Upholstery materials are divided into price categories. Fabrics and artificial leathers fall under categories A to E and natural leather falls under categories 1 and 2. Natural materials make up more than 50% of many fabrics. All upholstery materials, especially those with high wear resistance, are suitable for use in public areas. Many of them also fulfill the safety requirements for self extinguishing.
In compliance with environmental protection, the materials fulfill the requirements of EU regulations or other internationally recognized
organisations.
In compliance with environmental protection, the materials fulfill the requirements of EU regulations or other internationally recognized
organisations.
cotton mixture |
Cotton is one of the most important and oldest natural raw materials used to make textiles. Cotton yarn is flexible, soft and pleasant to the touch. Cotton has a high tensile strength and abrasion resistance. In combination with flax yarn, the fabric strength is further increased. Flax yarn is characterized by its single-direction fiber, which gives the fabrics a natural appearance. The admixture of viscose, which is used as a substitute for silk, gives the fabric a higher gloss and more flowing character. The artificial fibers (polyester, acrylic) which are elastic and ductile, increase the flexibility, pliability and shape stability of the mixed fabrics.
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merino wool |
This wool is obtained from specially bred Merino sheep and is valued for its silky fineness and softness. The highest production of Merino wool is currently from the colder and wetter areas of Australia and New Zealand, where the sheep have ideal climatic conditions. Merino wool is far thinner than other types of wool and for this reason it naturally bends upon contact with the skin and thus does not cause an “itchy” feeling. Merino wool is also more permeable. Thanks to the special structure of the wool fiber, it provides perfect thermal insulation, absorbs or conducts heat and thus adapts to the temperature of the human
body. Merino wool fibre is whiter and shinier so it is possible to achieve cleaner pastel color shades and deeper dark colour shades by dyeing. The dyed wool fibres are highly color-fast. Thanks to the water and protein content, the wool is naturally fire resistant and its ignition point is 700 °C, for which reason it fulfils the high requirements of flammability tests. The wool also has antibacterial properties. The rugged surface of the fibres in combination with their extraordinary ability to absorb moisture prevents growth of bacteria which prefer the smooth walls of artificial fibres. Woolen textiles are good absorbers of noise and increase the sense of peace and quiet around us. Production of wool is based on the principle of renewable energy sources and is environmentally friendly. |
polyester |
Polyester is a synthetic fibre with versatile application in the textile industry thanks to its properties. Polyester fibres have very good resistance to wear and sunlight, which increases their durability and colour-fastness. The cross-section of the fibres influences the properties of the textiles and may lend them a silky appearance and pleasantness to the touch. The polyester materials have low absorption, which makes them easy to maintain.
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trevira cs |
Trevira CS textile polyester fibres are developed especially to fulfil the highest requirements particularly
in the field of fire protection. The letters CS incorporated into the name are a synonym for Comfort & Safety. Fire resistance is incorporated into the actual composition of the fibre. The use of the material, natural ageing or washing do not affect the composition of the fibre, and for this reason Trevira CS textiles do not lose their resistance to fire during usage. This differentiates Trevira CS from textiles that have only a surface protection layer on the fibres. This may be disrupted in time and reduce the resistance of the textile. Properties such as colour-fastness and high abrasion resistance also improve comfort of Trevira CS fabrics. The materials are easy to maintain, wash and dry, which also leads to lower energy consumption and environmental friendliness. Trevira CS Bioactive fabrics fulfill not only the requirements of preventative fire safety, but also enhanced cleanliness. These fibres contain silver, which has antimicrobial effects. As soon as bacteria come into contact with the surface of the textiles, they are damaged by the silver ions, thus preventing their proliferation. It thus eliminates the creation of odours resulting from the decomposition of bacteria. The antimicrobial effect of the fibre is permanent and does not decline with use, washing or the application of disinfectants. This material pose no hazard to health and does not damage the skin. |
alcantara |
Alcantara is a special textile fabric whose brushed surface has the semblance of velour leather. The essence of the material is fleece made of ultra-thin polyester fibres, which are wrapped with polyurethane.
Polyester lends the material strength while polyurethane lends it softness. Alcantara is used for upholstering in the furniture and automotive industry because it is breathable, flexible, crease resistant, wear resistant, plus it is easy to clean, wash and maintain. The unusually dense structure of the material means that it is practically impermeable, so any spilled fluids do not cause stains. They remain on the surface, from where they can be removed easily. |
artificial leather |
The basis of artificial leather is textile to which PVC layers (or other PVC mixtures) are applied. A texture characteristic of natural leather (hide) may be printed onto this layer. Developments in the processing of artificial leather in modern times have resulted in artificial leather not being discernible from natural leather at first glance and thus enabling customers to enjoy the appearance and comfort of leather at bargain prices. Further advantages of artificial leather include high abrasion resistance, water resistance and easy maintenance. These properties together with the fire retardant finish provide a wide range of applications of artificial leather in public areas, healthcare industry and in households.
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leather
Leather is pliable and warm to the touch, permeable, elastic, has a characteristic scent and is resistant to wear. Its quality depends on the animal’s lifestyle but also on how the leather was processed. Minor defects occurring during the animal’s life, such as wrinkles, veins, small scars or scratches are regarded as permissible and are even required as an evidence of the‚ genuine and unique‘ quality of the leather. Unacceptable defects are deep scratches, burn marks, thin skin and also defects originating from processing the leather. The long-term natural appearance of leather can be preserved by regular care and by following the few simple principles of use found in our Furniture care & maintenance manual.
Aniline leatherThis leather is processed with vegetable oils. Only water-soluble aniline dye is used to dye the leather so the surface of the leather is not treated with a pigment layer. The leather thus retains its open pores and natural permeability, softness and smoothness. Permeability increases user comfort. The temperature of the leather easily adapts to the temperature of the human body, thus eliminating the feeling of cold or unpleasant overheating. Aniline leather best manifests the natural character of leather. The non-uniform color, natural flaws and individual surface pattern accentuate the originality
of each piece. Elmotique is a thinner aniline leather with a tiedye effect which shows all the properties of original leather. A product upholstered with aniline leather becomes a new member of the household which requires regular care and careful handling. Since the leather has no surface finish, it is susceptible to scratching, absorption of fluids and dirt. Direct sunlight is also harmful to it. In time, the surface acquires a characteristic patina. |
Semi-aniline leatherSemi-aniline leather is dyed just like aniline
leather. But a thin layer of pigment is applied to the surface to protect the leather from damage. For this reason, semi-aniline leather can also be used in public environments. The pigment layer on the surface only partially reduces the permeability of the pores, it does not cover the natural marks of the leather and maintains the contrasting colors. Elmosoft is a soft and pliable semi-aniline leather which is available in a broad palette of shades. It fulfills applicability in the public sector according to the BS5852 Crib 5 Test. Thanks to the pigment layer, the surface finish of semi-aniline leather is more resistant to sunlight, scratching, stains and fluids. But this does not mean that it does not require regular care. |
Pigmented leatherPigmented leather can also be dyed with aniline dyes. The epidermis may be brushed. The surface finish is a layer of pigment dye with an imprint of the uniform raster of the leather surface. This results in loss of natural permeability, reduction in softness and the ability to remove moisture. On the other hand, the pigment layers have very good wear resistance, color-fastness, better resistance to soiling and are easier to maintain.
Prince and MDR are pigmented leathers which fulfill the requirements of intensive usage of products that are easy and quick to maintain. |