97 INTERVIEW Sustainable style at sea Laura Hyde asks Heather Bush of Carnegie Fabrics about Xorel Cruise, the company’s new IMO-certified range of textiles that can be used in passenger ship interiors Photos: Carnegie Fabrics Xorel from Carnegie Fabrics has been available for use in commercial interiors for four decades and in 2024, achieved International Maritime Organization (IMO) certification, allowing it to be used for cruise ship interiors. “Xorel is Carnegie’s signature proprietary textile; we control all aspects of Xorel production, from design and yarn development, to weaving and backings,” says Heather Bush, the company’s chief creative officer. “First developed over 40 years ago, Xorel is a high-performance, radically sustainable commercial-grade textile made of proprietary polyethylene yarn. We’ve been working towards IMO certification for years because we knew it would be a perfect fit for passenger ship designers looking for a textile with a blend of style, performance and sustainability. Introducing a line of Xorel wallcovering products to our portfolio was the next logical step following the certification, so we’ve developed Xorel Cruise, a special line inspired by the world’s seas.” Xorel Cruise is made from a solutiondyed woven yarn to ensure it will retain its original lustre and colour, rather than fading, says Bush. “Xorel Cruise is mildew and mould resistant, inherently antimicrobial and antifungal, and stands up to the wear and tear of high traffic interiors,” she adds. “It is Cradle to Cradle Silver certified and, like all Carnegie products, is 100 per cent free of PVC and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). We offer Health Product Declarations and thirdparty certifications so clients can verify these claims.” As part of the Xorel Cruise development process, Carnegie sought input from many creatives, including from the interior design team at Holland America Line and designers at firms specialising in cruise ship interiors. “We’re so excited to offer Xorel Cruise to the cruise industry and launch the product at Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Americas in Miami, Florida, in June,” says Bush. “We look forward to fostering creative conversations to explore customisation options and further develop this product line. Xorel is a market leader that helps Carnegie deliver on our mission: to galvanise the design community to build a better future with materials that matter.” Xorel Cruise, which is made from a solution-dyed woven yarn, gained IMO certification in 2024
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