Bloomsburg, PA, USA—November 8, 2023
Grammer AG, Lantal Textiles AG, N+P Innovation Design, and SEKISUI KYDEX win the prestigious RedCabin Rail Interiors Award for Design Innovation of the Year for their collaboration to revolutionize rail travel with the Nordstern seating concept.
During the RedCabin Railway Interiors Summit held in Vienna, Austria, Grammer AG, Lantal Textiles AG, N+P Innovation Design, and SEKISUI KYDEX were presented the inaugural Railway Interiors Award for Design Innovation of the Year. The Railway Interiors Awards consist of six categories, each focusing on specific engineering or design disciplines. The categories prioritize passenger and driver comfort, security, sustainability, accessibility, durability, and aesthetics for rail cabins. The Design Innovation of the Year award focuses on aesthetic design, but to win this category, the technology, material, or system in question must also consider the environment and its impact on improving the passenger experience. Factors such as accessibility, family inclusivity, and safety are important in this regard.
Timo Bauer, Grammer's Vice President of PMS Rail & Road, stated, "When we step onto a high-speed train, we all hope for a warm and inviting atmosphere. The Nordstern interior experience, based on Grammer's modular magnesium seat structure and our partnership with N+P, Lantal, and SEKISUI KYDEX, offers a range of seat configurations that deliver increased comfort, privacy, and safety—all within the same space as traditional cabins. These seats are designed to make public transportation more appealing, offering a unique and adaptable journey."
The concept incorporates durable, cost-effective, and recyclable KYDEX® Thermoplastics, significantly reducing weight over standard industry materials. Karyn McAlphin, Creative Design Lead for SEKISUI KYDEX, noted, "Building trust with like-minded companies allows you to achieve remarkable results in a shorter timeframe. We often stress the importance of early collaboration, so we were delighted to be a part of the team who took home this award. This project engaged our designLab® and appLab™ Innovation Centers to enhance the customer experience sustainably."
N+P Innovation Design worked closely with Lantal and KYDEX to create distinctive finishes for Nordstern that included a custom gradient pattern common across hard and soft materials. Christiane Bausback, Managing Director for N+P Innovation Design, emphasized the role of designers in shaping future solutions, saying, "Designers have a pivotal role in coordinating various disciplines to create unique and authentic solutions for the future. It's crucial to foster close collaboration on an eye level and embrace technology to enhance the overall passenger experience and develop forward-thinking, innovative solutions."
Through the application of technology and careful material selection, Nordstern offers a unique and adaptable travel experience. According to Stefan Wilhelm, Lantal's Head of Markets Ground, “The fiber composition of Lantal's new MESH seat covers provides excellent moisture absorption and breathability to enhance passenger comfort, and also offers the highest durability. Significant weight savings and a 100% recyclable material contribute to sustainable development.”
Nordstern's real-time personalized trip connectivity offers a cutting-edge interface, providing a customized experience. Completely personalized, the system enables passengers to check-in, adjust their seats, choose entertainment options, and receive travel updates—all from the comfort of their seats. In this vision of modern train travel, passengers can savor an unparalleled combination of comfort, technology, and sustainability, all without compromise.
About SEKISUI KYDEX
SEKISUI KYDEX innovates and creates sustainable thermoplastic material solutions for the next generation of product design. SEKISUI Chemical’s corporate commitment to Speed, Service, and Superiority is realized through the KYDEX® Thermoplastics business model of manufacturing bespoke materials with short lead times in small quantities. This Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM) model at three manufacturing campuses expands beyond thermoplastic sheet. The KYDEX® portfolio also includes injection molding resins, proprietary Infused Imaging™ technology, integral special effects, unique textures, and custom products and design. The SEKISUI KYDEX appLab™ and designLab® Innovation Centers are collaborative spaces for clients and customers to bring the supply chain together for rapid prototyping and design development. These spaces are the bridge between engineering and art. More than 300 dedicated professionals in Bloomsburg, PA, and Holland, MI, working with a global network of sales and distribution partners, are committed to delivering more than their customers can imagine. Visit www.kydex.com for more information.