TEXTILES.ORG
Chomarat, a family-owned textile group with an international distribution, is rolling out the world premiere of a new line of biobased coated fabric called OFLEX™ Bio-based, made from Gaïalene® produced by Roquette.
Chomarat, specializing in coated textiles, has developed biobased “Thermoplastic PolyOlefins” (TPOs) by using Gaïalene®, a sustainable thermoplastic plant-based resin. This resin, made from starch by Roquette, is a specific flexible grade. The OFLEX Bio-based line consists of a textile material or foam coated with these new biobased TPOs. As developed, the coating lends itself readily to dyeing, is free of plasticizers, and is recyclable in the polyolefin stream, offering numerous design options with a high level of performance.
“The technical partnership with Roquette allowed us to develop an entire line of fabrics coated with biobased TPOs that are free of phthalates and PVCs. Thanks to their great flexibility and softness, our products offer a genuine alternative to coated PVCs and leathers. The soft touch and ease of dyeing open up new prospects in our traditional markets of leather products, luggage, telephony, sport and leisure activities and event furnishings. Gaïalene offers us an excellent solution for responding to a clientele that is increasingly demanding and sensitive to sustainable development in their daily environment,” says Philippe Chomarat, manager of Chomarat’s Plastics business line.
The OFLEX Bio-based line contains 25 to 35 percent plant-based resources, which sets it apart from conventional coated fabrics made solely from non-renewable materials. It is more environmentally friendly thanks to the Gaïalene plant-based resin, which has a very low carbon footprint compared to fossil resins.