Freudenberg Performance Materials, a global leader in technical textiles, has introduced its next-generation sustainable carpet backings for the flooring industry, Colback ECO and Lutradur ECO. These innovative backings are produced using a proprietary yarn production technology that results in extremely thin filaments with a diameter up to 30% smaller than the standard portfolio. This process enables the company to save raw materials and reduce its carbon footprint, benefiting the environment and supporting customers in producing more sustainable carpets.
The Eco product range is particularly suitable for carpet tiles, which are increasingly used in commercial and residential settings due to their practicality and durability. The new backings have been awarded the Eco-Check label, which identifies them as sustainable products within the Freudenberg portfolio. This label is recognized worldwide as a symbol of ecological responsibility and is granted by independent experts who assess the environmental impact of a product throughout its life cycle.
“The development of Colback ECO and Lutradur ECO is an important step towards our goal of offering sustainable solutions to our customers,” said Dr. Frank Heislitz, CEO of Freudenberg Performance Materials. “By reducing the amount of raw materials used and optimizing our production processes, we can reduce our carbon footprint and offer more environmentally friendly products that meet the needs of the flooring industry.”
The innovative production technology used to create Colback ECO and Lutradur ECO has been optimized over several years of research and development. The process involves the use of state-of-the-art equipment to spin ultra-thin filaments that are then woven into a strong and durable backing material. This process not only reduces the amount of raw materials required but also improves the performance of the backing by increasing its dimensional stability and reducing the risk of delamination.
In addition to its environmental benefits, Colback ECO and Lutradur ECO also offer superior performance compared to traditional carpet backings. The backings provide excellent acoustic insulation, reducing noise levels in busy environments, and are resistant to wear and tear, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.
“We are proud to offer our customers a product that not only supports their sustainability goals but also offers superior performance,” said Dr. Heislitz. “We believe that sustainable products are the future of the flooring industry, and we are committed to continuing our research and development efforts to offer even more innovative solutions in the years to come.”
The launch of Colback ECO and Lutradur ECO is part of Freudenberg Performance Materials’ broader commitment to sustainability. The company has set ambitious goals to reduce its environmental impact and improve the sustainability of its products, including reducing its carbon footprint by 50% by 2030 and offering a portfolio of 100% sustainable products by 2050. With the launch of these new sustainable carpet backings, Freudenberg Performance Materials is taking a significant step towards achieving these goals and supporting a more sustainable future for the flooring industry.