Heimtextil has introduced an online materials library: Future Materials Library, showcasing 24 future-oriented materials for interior applications.
The curator of the new materials library is London-based futures-research agency, FranklinTill. ‘We are transitioning to a materials revolution that will help restore the balance in our relationship to our planet. As part of the Heimtextil Trends 21/22, we present a new selection of materials for interior applications with exciting innovations from all over the world,’ says Caroline Till of FranklinTill.
The selection includes commercially viable products and developments in an early stage. Materials have been grouped into four themes: regenerative crops, remade fibres, harvesting waste streams and sustainable colours.
An example of a supplier of regenerative crops is the British company Tengri, which obtains rare yak fibres directly from a co-operative of nomadic yak shepherds in the Khangai region of Mongolia. In this way, Tengri enriches the pool of sustainable natural materials that, in addition to yak fibres, includes hemp, nettle and flax.
When it comes to remade fibres, the Finnish pioneers from Ioncell supply a pioneering material: they use an ionic liquid to turn used textiles, pulp, old newspapers and cardboard into strong textile fibres, which are then used to make long-lasting, high-quality fabrics.
Tarkett also exploits waste products and gives fitted and used floor coverings a second life. With the aid of ground-breaking technologies, the two main components of carpet tiles – yarn and backing – are separated and a yarn purity of 95% guaranteed.
Against the background of 28 million tonnes of food being thrown away every year in Japan, the country’s Food Textile company is dedicated to the reduction of food waste, which it uses to make sustainable dyes. In a patented process, blueberries, red cabbage, coffee and matcha are turned into natural, brilliant textile dyes.
