Low & Bonar, a global leading manufacturer of high-performance technical textiles, today announces the launch of its first range of fully recyclable cushioning materials. Designed to facilitate the production of eco-friendly mattresses, wheelchair cushions, furniture and similar products, the material serves as a performance-enhancing textile alternative to foam. Along with a number of prototypes of finished products, the innovation will be presented to the public on 23 October during a circular-economy seminar at the Dutch Design Week (Eindhoven, NL, 20-28 October).
The new product range is based on Low & Bonar’s proprietary polymer 3D-spinning technology It will be marketed under the brand name Enkair®. In addition to recyclability, the material will deliver enhanced comfort, pressure relief and breathability for a wide range of cushioning applications.
“This material is an improved alternative to foam. Its open structure lets air flow freely and enables a healthy micro-climate. Enkair can be washed in water. And it weighs only half as much as foam”, says Leo Smit, Low & Bonar’s Venture Leader Advanced Cushioning. “Enkair’s unique soft pyramid-shaped filament structure conforms nicely to the body and provides excellent comfort.”
Enkair can be fully recycled at the end of its lifespan to produce new cushioning material with the same high performance. Philip de Klerk, Group Chief Executive Officer, elaborates: “Low & Bonar is committed to delivering unique value-added materials that enable our customers to continually enhance their product offering. We strive to do that in an environmentally sustainable manner, contributing to the health of both the people and our planet. It is with this core principle in mind that we developed the Enkair range. We are very pleased to bring this new product to the market and are convinced that it can help the industry move one step closer to a true circular economy.”
The product range comprises single continuous-filament mats as well as multilayer composites consisting of two or more mats depending on the intended end-use. High resiliency 3D nonwovens to provide additional comfort will also be available.
On the occasion of the new product launch, the Company also announces that it will support the Enschede based Sheltersuit Foundation by donating Enkair cushioning material for the manufacture of the organization’s new Shelterbags. A bag which can be transformed into a tent with a sleeping bag and mattress. De Klerk: “We are impressed by the new design that has been developed by founder Bas Timmer and his team using Enkair. The bags will be given to homeless people and refugees in various parts of the world. We are proud to make this contribution and look forward to seeing how our product helps giving the bags’ future owners a little bit of comfort.”
Waste 2 Value Seminar
Tuesday, 23 October 2018
13:00 – 17:00 uur
Strijp T, Building TQ, 4th floor
Achtseweg Zuid 153
Eindhoven
The Netherlands
Free entrance for visitors of Dutch Design Week
