Films made of rice husk and polymer composites win Red Dot Award

Innovative composite films made of rice husks and high-grade polymers have been recognised for their design potential by the Red Dot Awards.

The Pentadecor films – made collaboratively by Klöckner Pentaplast and Resysta - are less than one millimeter thick and can be laminated with numerous surfaces.

In terms of their look and feel, Pentadecor Films are said to be virtually indistinguishable from high-quality wood veneer and thus meet consumers’ need for a natural-looking weather- and water-resistant material.

“With their performance, the Red Dot winners Klöckner Pentaplast and Resysta demonstrate their extraordinary design quality. They also show that design is an integral part of innovative product solutions,” commentd Professor Dr Peter Zec, Founder and President of the Red Dot Award design awards. 

“Responding to global megatrends, many manufacturers and retailers are rethinking how they do business: cost-cutting system solutions, lower stock keeping units and sustainable products are in demand,” added Axel Müller, Market Development Manager for Europe, Middle East and Asia at Klöckner Pentaplast.

“With Pentadecor Films – made of Resysta we have the perfect answer – with new system designs and easy-to-store products.”

Efficient production process thanks to successful collaboration

Currently, consumers can choose between a broad variety of extruded Natural Fibre Composites (NFC) and Wood Plastic Composites (WPC) profiles. However, up to now, the production of films in 300-800μm thicknesses has not been possible due to the poor rheological behavior of highly filled compounds.

In close collaboration with Resysta, the producer of a rice husk-based PVC filler (ARF), the technology and innovation department of Klöckner Pentaplast came up with an appropriate solution.