News

Centexbel's accreditation by the US CPSC has been renewed on January 17, 2025. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC or Commission) is an independent agency of the United States government. The CPSC seeks to promote the safety of consumer products by addressing “unreasonable risks” of injury (through coordinating recalls, evaluating products that are the subject of consumer complaints or industry reports, etc.); developing uniform safety standards (some mandatory, some through a voluntary standards process); and conducting research into product-related illness and injury.

The invention introduces a technique for producing high-density foam flake composite materials, which consist of foam flakes securely joined together by a thermoplastic binding agent, that can be applied in various sectors, including furniture, automotive, and construction, where effective sound absorption and robust structural support are crucial.

To meet the demand for 100% bio-based products, Maes Mattress Ticking initiated a research project together with Centexbel and with the support of VLAIO on the development of bio-based flame retardants. This story became the central case during the presentation of the Monitor of the Flemish Bio-Economy on 14 January 2025.

This month's Patent Alert focuses on inventions related to printing and laminating as examples of coating and finishing technologies.

Dome has developed an improved saddle pad design that is easier to maintain.

This month's Patent Alert showcases several innovations, ranging from the harvesting of hemp to the recovery and processing of its fibres into both woven and nonwoven fabrics. Furthermore, hemp's oils are also being utilised in the plastics industry.

The latest amendment restricting lead to 0.1% by weight of PVC material became effective on November 29, 2024.

This month's patent alert highlights recent patent applications of biomaterials, while showing their use as natural sources for coatings, binders and composites.

Bekaertdeslee Innovation developed a method to produce a double selection fabric, comprising different blister zones with a distinct appearance. The method is particularly helpful in the production of "double selection fabrics" with large flat areas (deep effect) alternating with blister (volume) areas, particularly with smaller deep areas.

Flame retardancy is a sought-after functionality for textiles and polymeric materials. This patent alert highlights some of the recently published patent applications that address or improve the burning behaviour of these materials.