Take off with CLIMATEX
In a pioneering project, CLIMATEX is setting standards with sustainable textiles for innovative aircraft seats that rely on circularity.
Every gram counts in the air. More weight means more fuel, higher costs and more emissions. No wonder the innovative and completely redesigned "FairCraft" aircraft seats, with a weight saving of two to three kilograms per seat, created such a stir at their launch. Unveiled at the Aircraft Interiors Expo AIX in Hamburg this spring, the suspended seat design was developed by the BFGF Design Studios under the direction of creative mastermind Sebastian Mends-Cole. CLIMATEX supplied the two circular fabrics VIVO and BALANI.
"We are proud to be part of such a pioneering concept for the aviation industry," says Fredy Baumeler, CTO of CLIMATEX, who not only accompanied the project but also witnessed the reactions of visitors to the stand at the Hamburg show. "It is amazing to see the possibilities that open up when you rethink the way aircraft are equipped," Fredy continues.
At the heart of the "FairCraft" concept is the all textile construction and the integration of cradle-to-cradle principles and recyclable materials. Many of the elements used are already cradle-to-cradle certified and offer a sustainable solution for the aviation industry. The circular approach – a previously overlooked component in aircraft interiors – attracted a lot of attention. The feedback was overwhelming, the visitors were numerous and from students to CEOs of major airlines, the big names in the aviation industry came to the stand.
Rethinking the Use of Space
The suspension solution of the FairCraft" aircraft seats is particularly revolutionary in terms of space utilisation. Not only is this innovation responsible for a significant weight saving, but it also provides more legroom for the same seat pitch. Another advantage is that the seats fold up when you stand up, making it easier and quicker to get in and out of the aircraft.
As the entire concept is designed for circularity, "FairCraft" seats can be easily disassembled by EOL, allowing materials to be reused and recycled. And even if the FairCraft aircraft seat concept has to be installed in newly built aircraft, circular materials such as CLIMATEX can already be used today when aircraft seats are regularly reupholstered to take a first step towards circularity - including disassembly.
Focus on textiles
In an industry with long lifecycles and high demands for product safety and reliability, textiles such as VIVO and BALANI are a suitable solution: CLIMATEX materials not only meet the strictest FR standards, but are also ahead in terms of functionality in the areas of moisture management and seating comfort.
The textile construction of the seats, which does away with traditional upholstery and foam elements, offers a very high level of seating comfort – and represents a paradigm shift in aircraft construction. This innovation clearly shows that sustainability and efficiency can go hand in hand in aviation. The flexibility of the textile materials not only allows for a lighter construction, but also a better adaptation to the individual needs of the passengers.
BFGF and Sebastian Mends-Cole have proven that innovation and rethining old patterns pay off – we are proud to be part of this change.
