Textiles are widely used within the event industry, from stage design and event decoration to various other creative applications. In this blog series, we will explore different perspectives on this topic.
In the first article of the Admiral Staging textile series, we dive into the types of fabrics most commonly used for these textiles, flame retardancy and relevant certificates.  
The most used textile materials in the event industry  
Cotton
The first one is cotton, since it is relatively cheap and easily available in all colours and widths. Cotton, being a natural fiber, lacks any inherent fire retardant properties. However, the fabric can be easily made fire-retardant through the application of flame-retardant chemicals. For example, our Admiral Backdrops and Deco molton are made of at least 60% of cotton.
Polyester FR
The second fibre type which is commonly used is polyester FR, also known as Flame Retardant Polyester. This is a specific type of polyester fabric that has been treated or manufactured to possess flame retardant properties. Polyester FR fabrics are commonly used in various industries where fire safety is crucial, such as in the production of stage curtains, event backdrops, and protective clothing. These fabrics undergo specialized treatments during the manufacturing process to enhance their fire retardancy. 
The Admiral Staging Truss covers and Hook and loop stage polyester are an example of a polyester FR textile.
Types of flame retardancy  
As mentioned above, for the entertainment industry materials need to be safe in use. For textiles this means they need to be fire retardant, when used on stage in combination with special effects like smoke, fire and fireworks.   In this article, we cover three different types of flame retardant textiles. 
IFR
Inherently flame retardant - meaning the flame retardant properties are inherent within the fibre. There is no flame retardant chemical that needs to be applied to the textiles afterwards. Because, when the polyester yarn is produced, the chemicals are already added in the production process so that the properties are inside the fibre. 
NDFR
Non-durable flame retardant - these are fabrics, such as cotton, that have been treated with flame-retardant chemicals, typically a phosphor salt. Once these fabrics come into contact with water, the salt will come out and stain the fabric.
As a result, washing these textiles is not recommended as this would cause them to lose their fire retardancy and result in visible spots. Technically, it is possible to produce permanent flame retardant cotton, but that is very expensive.
PFR
Permanent flame retardant – cotton or polyester textiles which have been treated with chemicals after the weaving process, which make the textiles permanently fire retardant.
Despite the application of the chemicals after production, these textiles can be simply (spot) washed without losing their fire retardancy or leaving stains. 
Certificates for flame retardancy  
There are different kind of textile certificates regarding flame retardancy, but in Europe - and particularly Germany – the B1 certificate or classification is commonly used. This is part of the DIN 4102-1 standard, which defines fire behaviour classes for building materials.
B1 classification
The B1 classification signifies that the textile material is flame retardant and has undergone testing to meet the requirements of the DIN 4102-1 standard. In this classification system, B1 is considered a high level of fire resistance, indicating that the material is difficult to ignite and that it exhibits self-extinguishing properties.
Validity
Regarding the validity of the B1 certificates, it is advisable to verify local regulations as it can vary from place to place.  In Germany, for example, the B1 certificates are valid for 5 years.
But this does not mean that the textiles are flame retardant for 5 years. The longevity of the flame retardant treatment depends on the conditions the textiles are used or stored in. If the textiles are exposed to excessive dust and high humidity while hanging, the effectiveness of the FR treatment may diminish within a few weeks. Therefore, for very humid conditions, it is advisable to use IFR textiles instead.
That is the reason why there is no official recommendation for how long the B1 certified textiles still have a B1. It is definitely important to know that the fire retardant chemical will not deteriorate if nothing happens to the curtain: so, a curtain which is packed tightly in its bag and has never been opened, will still reach B1 even after many years. 
Our textiles
At Admiral Staging, we provide a wide variety of textiles for all your staging needs. We have Truss covers, Backdrops, Hook and loop stage polyester, and Deco molton, each designed with specific features to meet different requirements.
Our Truss covers are a blend of 85% Polyester FR and 15% Elasthane, offering reliable IFR properties. Not only do they keep your staging equipment safe, but they also give off a neat and professional appearance.
If you're looking for stage skirting options, our Hook and loop stage polyester is the way to go. It's made from 100% polyester, so you know it's tough and durable. It can be attached to the stage very easily, cut to size without fraying and reused multiple times without losing its quality.
Our NDFR, GRS certified Backdrops are made from a mix of 64% cotton and 36% polyester, and they come in various lengths and heights. They are perfect for creating awesome backgrounds that add depth and visual appeal to any stage setup. In addition to the regular Backdrops, Admiral also provides Sound absorbing backdrops designed specifically for studios and practice rooms. These Backdrops effectively improve internal acoustics and minimize external noise.
And when it comes to achieving a soft and elegant look, our Deco molton is what you need. It's made from 100% cotton and is NDFR. So, if you need good looking stage skirting, Deco molton is the ideal choice.
Sequel of this series
Stay tuned for the next part of the series where we will talk about different stage textiles and sustainability. 
If you have any questions about textiles or other Admiral products , please fill in the contact form on our website or send an e-mail to the distributor in your country .  
