Coating, Impregnating and Laminating of Biobased Materials

The demand for biobased and natural materials is growing rapidly in various sectors such as interior design, construction, mobility and all kinds of technical applications. Materials such as flax, hemp, jute, wool and cotton are increasingly being chosen because of their renewable origin, low ecological footprint and natural appearance. At the same time, these materials also present technical challenges in terms of processability, durability and functional performance.

As an expert and trendsetter in the application of innovative coatings on flexible substrates, Finipur supports manufacturers and developers in the functional optimisation of biobased materials. Thanks to a wide range of application techniques and a strong focus on customisation and innovation, Finipur has been a crucial link in the production process of sustainable materials for many years.

Biobased materials: opportunities and challenges

Natural fibres such as flax, hemp and jute are strong, light and renewable, while wool and cotton are known for their comfort and versatility. However, biobased materials often require additional treatments to meet the technical requirements of the end application. These include:

Improved mechanical strength
Dimensional stability and stability
Wear resistance and durability
Water and dirt repellency
Adhesion to other materials
Fire-retardant or protective properties

Coatings and lamination processes play a key role here. They make it possible to reinforce natural substrates without losing their intrinsic properties or aesthetics.

Customised coating solutions for biobased substrates

Finipur offers a range of coating techniques that can be tailored to the structure, absorption and application of biobased materials. Depending on the desired end result, various applicators can be selected:

Coating using a squeegee or roller

Squeegee coating allows a controlled and even coating layer to be applied. This technique is ideal when a precise layer thickness is required, for example for functional barriers, reinforcement or adhesive layers. This method offers high reproducibility, especially with flax and jute fabrics.

Roll coating offers advantages for continuous processes and larger surfaces, where constant product transfer and efficient throughput are important. This method is particularly suitable for materials such as cotton and hemp, where even distribution without oversaturation is desired.

Impregnation via foulard or dip bath

During impregnation, the material is completely saturated with a functional solution. This technique is particularly suitable for open and absorbent structures such as hemp, cotton and wool. Impregnation allows properties to be deeply embedded in the substrate, resulting in a homogeneous functional effect across the entire material.

Spray coating

Spray application is ideal when light or localised treatment is required, or when only one side of the material needs to be treated. This technique offers maximum flexibility and is highly suitable for sensitive or irregular natural substrates.

Lamination with thermoplastics as a functional intermediate step

In addition to coatings, Finipur also offers lamination solutions with thermoplastics, whereby powdered adhesive is applied to the substrate. This process often serves as an intermediate step within a broader production process.

By powdering thermoplastic adhesives, the biobased material can be prepared for further processing, such as:

Pressing composites
Bonding with other layers or carriers
Creating dimensionally stable structures
Improving mechanical properties

These lamination and bonding layers are developed to be compatible with natural fibres and subsequent process steps, without compromising the durability or recyclability of the end product.

Finipur as a link in an integrated production process

Finipur does not position itself as an end producer, but as a technological partner within an integrated production chain. After treatment at Finipur, various steps may follow, such as pressing, cutting, forming or assembling. By working closely with customers and understanding their downstream processes, Finipur ensures that each coating or lamination step fits perfectly into the rest of the process.

This approach offers clear advantages:

Better process reliability
Fewer failure costs in later steps
Optimal functionality of the end product
Flexibility for scaling up