Textiles in the Event Industry Textiles play an essential role in the event industry, from stage design and event decoration to a wide range of creative applications. In this blog series, we explore different perspectives on how textiles are used in events and what makes them suitable for professional staging.

The Most Used Textile Materials in the Event Industry

Cotton Cotton is a widely used fabric thanks to its affordability and availability in various colors and widths. Being a natural fiber, cotton doesn’t have inherent flame retardant properties, but it can be treated with flame-retardant chemicals. For example, our Admiral Backdrops and Deco molton contain at least 60% cotton.

Polyester FR Polyester FR, or Flame Retardant Polyester, is another common choice. This fabric is treated or manufactured to be fire resistant, making it ideal for stage curtains, event backdrops, and protective gear. Our Admiral Staging Truss covers are made from polyester FR, combining safety with professional aesthetics.

Types of Flame Retardancy Safety is crucial for textiles used in the entertainment industry, especially on stage where smoke, fire, or pyrotechnics are involved. Here are the main types of flame retardant textiles:

IFR – Inherently Flame Retardant The flame retardant property is built into the fiber itself during production, so no additional chemical treatment is needed. Polyester yarns with IFR properties maintain fire safety throughout the life of the fabric.

NDFR – Non-Durable Flame Retardant These fabrics, like cotton, are treated with flame-retardant chemicals. Contact with water can remove the treatment and leave stains, so washing is not recommended. Permanent flame retardant cotton exists but is costly.

PFR – Permanent Flame Retardant Textiles treated after weaving can be washed without losing their fire retardancy. Both cotton and polyester can be made PFR, offering durable and safe solutions for event textiles.

Certificates for Flame Retardancy

B1 Classification In Europe, and especially in Germany, B1 certification according to DIN 4102-1 is common. B1 fabrics are difficult to ignite and exhibit self-extinguishing behavior, making them a reliable choice for events.

Validity B1 certificates are typically valid for five years, but the actual flame retardant performance depends on usage and storage conditions. Fabrics exposed to high humidity or dust may lose effectiveness faster. Tightly stored curtains, however, can maintain their properties for years.

Our Textiles As a distributor, we offer a wide range of textiles to meet all staging needs: Truss covers, Backdrops, Hook and loop stage polyester, and Deco molton.