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The window furnishings industry has long been aware of the critical role that window treatments play in energy efficiency and indoor climate control. As climate concerns and energy costs continue to rise, the focus on technical textiles has become more prominent, WFA reports.
Reflekt on Blinds by Peter Meyer
Blinds by Peter Meyer, offers advanced fabrics designed to enhance energy efficiency, with the standout being the Reflekt fabric in their Signature V3.0 Collection.
“The utilisation of technical textiles in window furnishings can dramatically reduce energy consumption in buildings,” Simon Meyer – Managing Director Blinds by Peter Meyer says.
“By selecting fabrics with white or metallic backing, sunlight can be reflected away from windows, minimising direct heat penetration and reducing the need for artificial cooling.”
“Studies indicate that up to 50% of heat energy can escape through windows, making the choice of window fabric crucial in managing energy loss and maintaining indoor temperatures.”
The Reflekt range is a 3% sunscreen fabric that is suitable for both high-end commercial and residential applications.
“Reflekt significantly reduces heat transmittance, resulting in cooler interior spaces and substantial energy cost savings in Summer. This fabric is available for Roller and Panel Blinds, offering versatility for various installations,” Meyer says.
Reflekt features a special aluminium backing that provides significant thermal benefits by reflecting solar radiation, keeping interiors cooler and reducing the need for air conditioning.
“Available in six contemporary colours, Reflekt complements modern interior design trends while providing excellent functionality. The aesthetic appeal of this fabric makes it a perfect choice for stylish and energy-efficient window treatments.”
“Reflekt includes patented fabric protection, making it easy to clean with just a damp cloth. This feature ensures that the fabric remains in excellent condition with minimal maintenance, enhancing its longevity and appearance.”
“And with its Greenguard Gold certification, Reflekt contains no harmful substances and poses no health risk, making it an ideal choice for environmentally conscious and health-conscious end customers.”
Meyer adds that the patented coating system used in Reflekt fabric ensures durability, enabling it to withstand the harsh Australian sun with a 5-year warranty.
“The fabric protection system integrated into Reflekt makes it highly resistant to mould and mildew, further enhancing its durability and making it one of the most resilient fabrics available today.”
Honeycomb excellence from Norman
Norman says their studies into the Portrait Honeycomb Shades significantly mitigate issues of heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
“In 2021, Norman partnered with the Innovation Hub for Affordable Heating and Cooling to study the effectiveness of window coverings in reducing energy consumption,” says Peter Boyle, Product Development Manager, Norman.
“Our wide range of Portrait Honeycomb Shade cell sizes were rigorously tested, and the results were compelling.”
“According to the Australian Department of the Environment and Energy, up to 40% of a home’s heating energy in winter can leak through windows, while up to 87% of heat gain in summer can occur through windows and glass doors.”
“The study demonstrated that Norman’s Portrait Honeycomb Shades significantly mitigate these issues.”
Peter Boyle, Product Development Manager said that the study showed these shades offer an impressive 34% reduction in air conditioning load, a 58% reduction in solar heat gain, and a 65% reduction in heat loss, making them 55% more efficient than previous window coverings.
“Choosing Portrait Honeycomb Shades means you can offer your customers a solution that is beautiful but also substantially lowers their energy bills.”
Energy costs to push growth in technical textiles
Simon Meyer, Managing Director Blinds by Peter Meyer says that rising energy costs and increased awareness of climate change are driving demand for energy-efficient solutions.
“The gap in the market for energy-efficient, aesthetically pleasing window treatments is being effectively addressed by these advanced technical textiles.”
“While traditional decorative fabrics often lack the functional benefits required for effective thermal control, technical fabrics like our Reflekt range provide a sophisticated solution. These fabrics not only contribute to significant energy savings but also enhance indoor comfort by maintaining consistent temperatures.”
Meyer says that the window furnishings market in Australia, like many other sectors, is influenced by the broader economic context.
“Rising energy costs and increased awareness of climate change are driving demand for energy-efficient solutions. Technical textiles, with their ability to reduce energy consumption and improve thermal comfort, are becoming increasingly sought after.”
“The trend towards sustainable building practices and the incorporation of intelligent thermal control systems further underscores the importance of advanced fabrics like those offered by Silent Gliss and Blinds by Peter Meyer.”
Meter says as the industry continues to evolve, the role of technical textiles in enhancing energy efficiency and indoor comfort cannot be overstated.
“Blinds by Peter Meyer and Silent Gliss, through their innovative fabric offerings like Reflekt, are at the forefront of providing sustainable and effective window furnishing solutions.”
“These advanced textiles not only address the practical needs of temperature control but also offer aesthetic versatility, making them an ideal choice for modern interiors. By embracing these technical advancements, the window furnishings industry can contribute significantly to energy savings and environmental sustainability.”
Silent Gliss offers a range of other technical fabrics such as their Acoustic, Antimicrobial and Sustainable range. Like Reflekt, they also offer technical fabrics designed to optimise energy efficiency and they are available through indent at Blinds by Peter Meyer.
• Aluscreen Futura: A metallized fabric known for its high reflectance and energy-saving properties.
• Colorama 1 Alu: A high-performance metallized fabric ideal for reducing solar transmission.
• Multiscreen 1%: A screen fabric with low solar transmission levels, maintaining external views while controlling light and heat ingress.
Reflex: An aluminium-backed Trevira CS fabric with high solar reflectance properties.
