Crypton, a leading provider of performance fabric technologies in the contract design and residential home furnishings markets, is set to enter the European market. Crypton fabrics will now be made in Europe and warehoused in Belgium. Crypton Europe will launch at the Heimtextil trade show in Frankfurt, which will be held from January 8-14, 2019.
The expansion into Europe will be spearheaded by Hardy Sullivan, Executive Vice President, who will be overseeing the initiative and all of Crypton’s international operations. Sullivan is supported by Guy Parmentier, Vice President of International Sales for Crypton, said.
Crypton fabrics will be affiliating with carefully selected fabric production facilities and brands for distribution of Crypton performance textiles throughout Europe. Crypton will introduce the European design community to an entirely new category that offers broad new possibilities. Crypton fabrics are one of the beautifully designed performance fabrics that resist spills, stains, and odours permanently while being people- and planet-friendly. They are engineered with an integrated barrier that prevents liquid stains from penetrating to the cushion, resists flame spread, and maintains fabric flexibility.
In addition, Crypton offers 25 years of trusted performance in the US. It is Greenguard Gold certified to the most stringent indoor air quality standards. It extends the life of furniture by 5-7 years longer than traditional fabrics, offering a tremendous reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel consumption.
“We see expansion into Europe, as a natural fit. One with tremendous potential as we embark on bringing Crypton to important emerging global markets,” said Lance Keziah, CEO of Crypton. “We have long been evaluating Europe as a growth platform and have spent considerable R&D efforts to provide best in class performance that meets the stringent European test requirements. We’re excited to enter the market and look forward to Heimtextil-Frankfurt.”
“There is great opportunity for our performance fabrics in Europe,” said Sullivan. “There’s nothing quite like Crypton, and it satisfies the growing demand in certain sectors, specifically, hospitality and healthcare, for a high performing textile that meets key Fire Rating (FR) standards for European upholstery.”
“We look forward to connecting with prospective European distributors, mills, and jobbers, as well as dialoguing with designers and specifiers,” said Parmentier. “To introducing them to freedom to use warm, inviting fabrics in areas where formerly their only options were to use a vinyl or very stiff fabric. Given how soft, textural and on-trend our textiles are, designers are astonished when they see Crypton’s amazing performance demonstrations and discover its strength and durability”.
