INNOVATOR PROFILE
GRADO ZERO INNOVATION
BioGreen PADDING
COMPANY INFORMATION
Founded: Grado Zero Espace, 2001
Grado Zero Espace, 2017
Headquarters: Florence, Italy
Websites: https://www.gzinnovation.eu/
https://www.gzinnovation.eu/section/11/materials
https://www.gzinnovation.eu/material/16/biogreen-padding-polymer
COMPANY HISTORY
Grado Zero Innovation (GZI) is a spin-off of Grado Zero Espace, a company with nearly 20 years of experience developing new materials and technologies for industrial application. GZI conducts research and development in many areas, including performance materials and technologies for furnishing, automotive, and medical applications as well as custom textiles, yarns, and fibers, among many others. Their extensive network of laboratories and skilled researchers, innovators, and developers allows them to adapt and combine materials and technologies to determine the best applications and performances. GZI also offers consulting services in design, development, and rapid prototyping, taking the product life cycle into account at every stage. GZI regularly releases innovative products and materials. In this profile, we review their BioGreen Padding as a down filling alternative.
MATERIAL
BioGreen Padding is a padding polymer made from recycled plant matter and other organic renewable resources. According to GZI sources, no petroleum or animal products are used to manufacture BioGreen Padding.
TECHNOLOGY
Production process: Mechanical/Chemical
There is little publicly available information on BioGreen Padding technology, but it is likely made via a mechanical and/or chemical process and spun into fibers. According to GZI, the ‘checkering technique’ used gives BioGreen Padding a filling power roughly equivalent to that of goose down. The fibers are hollow and are said to allow for more insulation than petroleum-based fibers.
SUSTAINABILITY
More information about the production process is necessary in order to determine how BioGreen Padding rates along sustainability measures. MII will update this profile as soon as this information becomes available.
SOURCING
Samples of BioGreen Padding are available for purchase (250 gram pack for 10,00€). GZI is available for quotes for larger orders and for consultation on application.
CURRENT APPLICATIONS
CLOTHING, BEDDING
BioGreen Padding is carded and GZI suggests that its use is optimal for padding in bedding (e.g., pillows, duvets, quilts, sleeping bags) and in ‘down’ jackets and ski clothing.
Images from Grado Zero Innovation.