Avantium and Heynen Systems develop pillows made with plant-based PEF

Avantium announces a collaboration with Heynen Systems, a Dutch technical textile knitting company and interliner automation plant, to develop and assess applications of Avantium’s plant-based and circular polymer PEF, marketed under the brand name releaf, in the bedding and upholstery industry.

Tricover pillows made with releaf.

“This collaboration allows us to experiment with releaf and explore how we can further reduce environmental impact while remaining competitive,” said Gabriela Caraman, Communication and Sustainability Adviser at Heynen Systems.

As part of this collaboration, Tricover – a brand of Heynen Systems – has developed a prototype cushion incorporating releaf. This cushion will be showcased at the Interzum Forum Italy on June 4-5 in Bergamo, Italy. The prototype serves as a demonstration to explore the potential of releaf in comfort foam applications.

“Exploring new application areas is essential as we scale releaf. Working with Tricover allows us to bring our material into direct contact with real-life applications in bedding and upholstery,” added Laleh Maleki, Business Development Manager at Avantium.

For over 40 years, Heynen Systems has provided a system solution for the comfort foam industry, serving both manufacturers and end users. Its business-to-business solutions are designed to automate the encapsulation process and reduce production costs.

For end users, its technology helps prevent abrasion between comfort foam and outer covers, extending product lifetime. Heynen Systems’ solutions are used by leading international brands such as IKEA and Tempur.

The collaboration between Avantium and Tricover focuses on prototyping and exploration. The partners are assessing how releaf can be applied in automated foam encapsulation, enhancing both performance and sustainability.