Depending on testing, we can evaluate Flame Retardant for contract, Stain & Moisture protection, UV protection and specialty performance backings make the textile more functional for residential, hospitality and contract applications.
Because milk fiber is unusual, I would always recommend asking us to do a courtesy sample before applying any performance treatment or backing.
From Milk to Material
What fascinated me most about discovering milk fabric is how an idea dating back nearly a century is finding new relevance as designers explore bio-based and alternative textile materials.
At FabricBack®, that's what excites us: taking an interesting designer textile and asking...
How can we make it perform better without losing what made it beautiful in the first place?
Comments