Gislaved Folie specialises in the industrial production of polymer products, manufacturing plastic foils that integrate colour, form and functionality into customer surroundings. Sales Manager Robert Magnusson discussed the company’s range of products and new environmentally friendly foil, in conversation with Antonia Cole.
Founded in 1893 and produced the first foil 5th of December 1945, Gislaved Folie designs and manufactures foils to different applications such as walls, doors, ceilings, furniture, safety products and flooring. The company designs both solid colour and patterned foils that can also have either a gloss or matt finish. All of Gislaved’s foils benefit from a resilient surface layer that provides enhanced durability and longevity.
The IMO approved foils are laminated on metal, to be used on surfaces such as doors, walls or ceilings. With these foils, the company can change the appearance of a surface to replicate wood or marble, whilst maintaining the function ality of the original material. This means customers can combine efficient cleaning and maintenance with aesthetically pleasing designs.
As well as this, the company offers a self-adhesive repair kit. With this kit, customers can extend the lifespan of their products without having to invest
in new foils. This not only reduces expenses, but also minimises waste. All of the production process is controlled by Gislaved, from the creation of formulations to the design of prints, at the company’s head office in Gislaved, Sweden. The company strives to meet all customer requirements, so provides the option for the properties of products to be adapted to suit individual needs.
Gislaved’s high-quality foils can be customised to fulfil personalised functions and design specifications.
One of Gislaved’s most popular products is its portfolio of certified fire-retardant interior foils. A wide selection of the world’s leading cruise liners, ferries, commercial ships and oil platforms use Gislaved’s fire-retardant foil, the M-1320. It can be used in a variety of functions such as cabin bulkheads, as well as in public spaces such as bars and restaurants.
“Design is important in our products, we make sure to provide stylish foils that integrate into the overall appearance of a space,” said Sales Manager Robert Magnusson. “However, function and safety are vital. Our products improve hygiene through easier cleaning and our certified flame-retardant foils guarantee safety.”
Eco-friendly foils
As well as providing functional and modern foils for furniture and surfaces, Gislaved is committed to sustainability and environmental protection in operations. The company is always striving towards continuous environmental improvement and pollution prevention in the production of products.
To minimise environmental impacts, Gislaved has integrated a waste recycling process into its own. This not only limits the necessity for raw materials, but also greatly decreases carbon emissions and energy use in Gislaved’s operations.
The company continuously looks for ways in which it can reduce impacts on the environment. Throughout the planning and design processes of products, Gislaved considers environmental aspects such as carbon
emissions. This means that sustainability is integrated into every stage of a product’s development.
Gislaved ensures that environmental awareness is present within every layer of the company through employee education and training programmes in sustainability. This not only promotes environmentally conscious practices within the company, but also encourages workers to incorporate sustainability into their daily lives.
With an environmental management system, certified to ISO 14001 standards, Gislaved is prepared to adjust and develop practices to adhere to new
environmental requirements, laws, directives and ordinances.
“Not only are we staying up to date with evolving environmental standards, but we are constantly researching and engaging with new sustainable innovations within the market,” explained Mr Magnusson. “We aim to lead the foil industry in environmentally friendly practices. Our dedication and enthusiasm for sustainability will help us reach this goal. ”
Low-impact innovation
Gislaved has its own R&D department that enables it to utilise new industry innovations and evolve its product range.
The company’s experts work to progress the properties of foils, enhancing capabilities to better serve customers.
All aspects of Gislaved’s foils are produced internally, giving the company
complete control of formulations. From selecting raw materials to mixing pigments, every stage of the product’s development is carefully managed by the company. Not only does this benefit the environment through reduced transportation emissions, but it allows Gislaved to produce new products such as its newest film, FLORA.
This new PVC film has been created with an environmental focus. FLORA has a biological origin that limits environmental impacts and requires less carbon to produce. Using pine tall oil feedstock ethylene, from certified second-generation biomass, this product minimises the company’s reliance on valuable raw materials and protects biodiversity.
FLORA is a modern, environmentally friendly option that can be customised with Gislaved’s broad portfolio of designs. Maintaining the functionality of traditional PVC, this new option will support the global transition into adopting more sustainable practices. Not only will
Gislaved be able to act more environmentally consciously, but customers will also be able to integrate this new sustainable materia l into their own operations.
“Building a sustainable future is more important now than ever,” said Mr Magnusson. “FLORA is truly innovative and is a big step in promoting sustainability. Through creating environmentally friendly solutions like this, we hope to support everyone in doing more to protect and nurture the planet.”
Creating collaboration
The innovations that drive Gislaved forward are made possible by the company’s skilled and dedicated employees. The company has a focus on employee development that it achieves through training and annual reviews. Measurable targets are set to motivate the Gislaved team and lead the company in the right direction for active progression.
“Ensuring that our customers and our employees are satisfied with the company is essential for our success,” explained Mr Magnusson. “The talent within our workforce is one of our most valuable resources. Through open communication, we can make sure that everyone at Gislaved is working towards a common goal. When our targets are reached, then we can all share in the success.”
As well as building up healthy working relationships within the company, Gislaved recognises the importance of building longstanding relationships throughout the industry with partners and suppliers.
“Our partners are essential to our success,” said Mr Magnusson, in conclusion. “Without our connections throughout the industry, we wouldn’t be able to develop progressive innovations such as FLORA. By working together, we can continue to transform the industry for a better future.”
Gislaved will be showcasing the new FLORA film at SMM in September, as well as at Cruise Ship Interiors Expo in June. Through this, the company hopes to gain interest in FLORA and educate the industry on its benefits, as well as displaying new designs. n
