For decades, the company has specialized in designing and developing high-performance, eco-conscious textiles across the transportation industry, including aviation, railway, and buses. But with its new DIGITAL DEEP DYEING technology for carpets—made using ECONYL® regenerated nylon and released in 2023—the company is setting a new standard for responsible design in the skies.
“Our company would not have survived if social and environmental considerations would not have been at the core of our making in the past 139 years,” says Luzius Rickenbacher, EVP Aviation Interiors at Lantal. “Sustainability means much more than an environmental benchmark—it is a philosophy.”
The Making of DIGITAL DEEP DYEING Technology
Founded all the way back in 1886, Lantal began as a producer of cheese linen and evolved over the years into a global leader in transportation-related textiles. Its innovation-minded approach only accelerated during the pandemic when, instead of pulling back, the company increased research and development spending and went full bore into its commitment to sustainability.
Conventional aviation carpets use a yarn-dyeing process that is slow and energy intensive, and wherein colorful and complex patterns increase the material’s weight and cost, not to mention leave it exposed to the risk of not meeting airworthiness requirements. But with DIGITAL DEEP DYEING technology, Lantal has created a carpet solution that is:
- Fully digital: Ensuring customized solutions are available within days.
- Ultra lightweight: Yet made without compromising design freedom and customization.
- Sustainable: With significant water and CO2 reduction and a low-waste production process.
The impact is not just conceptual. The new carpet technology has received full approval for use on all current Boeing airplane models—a major industry milestone.
“At Lantal, having our DEEP DYED carpet approved for all current Boeing airplane models is a champions league achievement,” said Rickenbacher. “Boeing is known for setting the highest technical standards in the world, so meeting their rigorous requirements validates our technology’s exceptional performance, durability, and sustainability benefits.
ECONYL® and Lantal Partner up
Lantal could not have achieved its game-changing carpet technology without enlisting the help of ECONYL®, a regenerated nylon made from discarded fabric scraps, industrial plastic, fishing nets, and other nylon waste. Crucial to success in the high-demand airline industry, ECONYL® possesses the same quality considerations as standard nylon.
When they’re on the hunt for raw materials, Lantal considers three essential criteria. Companies they work with must possess high-technical standards, provide eco-conscious solutions, and have a partnership-minded approach.
“This is exactly what we have found with ECONYL®, a regenerated nylon that perfectly aligns with our technical, ecological, and partnership-driven criteria, reinforcing our dedication to sustainable, high-performing aviation carpet solutions,” says Rickenbacher. “Using ECONYL® nylon allows us to combine cutting-edge technology with eco-conscious practices, ensuring that our collections reflect both the high technical standards of our industry and our commitment to a more sustainable future.”
Designing a Better Flight Experience
The path to sustainable aviation shouldn’t require sacrificing aesthetics or passenger experience. Rickenbacher believes sustainability can elevate both.
“We believe that sustainable aviation interiors are achieved by focusing on two key areas: reducing weight and extending product lifespan,” he said. “Every kilogram saved directly contributes to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions, while longer-lasting interiors mean fewer replacements and less waste over time.”
Lantal’s DIGITAL DEEP DYEING Technology, combined with ECONYL® yarn, delivers on both fronts with lightweight, durable, and distinctively designed carpets. “The process not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the interior but also allows for more versatile and refined design expressions,” Rickenbacher says.
The result: Passengers get a luxurious experience, while airlines make real strides toward a more sustainable future. And it’s this very combination of environmental consideration and performance that Rickenbacher expects will drive the future of flooring.
“We believe that by marrying advanced technology with sustainable practices, we can create flooring that not only meets the stringent technical demands of today’s industries,” he says, “but also paves the way for a greener, more innovative tomorrow.”