Textiles are widely used within the event industry, from stage design and event decoration to various other creative applications. In this blog series, we will explore different perspectives on this topic.
In the first article of the Admiral Staging textile series, we dive into the types of fabrics most commonly used for these textiles, flame retardancy and relevant certificates.  
The most used textile materials in the event industry  
Cotton
The first one is cotton, since it is relatively cheap and easily available in all colours and widths. Cotton, being a natural fiber, lacks any inherent fire retardant properties. However, the fabric can be easily made fire-retardant through the application of flame-retardant chemicals. For example, our Admiral Backdrops and Deco molton are made of at least 60% of cotton.
Polyester FR
The second fibre type which is commonly used is polyester FR, also known as Flame Retardant Polyester. This is a specific type of polyester fabric that has been treated or manufactured to possess flame retardant properties. Polyester FR fabrics are commonly used in various industries where fire safety is crucial, such as in the production of stage curtains, event backdrops, and protective clothing. These fabrics undergo specialized treatments during the manufacturing process to enhance their fire retardancy. The Admiral Staging Truss covers are an example of a polyester FR textile.
Types of flame retardancy  
As mentioned above, for the entertainment industry materials need to be safe in use. For textiles this means they need to be fire retardant, when used on stage in combination with special effects like smoke, fire and fireworks. In this article, we cover three different types of flame retardant textiles. 
IFR
Inherently flame retardant - meaning the flame retardant properties are inherent within the fibre. There is no flame retardant chemical that needs to be applied to the textiles afterwards. Because, when the polyester yarn is produced, the chemicals are already added in the production process so that the properties are inside the fibre. 
NDFR
Non-durable flame retardant - these are fabrics, such as cotton, that have been treated with flame-retardant chemicals, typically a phosphor salt. Once these fabrics come into contact with water, the salt will come out and stain the fabric.
As a result, washing these textiles is not recommended as this would cause them to lose their fire retardancy and result in visible spots. Technically, it is possible to produce permanent flame retardant cotton, but that is very expensive.
PFR
Permanent flame retardant – cotton or polyester textiles which have been treated with chemicals after the weaving process, which make the textiles permanently fire retardant.
Despite the application of the chemicals after production, these textiles can be simply (spot) washed without losing their fire retardancy or leaving stains. 
Certificates for flame retardancy  
There are different kind of textile certificates regarding flame retardancy, but in Europe - and particularly Germany – the B1 certificate or classification is commonly used. This is part of the DIN 4102-1 standard, which defines fire behaviour classes for building materials.
B1 classification
The B1 classification signifies that the textile material is flame retardant and has undergone testing to meet the requirements of the DIN 4102-1 standard. In this classification system, B1 is considered a high level of fire resistance, indicating that the material is difficult to ignite and that it exhibits self-extinguishing properties.
Validity
Regarding the validity of the B1 certificates, it is advisable to verify local regulations as it can vary from place to place.  In Germany, for example, the B1 certificates are valid for 5 years.
But this does not mean that the textiles are flame retardant for 5 years. The longevity of the flame retardant treatment depends on the conditions the textiles are used or stored in. If the textiles are exposed to excessive dust and high humidity while hanging, the effectiveness of the FR treatment may diminish within a few weeks. Therefore, for very humid conditions, it is advisable to use IFR textiles instead.
That is the reason why there is no official recommendation for how long the B1 certified textiles still have a B1. It is definitely important to know that the fire retardant chemical will not deteriorate if nothing happens to the curtain: so, a curtain which is packed tightly in its bag and has never been opened, will still reach B1 even after many years. 
Our textiles
At Admiral Staging, we provide a wide variety of textiles for all your staging needs. We have Truss covers, Backdrops, Hook and loop stage polyester, and Deco molton, each designed with specific features to meet different requirements.
Our Truss covers are a blend of 85% Polyester FR and 15% Elasthane, offering reliable IFR properties. Not only do they keep your staging equipment safe, but they also give off a neat and professional appearance.
If you're looking for stage skirting options, our Hook and loop stage polyester is the way to go. It's made from 100% polyester, so you know it's tough and durable. It can be attached to the stage very easily, cut to size without fraying and reused multiple times without losing its quality.
Our NDFR, GRS certified Backdrops are made from a mix of 64% cotton and 36% polyester, and they come in various lengths and heights. They are perfect for creating awesome backgrounds that add depth and visual appeal to any stage setup. In addition to the regular Backdrops, Admiral also provides Sound absorbing backdrops designed specifically for studios and practice rooms. These Backdrops effectively improve internal acoustics and minimize external noise.
And when it comes to achieving a soft and elegant look, our Deco molton is what you need. It's made from 100% cotton and is NDFR. So, if you need good looking stage skirting, Deco molton is the ideal choice.
Sequel of this series
Stay tuned for the next part of the series where we will talk about different stage textiles and sustainability. 
If you have any questions about textiles or other Admiral products, please fill in the contact form on our website or send an e-mail to the distributor in your country .