Autex, market-leading producer of modern acoustic panels and insulation products, has unveiled its groundbreaking Autex Future Lab (AFL).
AFL provides a clear pathway to developing high-performance materials, products and solutions that respect and preserve natural resources.
With a 58-year history in New Zealand, Autex now has a global presence. It supplies a diverse and sophisticated range of products to the architecture, design and building industries.
AFL will serve as a platform to advance the innovation and adaptability that define Autex.
With the support of new manufacturing and agriculture systems, Autex is leading an industrial re-evolution from the front.
Wool product as the first proof point of AFL
The first innovation to emerge from AFL is Autex’s first wool-fibre product, Embrace – an architectural surface that combines tactile warmth with Autex’s signature high-performance qualities.
In line with AFL’s philosophy, Embrace considers every part of the closed loop system to ensure it’s truly regenerative. This includes the farming practices. These efforts were supported by key collaborator, Rubisco.
Leaving the planet better than we found it
Jonathan Mountfort, Creative Director at Autex, says, “From our inception, we’ve been driven by a commitment to leaving our planet better than we found it.
“Our PET products, which are staple in the market, already have carefully considered systems around them to close the technical loop and reduce waste. Because at the end of the day, a material can’t be sustainable on its own, it’s the systems that surround it.
“That’s why we’re so excited to unveil AFL and apply this philosophy to natural fibres,” Mountfort adds.
We’re also excited to create the blueprint for how we work in partnership with the natural world. This will guide us in responsibly using both biological and technical resources. It’s something the industry has struggled to do for a long time, says Mountfort.
All innovations emerging from AFL aim to go beyond Carbon Zero. The goal is to achieve NaturePositive+ Certification by developing products that enrich biodiversity and support the health of future generations.
NaturePositive+ is a world-first benchmark for environmental standards. Developed by Global GreenTag International, it is the most trusted and widely recognised eco-label globally.
AFL isn’t just talking about sustainability – they’re walking the walk. This commitment is backed by tangible metrics designed to meet their ambitious goals.
Collaboration to drive industry-wide change
Autex is working in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders to bring AFL to life. This includes scientists, primary producers, product designers, architects, advocacy groups, as well as government and industry representatives.
AFL was launched at an event where key partners, industry leaders, designers and architects gathered to hear its future vision.
“When it comes to our country’s agriculture industry, we must set ambitious targets for the future to ensure future generations can thrive, says Hon Mark Patterson, Minister for Rural Communities and Associate Minister of Agriculture.
“It’s encouraging to see companies like Autex pushing forward with innovative solutions that recognise the power of working together across industries to drive real change for our farming and manufacturing sectors.”
New developments on the way
Guy Wills, CEO of Rubisco, says: “We’ve been working in partnership with Autex for four years, delivering the New Zealand strong wool used in the Embrace product system from a single-source farm, we take the fleece from farm to yarn.
“We are incredibly proud of our accomplishments to date and have some exciting developments on the way. Rubisco is a next-generation natural fibre innovation company, and we believe deeply in natural materials done right. We see Autex Future Lab as an exciting step forward.”
AFL is set to continue growing and paving the way for more innovations that enrich biodiversity, store carbon and provide other benefits crucial to the health of generations to come.
