Continental is set to energize the furniture industry with a series of world premieres at the Sicam international furniture supplier exhibition, showcasing its innovative printed 3D malleable PET films and commitment to sustainable design. The event, taking place from October 15 to 18 in Pordenone, Italy, is a platform for Continental to highlight its vision, encapsulated in the tagline: “Sustainability starts at the surface. Inspired by nature. Expressed by design.”
Visitors to Continental’s stand (B13 in Hall 4) will encounter a wide array of new PET and vinyl products, featuring deep matte finishes and on-trend decors that promise a natural look and feel. These products also offer advanced functionality, including anti-fingerprint properties, chemical resistance, and enhanced formability. “With our new products and innovative approaches, we are looking to drive the market forward and put down some positive markers,” said Jörg Biller, Head of Interior Living EMEA at Continental Surface Solutions. He emphasized the need for fresh ideas to address the changing demands of the furniture industry.
Highlighting Innovation and Sustainability
A key attraction at the exhibition is the new 3D PET design laminate skai PureLux 3D Touch. This surface product boasts a smooth, soft-matte finish that is both inviting to touch and resistant to fingerprints. Available in two versions—virgin PET and a more eco-friendly rPET with a high percentage of recycled material—the skai PureLux 3D Touch is designed to meet the aesthetic and practical needs of kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces.
In addition to the PureLux series, Continental is unveiling two 3D-decor-printed PET laminates: skai PureLux 3D structure Casella Eiche nature and Catania Eiche amber. These new designs incorporate innovative wood structures that align with the growing trend of “naturalness” in interiors, offering a visual and tactile experience that redefines contemporary decor.
Embracing the Oak Trend with Unique Decors
Among the new offerings is skai Karlstad Eiche, developed in collaboration with Schattdecor. This oak-inspired decor integrates classic elements like flower grain, subtle knots, and medullary rays, creating a cohesive look that excels in large-area applications for living areas and kitchens. Also on display is skai Port Oak, crafted in partnership with Interprint, which brings a distinctive, slightly smoky tone and refined details to spaces such as offices, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Rounding out the range, skai Riva—another collaboration with Schattdecor—presents a reduced, rustic style without knots or cracks, offering a versatile option suitable for both residential and public spaces. This decor is tailored for those seeking a more understated yet refined wood appearance.
Driving the Future of Surface Design
Continental’s participation at Sicam 2024 underscores its dedication to merging design with sustainability, creating products that meet current market trends while offering practical benefits. “Our surfaces combine design and sustainability to impressive effect, and that’s something we want to demonstrate at Sicam,” Biller stated. “This is exactly the right time to bring new ideas and solutions to the table when it comes to the future of surface design in the furniture industry.”
By unveiling these innovative solutions, Continental aims to support the furniture sector’s evolution and address the industry’s demand for fresh ideas and eco-conscious materials. With its new PET films and design-focused offerings, Continental is positioning itself as a leader in the next wave of interior surface solutions.
