Bloomsburg, PA, USA—May 30, 2024—Developing recycled materials for use within aviation interiors presents a unique set of challenges, including material traceability, maintaining physical properties, and meeting stringent flame and smoke certifications. SEKISUI KYDEX has been recycling KYDEX® Thermoplastics for over 20 years and supplying recycled products to a wide range of diverse industries.
Most organizations relate sustainable materials to recycled products through a circular economy. KYDEX® Thermoplastics, including materials featuring Infused Imaging™ technology, are 100% recyclable. Unlike other decorative materials in the market, which require a cap or other non-recyclable layer, KYDEX® Thermoplastics with Infused Imaging™ technology can enhance bespoke environments without sacrificing recyclability. Because KYDEX® 5555 RCL product portfolio is made from recycled KYDEX® Thermoplastics, it is specifically formulated to exceed low heat release requirements for aviation interiors.
With sustainability increasingly integrated into design decisions, business discussions, and even brand identity, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and CMF (colour, material, and finish) designers are looking to material suppliers to develop tangible solutions. To help the aviation industry achieve its sustainability goals, material suppliers must provide products that provide environmental value and do not compromise on performance or aesthetics.
Thompson Aero Seating, part of the AVIC Cabin Systems group, is actively working to advance its environmental stewardship within the industries it serves. With its recent rebranding initiatives, designed to reflect its evolving ethos and vision, Thompson Aero Seating needed sustainable material solutions that not only matched its new branding but also aligned with the company's strategic direction.
Through a partnership with SEKISUI KYDEX, Thompson Aero Seating was able to work through the technical requirements and validations needed to navigate through the next chapter of its sustainability journey. To make this possible, SEKISUI KYDEX designLab® and appLab™ Innovation Centers worked to expand the colour palette of the KYDEX® 5555 RCL product portfolio while still ensuring the product line utilizes recycled KYDEX® Thermoplastics. The advanced KYDEX® 5555 RCL product line includes at least 50% recycled material and illustrates how material suppliers and OEMs can work together to develop products that meet design expectations without compromising performance, aesthetics, or sustainability.
See the materials at Thompson Aero Seating’s stand 7B01, 7B04, and 7A02. Also, visit SEKISUI KYDEX stand 5D40 to learn the full capabilities of KYDEX® Thermoplastics’ customizable solutions or explore the journey of sustainability with the Green Cabin Alliance (GCA), a cross-industry group within the aircraft interiors supply chain leading the discussion to address challenges and promote a more sustainable cabin interiors industry.
About Thompson Aero Seating
Thompson Aero Seating is recognized for cutting-edge design, engineering and manufacture of premium class, full-flat bed airline seating. Bespoke solutions maximize passengers’ personal space and, through intelligent design, optimize every inch of the cabin. Thompson Aero Seating is one of the leading suppliers of business- and first-class aircraft seating, with a worldwide customer base featuring many of the world’s top airlines, including Delta, China Eastern, and Singapore Airlines. With increasing market share, Thompson has an evolving and expanding product portfolio. Visit stand 7B01, 7B04, and 7A02 or www.thompsonaero.com
About SEKISUI KYDEX
KYDEX® Thermoplastics is globally recognized as the leader in sustainable, high-performance specialty polymers for aviation interiors. Our fully compliant portfolio has a refined degree of integral finish, colour, and design to enhance the passenger experience. With our mission of challenging what’s possible and delivering beyond imagination, we are more than a raw material supplier; we are a solution provider. As your collaborative partner and the world’s leading pioneer of thermoplastic solutions – done responsibly, we put innovation at the forefront, guiding you from beginning to end. Our experts in the designLab® and appLab™ Innovation Centers are available to help you identify the best solutions for your applications. Visit stand 5D40 or www.kydex.com for more information.