Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about our products, services, and processes.
Sustainability & Compliance
Do you use PFAS-free water repellent treatments?
Yes, we offer PFAS-free (C0) DWR treatments that provide effective water repellency without per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. PFAS-free DWR uses silicone-based or bio-based chemistries that achieve contact angles of 110–130°, providing good water beading while being environmentally safe. While PFAS-free DWR may have slightly lower durability than traditional C8 treatments (30 washes vs 50 washes), it eliminates the environmental persistence and bioaccumulation concerns associated with PFAS. We recommend PFAS-free DWR for all new developments to comply with emerging regulations in the EU (REACH) and US states (California, New York).
How do you ensure chemical safety in your fabrics?
Chemical safety is ensured through our Restricted Substances List (RSL) aligned with ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) guidelines, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 testing, and Bluesign chemical management. Every chemical used in our dyeing and finishing processes is screened against our RSL before approval. We conduct regular chemical testing of finished fabrics for formaldehyde, pH, heavy metals, azo dyes, and other restricted substances. Test reports are available for every shipment. Our chemical management system is audited annually as part of OEKO-TEX and Bluesign certification maintenance.
What is your carbon footprint per meter of fabric?
Our estimated carbon footprint is 3–5 kg CO2 per meter of fabric, which is 20–30% lower than the industry average due to our use of renewable energy (solar panels provide 30% of factory electricity), energy-efficient dyeing machines, and optimized logistics. Recycled polyester fabrics have an even lower footprint at 2–3 kg CO2/meter compared to 5–7 kg for virgin polyester. We are working toward carbon neutrality through additional solar capacity, waste heat recovery systems, and carbon offset programs. Product-specific carbon footprints can be calculated upon request.
Do you comply with the EU Green Deal and textile strategy?
Yes, we monitor and comply with evolving EU regulations including the EU Textile Strategy, EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) requirements, and the proposed Digital Product Passport. Our fabrics meet REACH compliance, and we are preparing for the ESPR (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation) which will require durability, recyclability, and digital traceability information. We can provide product data in the format required for Digital Product Passports. For brands selling in the EU, we ensure our fabrics meet all current and upcoming regulatory requirements.
Can you provide sustainability documentation for my ESG reporting?
Yes, we provide comprehensive sustainability documentation including: GRS transaction certificates (recycled content), Bluesign compliance reports, OEKO-TEX test reports, carbon footprint estimates, water usage data, and chemical management documentation. We can also provide facility-level data on energy consumption, waste management, and social compliance (BSCI audits). These documents support your ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) reporting, Higg Index scoring, and sustainability marketing claims. Custom sustainability reports can be prepared for specific customer requirements.
What is closed-loop production and do you use it?
Closed-loop production recovers and reuses solvents, water, and chemicals within the manufacturing process, minimizing waste and environmental discharge. Our dyeing facility uses a closed-loop water system that treats and reuses 50–70% of process water. For Tencel/Lyocell fabrics, the solvent recovery rate exceeds 99% in a closed-loop manufacturing process. We are investing in additional closed-loop systems for chemical recovery in finishing processes. Closed-loop production is a key strategy in our roadmap toward zero liquid discharge (ZLD) by 2030.
Do you offer fabrics made from organic materials?
Yes, we offer GOTS-certified organic cotton fabrics grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified seeds. Organic cotton production uses 91% less water than conventional cotton and promotes soil health through crop rotation and composting. Our organic cotton fabrics are available in both knitted (jersey, rib, fleece) and woven (plain, twill, canvas) constructions, and can be combined with functional finishes including moisture-wicking and antimicrobial treatments. GOTS certification ensures environmental and social responsibility throughout the supply chain.
How do you handle textile waste from production?
