A new glue-free, high-density fabric-encased coil system, that is potentially up to 100 percent recyclable, will soon become available to North American mattress manufacturers thanks to an expanded joint venture between HSM and Spinks.
The sustainably designed mattress component system, called Flexecore, uses fine gauge wire and sonically welded fabric in a concertina construction pattern eliminating the half-pound of glue typically used to bond coil springs and mattress layers. Compared to many traditional foam and pocket coil-based mattress constructions, Flexecore’s volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions are minimal. This new approach is anticipated to improve the economics of mattress recycling and may prevent millions of mattresses from entering landfills. The ground-breaking technology can be applied to all sectors of the mattress industry and has crossover application in furniture.
“After two decades of pioneering advancements in microcoil technology, our latest component – five years in the making – redefines sustainable comfort technology and is set to change the industry forever. Eliminating adhesives and VOCs has actually improved the comfort of the product, meaning consumers will sleep better on mattresses incorporating Flexecore. They can also rest easy knowing this ground-breaking, heat-sealed, glue-free system has the potential to eliminate waste to landfills,” said Simon Spinks, Chief Executive Officer of Spinks. “Flexecore is already being delivered in Europe and we are excited to work with HSM to bring this technology to North America.”
Under terms of the joint venture with Spinks, HSM has the exclusive rights to produce and distribute Flexecore in North America. HSM has partnered with Spinks since 2012, when the company began jointly producing microcoil springs for North America.
“We couldn’t be more pleased with the success of our microcoil product line through our partnership with Spinks, which has become increasingly popular as hybrid mattress sales have continued to grow,” said Mark Jones, President and Chief Executive Officer of HSM. “We’re excited to bring this new technology to North America to provide products with industry leading comfort and a sustainably designed solution for the industry.”
The secret to Flexecore’s comfort is a smaller, finer, more tightly coiled spring using ultra-fine wire. By providing more individual points of contact (over 100 coils per ft2), the spring core offers greater contour accuracy and precision, allowing it to contour the sleeper’s body and deliver superior comfort and support.
The new spring system will be available for shipment to North American mattress producers later this year.