In a world where convenience often trumps sustainability, the environmental impact of textile waste tends to fly under the radar. Every year, millions of pounds of fabric, much of it from the furniture industry, end up in landfills, adding to pollution and straining waste management systems. But one small business in Huntersville, North Carolina, is flipping the script. Modern Fabrics is reclaiming high-quality, luxury textiles from the cutting room floor and giving them a second life.
Modern Fabrics: A Sustainable Solution
Founded by Ewa and James Powell in 2004, with Debra Worthy, store manager, Modern Fabrics is leading the charge in reducing textile waste while making designer fabrics more accessible. The company rescues surplus materials from big names like Kravet, Schumacher, Knoll, Lee Jofa, and Serena Lily—fabrics that would otherwise be tossed—and offers them to customers at a fraction of the original price. Their mission? To provide an affordable, eco-friendly option for anyone looking to upholster furniture, make one-of-a-kind pillows, and create beautiful spaces without leaving a heavy environmental footprint.
The Environmental Toll of Textile Waste
Textile waste is a massive problem, especially in the furniture world. Big manufacturers order fabric in bulk, but not all of it gets used. In fact, up to 85% of textiles intended for furniture or upholstery never make it to a finished product.
“Unfortunately, leftover fabrics from production or custom orders are rarely recycled,” explains Ewa. “For many manufacturers, it’s not financially feasible to return these fabrics to customers or store them for future use, so they often throw them away. The waste can be staggering.”
Many of these discarded fabrics are synthetic or blended with synthetic fibers, which means they take years, sometimes decades, to break down. And when they sit in landfills, they don’t just take up space; they release harmful chemicals into the ground and air, worsening pollution.
Reclaiming and Reusing High-Quality Materials
Modern Fabrics steps in before these materials reach the landfill. By working closely with manufacturers and upholstery shops, they snag high-end textiles that are brand-new but considered surplus. These fabrics are then sold at steep discounts, often 50-75% off the retail price.
For those wanting sustainable, eco-friendly designs without compromising on quality, Modern Fabrics is a game-changer. Their collection includes tough, commercial-grade textiles from brands like Knoll and Kravet, as well as luxe residential fabrics from Schumacher and Lee Jofa. The result? Access to top-notch designer materials at prices that won’t break the bank.
But it’s more than just a good deal. By giving these fabrics a second life, Modern Fabrics is saving valuable resources and cutting down the need for new, virgin materials. Shoppers become part of a larger movement towards a more sustainable, circular economy in the design world.
The Growing Need for Change
The sheer volume of textile waste in both the furniture and fashion industries is overwhelming. And while companies like Modern Fabrics are making a dent, there’s still a long road ahead. But the good news? The push for sustainability is gaining serious traction. As consumers become more mindful of the environmental impact of their purchases, businesses that focus on reducing waste and adopting eco-friendly practices are seeing a surge in demand.
For Debra, it’s about more than just cutting down waste; it’s about changing the way people think about fabric. “We want to show that sustainable design can be just as beautiful, durable, and luxurious as conventional options,” she says. “By reclaiming these fabrics and offering them at affordable prices, we’re not only reducing waste but making high-quality design accessible to a much broader audience.”
As the world faces the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, companies like Modern Fabrics prove that even small, intentional shifts in how we source and use materials can make a big difference. Their message is clear: what was once considered waste can become a valuable resource. Sustainability and style don’t have to be at odds. The future of design isn’t just about looking good—it’s about doing good. And Modern Fabrics is leading the way.
By: Autumn Payne
Founder of Art By Autumn Payne LLC, a creative contracting business based in Charlotte, NC. In addition, she is a multidisciplinary artist specializing in ceramics, printmaking, and public art. Autumn also works as a Digital Marketing Specialist at the Cain Center for the Arts and is a proud dog mom to Max.
