Stuck On You
Non-Woven Wallpaper
Have you ever found yourself lost in a jungle of wallpapers, struggling to find that perfect wallpaper for your project? By the time you have finished exploring a myriad-designs, you may have lost sight of the style of wallpaper you really want. When it comes to choosing a type of wallpaper, non-woven wallpaper seems to be a popular choice. So, what makes this type of wallpaper so appealing?
Non-woven wallpaper became available to the world of interior design in the 2000’s and since then, this popular type of wallpaper has been improved to create new eco-friendly and biodegradable versions. Traditional non-woven wallpaper comprises Polyethylene terephthalate (PET – a form of polyester) and natural fibres. The new type of non-woven wallpaper, launched in October 2021, comprises natural pulp only. This new type of non-woven paper is biodegradable, meaning it has a positive lifecycle. Lifecycle refers to the following: the raw materials used to manufacture the product; how it was made (including energy and water consumption); transportation of the product and it’s end of life (can it be reused, is it biodegradable or recycled). It must be noted however, though non-woven wallpaper is biodegradable, if a wallpaper paste containing chemicals is used to install it, this will have a negative effect on the wallpaper’s lifecycle.
Another environmental point to consider when selecting a non-woven wallpaper, relates to the types of inks used in printing the designs. Many manufacturers now use water-based inks, but this may not be the case for all non-woven wallpapers. Non-water-based inks likely contain chemicals.
What’s the difference between the original non-woven and its new edition?
It is true that generally, wallpapers containing synthetic fibres scores well for durability; it can be cleaned using a damp sponge. New eco-friendly and biodegradable wallpaper needs to be treated the same as a fabric wallpaper when it comes to cleaning. This is cleaned using a vacuum cleaner. The look and feel of the two types of non-woven wallpaper are different. The new eco-friendly non-woven wallpaper looks and feels like the traditional paper that was used before synthetic materials were introduced; it has a real vintage look to it. In comparison, the original non-woven has a glossier/smoother look. It is always good to order samples prior to purchasing a wallpaper.
Installation is the same for both types of non-woven wallpaper. This comprises pasting the wall then applying the wallpaper directly onto the pasted wall. I recommend using a chemical free natural wallpaper paste, such as Auro’s and Earthborn Paints. If you are feeling even more creative you can make your own wallpaper paste.
To Conclude
Non-woven wallpaper has taken the wallpaper industry to another level since its introduction in 2000’s. What makes this type of wallpaper even better is the introduction of its new eco-friendly and biodegradable line. Yes, there are advantages and disadvantages to the two types of non-woven wallpaper, but noting the worldwide move to more sustainable and regenerative processes and materials, biodegradable papers are more superior.