Indratech—North America’s leading manufacturer of advance fiber materials—
is a technology-based company with a clear and crucial mission: to offer an effective replacement for old-fashioned cushioning products that is safer, more eco-friendly and reduces the problems associated with recycling or disposal.
Dr. Surendra Khambete
The co-founder and president of Indratech describes one of the critical issues the industry faces:
“Unlike a lot of products, Performance Fiber is completely recyclable. Our process uses every bit of material during production since any cutoffs are simply recycled into new production. Even a product that is 10, 20 years old could be washed and recycled into a new product stream.”
How pervasive is the danger from the common chemicals we all encounter in everyday life? National Geographic magazine published a first-person account by journalist David Ewing Duncan who looked at the more than 300 man-made chemicals found in his body. According to his report, Duncan submitted to “...a chemical analysis of my blood, which measured levels of flame-retarding compounds called polybrominated diphenyl ethers. In mice and rats, high doses of PBDEs interfere with thyroid function, cause reproductive and neurological problems, and hamper neurological development. Little is known about their impact on human health.” For the complete story, click here.
“Like any other organic material, when it [polyurethane foam] ignites and burns, FPF [flexible polyurethane foam] liberates smoke containing toxic gases, the primary one being carbon monoxide.”
This is the conclusion of the Polyurethane Foam Association as stated in its official flammability statementThe answer to this vexing challenge is Indura Performance Fiber. Through advanced engineering and design, Indratech has created an entirely new process that utilizes proprietary blends of polyester fiber to replace the foam products that are common in furniture and seating, bedding, and the interiors of automobiles, RVs, boats, airplanes, etc. In one test commonly referred to as “the butt test,” indentation load deflection is measured as the force exerted by the human anatomy to compress a cushion to a specific height. After tens of thousands of impressions, the results are measured and show that IPF performs as well or better than traditional materials.
Shown at left, Indura Performance Fiber does not erupt into flames when exposed to fire.
Co-founders Dr. Surendra Khambete and John O’Neill established Indratech in 2003. Khambete, a former senior-level product development manager for a Fortune 500 company, has extensive background in foam and fiber products used in cushioning and acoustical applications. Khambete and O’Neill, through a strategic partnership with a multibillion dollar, multinational corporation, made crucial manufacturing advancements to produce a one-of-a-kind polyester fiber with all the characteristics required for the easy adoption by cushion manufacturing operations everywhere. Indratech provides comprehensive services to its customers including design engineering, tooling and production services.
© 2006 Indratech Performance Fiber Systems
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