With the release of a new collection of sea-inspired textiles made with Seaqual sustainable yarns, Design News Now thought it was a great time to chat with product designer Stacy Garcia about her passion for sustainability.
But first a little about the new Tidal collection from LebaTex, Garcia’s commercial textile company focused on responsible manufacturing and environmentally friendly products.
Created in partnership with the Seaqual Initiative, the six-pattern Tidal collection is woven using yarns derived from plastic debris recovered from beaches, oceans, rivers and estuaries. Each fabric supports global efforts to clean bodies of water and reinforces LebaTex’s commitment to sustainability. Perfect for hospitality projects, all fabrics in the collection feature an Alta finish and acrylic backing for enhanced stain resistance and longevity.
“The Seaqual Initiative is an incredible program that recycles marine plastic into usable yarns,” says Garcia, founder and chief inspiration officer of Stacy Garcia Design Studio, based in Nanuet, New York. “When we learned about their mission, we immediately saw the alignment with our own commitment to responsible design. The Tidal collection was born from that partnership — it transforms ocean waste into high-performance hospitality textiles. … With the Tidal collection, we’re giving designers the opportunity to make a positive environmental impact without compromising on performance or style.”
Garcia strives to incorporate sustainability throughout her brands, which include Stacy Garcia New York (commercial and residential), SG Blue Label (commercial and hospitality), Stacy Garcia Home (residential and retail) and Stacy by Stacy Garcia (residential and retail).
Through Stacy Garcia Home, the designer also recently released new designs in the Sojourn collection of peel-and-stick wallpaper with NextWall. The group of five textile-inspired, layered patterns emulates the dimensionality of natural woven and grass cloth textures.
We asked Garcia to talk about what sustainability means to her and how other designers can easily incorporate sustainable practices and products into their own work. She also shared how high-end design is driving sustainable practices.
Design News Now: What does “sustainable design” mean to you?
Stacy Garcia: For me, sustainable design is about creating products and environments that are not only beautiful, but also responsible. It’s a mindset that considers the full life cycle of a product — how it’s made, how it performs and what happens to it at the end of its life. Sustainability in design is about making intentional choices that reduce harm and add long-term value.
DNN: How did sustainable design become a passion for you?
SG: As a designer and entrepreneur, I’ve always believed in the power of design to influence how we live and feel. Over time, I realized that our industry has a profound impact on the environment. Textiles, in particular, consume significant resources. Once I understood that, I felt a responsibility to explore better solutions — ones that reduce waste and promote durability without compromising aesthetics.
DNN: You say durability is a sustainability issue. What do you mean by that?
SG: If a fabric or finish fails quickly, it has to be replaced. That means more resources consumed, more waste generated and more cost for the client. Durability extends the life of a product, which makes it inherently more sustainable. A long-lasting textile is one that reduces the need for frequent replacement, keeping materials out of landfills while also saving money for the end user.
DNN: Often in interior design, “sustainability” means sourcing just a few sustainable furnishings or finishes. How can designers take a more comprehensive approach?
SG: A comprehensive approach means embedding sustainability into the design process from the start. Instead of treating it as a checklist item, think about every decision — fabric, flooring, lighting, furniture — through the lens of environmental impact. It’s about specifying products that are certified, made with recycled or renewable content, and built to last. Designers can also partner with manufacturers who are innovating in this space, which makes it easier to deliver projects that are both sustainable and high-performance.
DNN: For many designers, sustainability can be overwhelming and feel like another to-do. How can designers more easily embrace it?
SG: It starts with reframing. Sustainability doesn’t have to be an add-on — it can be a natural part of the creative process. By working with trusted partners who offer eco-conscious products, designers don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Choosing durable, certified and responsibly made materials becomes second nature when it’s built into your vendor relationships and go-to resources.
DNN: You believe eco-conscious materials are influencing high-end design. How so?SG: There used to be a perception that sustainable meant sacrificing style. That’s no longer true. Today, some of the most luxurious, innovative designs are born from eco-conscious materials — whether it’s recycled yarns, reclaimed woods or bio-based finishes. High-end clients are increasingly demanding both beauty and responsibility, and eco-conscious materials are pushing designers to be more creative, innovative and forward-thinking.
