Sustainability in a Triple Pack – Continental Impresses with Innovative Products at interzum 2023

“Sustainability starts at the surface,” Continental’s official trade show slogan for the interzum 2023, was impressively brought to life throughout the technology company’s booth, but especially, of course, directly at the surface – in other words, with the artificial leather and furniture foil innovations. The company brought along a total of three innovative, sustainable products. This was the first time since the pandemic that the trade fair was held in the presence of visitors and Heiko Gerstl, Head of Global Sales Furniture Films at Continental, was delighted: “The interzum was very well attended and the atmosphere was extremely positive. It clearly demonstrated the importance of personal and direct contact with the customer.”  

With skai® VyP Coffee a high-quality upholstery fabric was presented at the interzum that is equally remarkable in terms of durability and ease of care, as well as breathability and high seating comfort.

But what makes it truly revolutionary above all is the fact that coffee grounds are incorporated in the production process. The innovative artificial leather can therefore undoubtedly be described as a milestone in the development of sustainable surface materials, since the manufacture of this particular product is especially resource-saving as well as energy-efficient and makes use of both recycled and natural components. In total, more than 65 percent of conventional chemical raw materials are replaced by natural and recycled components in the production of skai® VyP Coffee. The visitors were enthusiastic about the innovation on show.

“Our exhibits thoroughly convinced customers thanks to their combination of design, color, performance and sustainability,” explains Bruno Lehmann, Head of Product Management Interior Living at Continental. 

Another product with a green thumb – or, judging by its constituents, an entire green hand – was much appreciated by the visitors: skai® Evida Fiber. 

90 percent of the components used in the high-quality upholstery fabric are made from natural and renewable raw materials. Instead of the usual plasticizers, alternatives based on renewable raw materials are used. The high-quality material also impresses due to its excellent functional properties. These include high abrasion resistance, light fastness and durability.  

“The material received a particularly high level of attention from the trade fair visitors,” says Christelle Perico-Darras responsible for the Healthcare & Public Areas EMEA business unit at Continental.

The third product highlight at the interzum was the skai® rPET PureLux furniture foil – this combines minimalist elegance with robust properties such as high scratch resistance in pure form.

The premium material also convinces by virtue of its high-quality matt look and incredible soft-touch feel. The innovative staynu® technology plays a key role here. Its special surface finish ensures that the material is particularly dirt-repellent, easy to clean and resistant to disinfectants. An added bonus its the anti-fingerprint effect. Thanks to this, the small unsightly traces of everyday life and constant annoying wiping belong to the past. Moreover, skai® rPET PureLux also joins the other two materials by setting an example in terms of sustainability: this furniture film is produced from 100 percent recycled PET polymer under ecologically and socially compatible production conditions and a high level of responsibility toward people and the environment without sacrificing quality in any way. 

Continental, however, did not only present its new approaches to interior design at its booth, but also at the ContiHome, which captivated trade-fair visitors in the outdoor area.

“The feedback on the ContiHome was consistently positive and most people were more than enthusiastic,” is how Bruno Lehmann, Head of Product Management Interior Living at Continental, sums it up. The tiny house is a tribute to life in a small space, a vision of what being at home means in the 21st century. The entire mobile home – from the furniture to the flooring, walls, windows and facade – is equipped with high-quality, easy-care and durable skai® surface materials that not only showcase the outstanding variety of Continental products, but can also be experienced hands-on.