Interview With TECE R&D Manager

Below, you can find a summary of our Q&A session with Ertuğ Bey, a chemical engineer from our R&D department.

1. What are Tece Dekor’s latest innovations and new products?

At Tece Dekor, we have developed polypropylene (PP)-based edge banding made from recycled materials, focusing on sustainable production. PP bands offer a strong alternative to PVC due to their lightweight, chemical resistance, and impact durability. Additionally, their recyclability makes them an ideal choice for environmentally conscious furniture manufacturers.

We are also advancing hot air adhesive technology to enhance quality. Thanks to its strong polymer structure, our edge bands adhere more securely to furniture, ensuring long-lasting use. By providing both sustainable and high-performance solutions, we continue to bring innovation to the industry.

2. How will the edge banding industry evolve in the future?

Interest in sustainable materials is rapidly increasing. While PVC remains popular due to its cost advantage, environmental regulations in Europe are accelerating the shift towards alternatives like ABS and PP. ABS is preferred by premium manufacturers for its durability, whereas PP stands out for its lightweight and recyclability.

Although processing PP presents some technical challenges, the industry is focused on overcoming these obstacles. At Tece Dekor, we continue our R&D efforts to facilitate this transition.

3. What are the main factors driving the industry towards eco-friendly materials?

The key factors accelerating this transformation include environmental regulations, growing consumer awareness, and technological advancements. Policies like the European Green Deal encourage manufacturers to shift from PVC to recyclable materials.

Consumers are also driving change by opting for products with a lower carbon footprint. Additionally, advancements in manufacturing technologies are making it easier to process materials like ABS and PP.

4. What challenges do manufacturers face when transitioning from PVC to PP or ABS?

The biggest challenge for manufacturers is adapting existing production lines to new materials. Since processing PP and ABS differs from PVC, equipment investments may be required.

Another challenge is price perception. Although PP’s cost is similar to PVC, it offers an economical alternative in the long run due to lower energy consumption and easier processing. At Tece Dekor, we continue our R&D efforts to support this transition.

5. How does Tece Dekor adapt to changing market demands?

We continuously invest in R&D while closely following global trends. By focusing on sustainable materials, we are increasing PP edge band production and developing low-carbon footprint solutions.

Our edge bands made from recycled materials provide high-quality and durable alternatives for environmentally conscious furniture manufacturers. In this way, we continue to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to the industry.

6. How does your R&D team contribute to the adoption of new materials like PP?

Our R&D team conducts extensive testing and application studies to demonstrate the technical advantages of PP to customers. Through reports covering durability, adhesion performance, and environmental benefits, we highlight the advantages of PP.

With field tests and training programs, we ensure a smooth transition for customers adopting this material. Through education and technical support, we make sustainable solutions more accessible.

7. What projects will shape the future of the edge banding industry?

The use of sustainable materials will increase in the coming years. Recycled and bio-based edge bands will become key industry trends.

Technological innovations will also shape the sector. The advancement of hot air adhesive technology will ensure strong adhesion while promoting solvent-free production. Methods like laser edge banding will enable faster and more aesthetic manufacturing.

At Tece Dekor, we are working on bio-based and sustainable edge bands while developing low-carbon footprint production techniques. In doing so, we aim to be a pioneer in the industry’s green transformation.