Avantium and Heynen prototype releaf PEF cushion for bedding and upholstery
- Avantium and Heynen Systems (Tricover) are collaborating to test plant-based PEF (releaf) in bedding and upholstery applications.
- A prototype cushion incorporating releaf will be showcased at Interzum Forum Italy on 4–5 June 2026.
- The partnership is focused on prototyping automated foam encapsulation to evaluate releaf's performance and sustainability.
- Heynen supplies automated interliner knitting and encapsulation machinery for comfort foam, reducing abrasion and production costs.
Collaboration
Avantium and Heynen Systems (Tricover) are partnering to develop and evaluate applications of Avantium's plant-based PEF, marketed as releaf®, in the bedding and upholstery sector.
Prototype
Heynen's Tricover brand produced a prototype cushion incorporating releaf to demonstrate potential use in comfort foam applications; the cushion will be displayed at Interzum Forum Italy on 4–5 June 2026.
Scope and objectives
The collaboration focuses on prototyping and assessing automated foam encapsulation processes to evaluate releaf's performance and sustainability characteristics in real-life products.
Heynen systems
Heynen combines technical textile knitting and automated interliner/encapsulation machinery used for mattresses, cushions, upholstered furniture and automotive seating, supporting automated encapsulation of comfort foam cores.
Source: Avantium