Awnings Have Had a Sustainability Problem for Years.
This Fabric Finally Fixes It.
For a long time in our industry, “eco-friendly” came with a quiet trade-off.
Less durable.
Fewer colour options.
Or just… not quite as good.
And if you’ve ever compared options, you’ve probably felt it.
That’s why this matters.
Because the new ORIGIN fabric range from Dickson Constant is the first time we’ve seen a recycled awning fabric that doesn’t ask you to compromise.
The Truth About “Sustainable” Awnings
Let’s just say it plainly:
Most awning fabrics today are still made the same way they were years ago.
- Brand new (virgin) materials
- Very little thought about what happens at the end of their life
- And almost no transparency about any of it
So customers are left with a frustrating choice:
👉 Do I pick something that performs well?
👉 Or do I try to make a more responsible choice?
Until now… you couldn’t really have both.
A Question We’re Hearing More and More
Not long ago, a customer asked us:
“What actually happens to this fabric when I replace it?”
And the honest answer used to be… not much.
That’s the problem.
Because when you invest in an awning, you’re not just thinking about today.
You’re thinking about years of use.
Your home.
Your space.
And increasingly… your impact.
That’s exactly where ORIGIN changes things.
What Makes ORIGIN Different (And Why It Matters)
This isn’t a token “green” product added for marketing.
It’s been built differently from the ground up.
✔ A Smarter Material Balance
- 50% recycled fibres from textile waste
- 50% virgin fibres to maintain strength and longevity
This balance matters.
It’s what allows the fabric to stay durable without sacrificing sustainability.
✔ A Measurable Reduction in Impact
- Around 27% lower CO₂ impact than standard fabrics
Not vague claims, real improvement.
✔ Part of a Circular System
Through the “recycle my DICKSON” initiative, materials are reused across the lifecycle.
Is it perfect? No.
But it’s a significant step forward for the industry.
✔ Let’s Be Honest for a Second
Is this the cheapest fabric on the market?
No.
And it shouldn’t be.
Because you’re not just buying fabric you’re investing in something designed to last and reduce impact.
Designed by Nature. Not Just Manufactured.
A lot of fabrics look good on a sample… and artificial once installed.
ORIGIN feels different.
The range is shaped by three natural influences:
- Earth – soft, grounded tones
- Plants – lighter, more refined shades
- Minerals – deeper, structured colours
And instead of applying colour afterward, it’s created during the fibre blending process before the fabric is even made.
The result?
No flat finishes.
No artificial look.
Just something that feels natural in your space.
Does It Actually Perform Like a Premium Fabric?
This is where most “eco” products fall short.
Performance.
But ORIGIN has been designed to meet the same standards as traditional high-quality awning fabrics.
In real terms:
☀️ UV Protection
Protects people, furniture, and interiors
🌡 Heat Reduction
Keeps outdoor areas usable on hot days
💡 Glare Control
Creates more comfortable light
🏡 Indoor Comfort
Helps regulate temperature inside your home
👉 In short: it performs exactly how a premium awning fabric should.
Why This Shift Matters Now
Customers are asking better questions than they used to.
Not just:
“How does it look?”
or
“How long will it last?”
But:
- Where does it come from?
- What happens when it’s replaced?
- Is there a better option?
And the industry is finally starting to respond.
Where This Fits With Barlow Blinds
This is the direction we’ve been moving in for a while now:
- Reducing single-use plastics
- Introducing recycled materials
- Being honest about what is and isn’t sustainable
In fact, this commitment was recognised this year when we won the BBSA Excellence Award for Sustainability.
Not because we claim to be perfect.
But because we’re actively trying to improve and be transparent about that journey.
That’s why ORIGIN stands out to us.
Not because it’s labelled “eco”.
But because it’s:
✔ Thought through
✔ Well made
✔ Honest about what it is
FAQs
Are recycled awning fabrics as durable as standard fabrics?
Yes. ORIGIN fabrics use a 50/50 blend of recycled and virgin fibres, maintaining the same strength, durability, and lifespan as traditional premium awning fabrics.
Do recycled awning fabrics fade quicker over time?
No. ORIGIN fabrics are designed to meet the same colour stability standards as conventional materials, meaning they resist fading and maintain their appearance.
How much more sustainable is ORIGIN fabric?
ORIGIN fabrics have approximately 27% lower CO₂ impact compared to standard awning fabrics, making them a more environmentally responsible option.
Will an awning with recycled fabric still keep my home cool?
Yes. ORIGIN fabrics provide excellent heat reduction, UV protection, and glare control, helping improve both outdoor comfort and indoor temperature regulation.
What colours are available in the ORIGIN range?
The range includes eight natural tones inspired by earth, plants, and minerals, with a textured finish created during fibre blending rather than surface dyeing.
Is recycled awning fabric more expensive?
Typically, when you put an ‘eco’ label on something it increases the price. Not in this case as the Origin fabric is available at exactly the same price as our regular awning collection.
What is the “recycle my DICKSON” initiative?
It’s a circular economy program launched in 2023 that focuses on collecting and reusing textile waste to create new fabrics, reducing environmental impact across the product lifecycle.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t about following a trend.
It’s about doing things properly.
Better materials.
Better thinking.
Better outcomes for your home.
And finally…
A fabric that proves you don’t have to choose between performance and responsibility.
About Phil Coleman
Phil Coleman is the fifth generation of his family to run Barlow Blinds, a Leicester business that has been making blinds since 1887. With over 30 years of hands-on experience, Phil has played a leading role in shaping industry standards including being part of the team that wrote the only NVQ qualification for blind and shutter installers. He also serves on the Management Committee of the British Blind & Shutter Association (BBSA), helping to set best practice across the trade. Under his leadership, Barlow Blinds has remained true to its founding principle: “It’s not our job to find customers for our blinds, it’s our job to find the right blinds for our customers.”
