Wuppertal, March 2022 – (fpr) Living, building and furnishing sustainably – it is becoming more urgent and more important than ever to consider the environment and act accordingly. Increasingly, the focus for architects, interior designers and tradespeople is on integrated environmental solutions and products. At the same time, great importance is attached to the transparent presentation of information on production, logistics, care and the lifetime of products. COLORNETWORK® provides real added value with its strong partners to that effect: this network consists of well-known manufacturers of materials, furniture and accessories, thereby establishing a sustainable colour network, and delivering long-lasting design certainty in the interior design sector. Erfurt & Sohn is an active member of the network and provides an excellent base for colour schemes with its healthy wallcoverings.
COLORNETWORK®: how colour promotes sustainability
Das COLORNETWORK® is leading a backlash against transient colour trends. It thinks long-term instead of seasonally: which particular shade provides a lasting basis for interior design? "The choice of the 'Sustained Color' by an independent, high-calibre and changing panel of experts, comprising interior designers, product designers and trend experts, guarantees that this shade is timeless and can be combined anew time and time again. At the same time, it leaves interior architects, interior designers or users plenty of freedom for their own creative vision: today and in the future," explains initiator Katrin de Louw. The experts then also decide which products are approved for the COLORNETWORK® on the basis of this shade. Once again here, the focus is on sustainability – as only companies that can prove their sustainability over the entire production and use cycle of a product can be admitted to this network. The factors include the fundamental production of environmental products, sustainable resource management, and short delivery routes. Once a "Sustained Color" has been selected, the partners coordinate their products to this shade based on a colour reference. This establishes a long-lasting 'colour network' for the entire interior design, from materials and furnishings to construction elements and accessories. The partners also commit themselves to a "Sustainability Statement" for their product that transparently lists all information on raw materials and ingredients, production, packaging, storage, logistics, life cycle, disposal and recycling, and is publicly available to everyone at www.colornetwork.org. This encourages customers to become more environmentally-aware.
Sustainable colour composition with Erfurt & Sohn wallcoverings
As a leading manufacturer of paintable wallcoverings, Erfurt & Sohn is a partner of this network. For almost 200 years, the company has relied on the responsible management of resources and is continuously improving its processes using the durability and lifetime of its products as a benchmark. With its responsible actions to protect people and the environment, the company is a perfect fit with the exacting requirements of COLORNETWORK®. Two Erfurt & Sohn products have already been curated and licensed by the organisation. Erfurt Variovlies ECO 150 Plus was judged to have matched Sustained Color No. 5 "feel jade!®", similar to the magical gemstone. The shade is a gentle natural version of the colour jade and subtly exudes an emotional impact in a room. There is also a sustainable connection with the nonwoven wallcovering, as this healthy wallcovering is the first and only flat nonwoven to be fully manufactured from recycled fibres. The wallpaper is breathable, moisture-regulating and naturally free of PVC and plasticisers that are harmful to health. And, thanks to its ultra-smooth surface, it has an extremely even appearance after painting and even covers cracks. Erfurt-Vlies-Rauhfaser nonwoven woodchip 10 was selected as an impressive product for Sustained Color No. 6 "dive deep!®". The healthy wallpaper is made of recycled paper, textile fibres and wood fibres from sustainably managed forests. Fine woodchips provide for a slightly textured surface, which is particularly effective with the interplay of light and paint. Above all, the dark and mysterious blue "dive deep!®" is a soothing colour that promotes well-being, balance and creativity. It is perfect for combining with warm natural materials, including wood – both light and dark – linen, sisal or rattan.
All Erfurt & Sohn products are developed with consideration of the careful management of natural resources. Apart from environmental seals, such as the Blue Angel quality mark, the TÜV North Test Centre allergy seal and the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, which prove the environmental friendliness of its products, Erfurt & Sohn is also certified to the international environmental and quality management standards DIN EN 14001 and DIN EN 9001. This makes the company a strong partner for COLORNETWORK®. "Colour and texture are mutually dependent. The right surface finish supports the appearance of the paint and thus the surface. The colour changes the texture, bringing it to life and lending it emotion. We are very pleased to be cooperating with Erfurt in our COLORNETWORK®. In our eyes, the company embodies a sustainable and forward-looking product as well as collaborative professionalism," explains Katrin de Louw.
