With more than 155 years of experience and know-how, Englisch dekor offers today – as a family business in the fifth generation – Europe’s largest selection of flame retardant decorative and upholstery fabrics. The company takes pride in its service, being able to offer its customers the greatest possible selection and prompt delivery all over the world of both large and small quantities at great value.
Today, the company spans a radius of more than 80 countries, and it is expanding daily. The staff’s personal commitment and innovative resourcefulness are the driving force behind the continuing successful internationalisation of the venerable brand.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Englisch dekor: For over seven years, we have made a deliberate choice to focus exclusively on the specialization of flame retardant fabrics, dedicating our efforts to the development of innovative products that strictly adhere to international standards and norms. As a result of this strategic direction, we have emerged as a prominent supplier of flame retardant fabrics within the European market. Our primary sphere of operation lies in the contract market, serving diverse sectors such as hotels, restaurants, cinemas, theaters, and the healthcare industry, among others. Our fabrics have found widespread application in these domains, owing to their exceptional safety and quality attributes.
E.E: What’s the news about new products?
Englisch dekor: We are excited to announce the forthcoming launch of three new upholstery collections, accompanied by a selection of captivating draperies. Our emphasis extends beyond mere aesthetics and texture, as we have taken careful consideration to incorporate functional properties into these fabric offerings. Among the noteworthy features are stain-repellent capabilities, environmentally conscious recycling attributes, thermal properties, easy-clean functionality, and a range of other innovative characteristics. With these advancements, we aim to elevate the overall user experience and cater to the diverse needs of our esteemed clientele.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
Englisch dekor: Our range of products are divided into draperies and transparent & semi-transparent curtains as well as upholstery fabrics. Our dimout curtains absorb up to 99% of natural or artificial light and are characterized not only by their remarkable elegant appearance but also by special technical properties. Characteristics like flame retardant according to international standards, noise absorbing, easy clean, hygienic-washable up to 60° C. Compared to our dimouts, blackouts are 100% opaque – ensured by an additional multi-layer soft coating on the back, which prevents light rays from penetrating textile fabrics. When it comes to upholstery fabrics our range of products goes from simple velvet to microfiber fabric, artificial leather, or classis textile jacquard woven fabrics and many more.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
Englisch dekor: Amidst the pandemic, our industry experienced a fortuitous turn of events, with a substantial number of individuals compelled to remain within the confines of their homes. Consequently, there arose a heightened desire among people to transform their residences into cozy and pleasant abodes where they could spend their time comfortably. This surge in domestic interior demands led to a significant boom in the domestic market, resulting in exceptional growth for numerous competitors primarily engaged in this sector.
In contrast, our company’s primary focus lies within the contract market, leading us to encounter a slightly lesser demand for our products during this period. Nevertheless, we anticipate a positive trajectory in the coming years, as restrictions on tourism and travel have been lifted, and the industry is expected to experience an upward trend.
Furthermore, while the current market situation is marked by high inflation rates, we are fortunate to have been relatively less impacted by this economic challenge. As we navigate these conditions, we remain optimistic about the future, envisioning opportunities for growth and prosperity in the horizon.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
Englisch dekor: Undoubtedly, a clear and compelling trend is emerging, guiding the industry towards sustainable practices. Market demands now prominently feature requests for fabrics that embrace recycling principles, follow the cradle-to-cradle approach, and possess functional attributes. Our dedication lies in synthesizing these qualities, thereby crafting fabrics with versatile applications. This includes the creation of thermal fabrics, acoustic materials that efficiently absorb room noise, and the development of recycled textiles sourced from PET bottles or repurposed fabrics.
Additionally, in response to evolving aesthetic preferences, natural earth colors have taken center stage, complemented by eye-catching accents of bold patterns and vibrant hues. Furthermore, the market has shown a heightened interest in textures characterized by soft, luxuriant qualities, featuring longer piles or the rustic charm of boucle weaves. As we keenly observe these shifting preferences, we are committed to innovating and adapting to cater to the dynamic needs of our discerning clientele.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
Englisch dekor: The concept of innovation, as perceived by different individuals, can vary considerably. For some, an innovative fabric may entail being environmentally conscious, such as a recycled fabric. Others may regard innovation in the context of possessing specific properties that cater to the unique requirements of their intended applications. Due to this subjective nature of innovation, providing a definitive answer becomes challenging for us.
Nevertheless, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries and continually exploring the development of fabrics with exceptional attributes. Our most recent endeavor involves a drapery fabric that not only can be recycled but can also serve as the basis for creating a new drapery. Leveraging the fact that a majority of our fabrics are composed of 100% PES material, we have made progress in this direction. However, the key challenge lies in maintaining the fabric’s strong viscosity during the recycling process, which is essential for generating new yarns.
If successful, we aim to set a precedent as the pioneering entity capable of not only downcycling fabrics but effectively recycling them to create entirely new fabric materials. This advancement aligns with our commitment to sustainability and reinforces our position as innovators in the industry.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2023?
Englisch dekor: The first half of 2023 was for us a very good year and we are also optimistic about the second half of the year. However, it is important to acknowledge that the present market conditions pose challenges in making precise forecasts. Despite these uncertainties, we remain enthusiastic about the future, driven by our upcoming launch of compelling innovations and exciting developments scheduled for this year. We strive to maintain a forward-looking approach, leveraging our commitment to excellence and adaptability as we navigate through the ever-changing market dynamics.