With furniture design and production professionals spending more time online over the past nine months, Rehau has reported an upsurge in usage of its industry-leading board matching guide. This is mirrored by a similar increase in demand for more hygienic solutions, and subsequent interest in its zero-joint edgebanding technology.
Recent research conducted by Ikea for its Big Home Reboot report found that the pandemic has put health and wellbeing at the front of people’s minds, and that the homes of the future will need to be ready for the next health crisis. As the industry aims to digest a plethora of reports surrounding the health of the nation’s homes, Rehau’s zero-joint technology is growing in demand, due to its hygienic approach.
Polymer zero-joint edgebanding eliminates the use of glue, resulting in a much more hygienic, easily cleanable product. There are a number of ways in which a zero-joint finish can be achieved – via laser, hot air, or near infra-red (NIR). Rehau has invested significantly to ensure its Raukantex range of edgebanding is compatible with all methods of application.
Scott Williams, national sales manager for the Rehau Furniture Solutions division, explains: “Zero-joint technology is not new, and it has been a popular innovation for many industry professionals for quite some time. But what we are seeing now is more SME joiners, interior designers, fitters and kitchen/bathroom manufacturers showing interest in this type of technology because of the jointless, clean finish achieved.
“The absence of a glue line where the edging meets the board prevents the build-up of dirt or bacteria, creating a seamless hygienic surface.”
At kbb Birmingham 2020, Rehau announced a new strategy to support SMEs across the sector with more business support online. Its successful board-matching service is one such tool it has been enhancing to help businesses in this uncertain economic climate. As such, the business has seen a significant increase in usage of the online tool.
The online board matching service contains matches to all leading board manufacturer collections, and is one of the most comprehensive standard stock ranges available in Europe. The collection includes options for solid colour, decorative design, mirror gloss, extreme matt, real glass effect, translucent, 3D, metallic look and real wood veneer. New additions to the range are added all the time, including an Extreme Matt collection called Noble Matt and Rauvisio Noir – both of which have been introduced to meet the trend for ultra-matt surfaces.
Having access to a wide range of materials allows for more creativity, and Rehau has noticed more daring matches being made – such as the Raukantex Magic 2, which includes edgebanding with real metallic surfaces that have brass and copper effects.
Scott adds: “Tools like this are invaluable to our industry right now. We have invested heavily to consider every possibility when it comes to board matching, so it’s encouraging to see that it’s helping the market. We’ve got lots more up our sleeves to help this portion of the market excel as we come out of lockdown, so watch this space!”