Production waste is minimized through pattern optimization and marker efficiency, then sorted for recycling or repurposing. Clean fabric scraps are recycled into new yarn through mechanical recycling; unusable scraps are processed into insulation materials or industrial rags. We achieve a waste recycling rate of 85%, with the remaining 15% sent to waste-to-energy facilities. Zero production waste goes to landfill. We track waste metrics monthly as part of our ISO 14001 environmental management system and continuously invest in waste reduction technologies.
Can your fabrics contribute to LEED or other green building certifications?
While fabrics are not directly certified for green building, our sustainable fabrics can contribute to LEED and other green building certifications through their recycled content, low-VOC emissions, and environmental certifications. Our fabrics with GRS, OEKO-TEX, and Bluesign certifications support points in categories such as Material Ingredients (MR Credit), Low-Emitting Materials (EQ Credit), and Sourcing of Raw Materials. We can provide documentation specifically formatted for green building certification submissions upon request.
What is your sustainability roadmap?
Our sustainability roadmap targets: 100% renewable energy by 2028, zero liquid discharge (ZLD) by 2030, 50% reduction in water consumption per meter by 2027, 100% PFAS-free DWR by 2026, and carbon neutrality by 2035. Near-term goals include expanding our recycled fabric portfolio, implementing digital product passports, and achieving GOTS certification for organic cotton. We publish annual sustainability progress reports and welcome customer input on our environmental priorities. Our roadmap is aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals 6 (Clean Water), 9 (Industry Innovation), 12 (Responsible Consumption), and 13 (Climate Action).
Company & Partnership
Who is Youvion?
Youvion is a specialized functional fabric manufacturer and one-stop solution provider based in Shanghai, China, serving outdoor apparel brands, tactical gear makers, and global B2B customers since 2015. We offer comprehensive services including fabric R&D, custom woven and knitted textiles with moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial, waterproof, flame-retardant, and high-stretch performance. Backed by a senior technical team and certified with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OEKO-TEX, GRS, and Bluesign, we serve customers in over 50 countries with flexible MOQ and fast delivery. Our mission is 'Expertise in Every Thread, Excellence in Every Fabric.'
Are you a manufacturer or a trading company?
We are a manufacturer with our own knitting, weaving, dyeing, and finishing facilities, supplemented by a trading division for complementary products. This hybrid model gives you factory-direct pricing and quality control on our core products, plus the flexibility to source complementary fabrics from partner mills. Unlike pure trading companies, we control the entire production process and can guarantee quality, lead times, and intellectual property protection. We welcome factory visits to verify our manufacturing capabilities firsthand.
Where is your factory located?
Our factory is located in Shanghai, China, at No.1188 Lianhang Road, Minhang Area, postal code 201100. Shanghai is one of the world's largest ports, providing efficient shipping access to global markets. Our location also gives us access to a deep talent pool of textile engineers and a mature supply chain for raw materials. For international visitors, Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is approximately 45 minutes from our facility. We can arrange airport pickup and accommodation for visiting customers.
How long have you been in the textile industry?
Youvion was founded in 2015, but our founding team brings over 20 years of textile manufacturing experience. We have grown from a small knitting workshop into a full-service functional fabric manufacturer with 6 knitting machines, 12 weaving looms, 4 dyeing ranges, and 2 finishing lines. Over the past decade, we have served more than 500 customers across 50+ countries, producing fabrics for outdoor brands, military contractors, athletic apparel companies, and industrial textile applications. Our growth is driven by continuous investment in R&D and quality systems.
What makes Youvion different from other fabric suppliers?
Three things set us apart: (1) Deep functional fabric expertise — we don't just manufacture fabric, we engineer performance through fiber science and finish technology; (2) Flexible MOQ — unlike large mills that require 5,000+ meter minimums, we support small-batch development and growing brands; (3) Full-service partnership — from R&D through to compliance documentation, we handle the complete fabric supply chain. Additionally, our response time is under 24 hours, we provide transparent pricing, and we maintain shade libraries for repeat-order consistency that few competitors can match.
