Who is Building ATRIUM? Meet CENTEXBEL!
In this edition of Who is Building ATRIUM?, we introduce one of the key contributors to our project: Centexbel, the scientific and technical research centre for the Belgian textile industry.
CENTEXBEL: Polymer and Textile Excellence at the Service of Innovation
Centexbel is a reference institution in Belgium for applied research, technical innovation, and support services in the field of polymers and textiles. With deep expertise in polymer melt processing, coating and surface modification, composites, recycling and circular design, smart materials, textile applications, and material characterisation, Centexbel supports companies in product certification and testing, helping them bring innovative and compliant solutions to market.
As an organization officially recognized under the Royal Decree of January 30th, 1947, Centexbel plays a vital role in strengthening the competitiveness of the Belgian textile sector. Their mission: to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world industrial needs.
CENTEXBEL’s Role in ATRIUM
Within ATRIUM, Centexbel plays a pivotal role in the development, enhancement, and validation of mycelium-based building materials. Working closely with project partners like MOGU, WOOD K PLUS, and Ben-Gurion University, Centexbel contributes its expertise to improve the performance and scalability of two product categories:
- Bio-based resilient flooring tiles
- Wall-covering panels with sound-absorbing properties
Their work focuses on several key tasks:
- Material testing & product optimisation: Centexbel helps define the best formulations for mycelium-based materials by exploring coatings, adhesives, and treatments to improve flame retardancy, water resistance, and mechanical stability.
- Advanced textile integration: By studying the use of textile backings, such as felt or recycled fibre fabrics, Centexbel supports the development of panels with enhanced acoustic and thermal properties, as well as improved aesthetics.
- Fire safety expertise: Centexbel investigates how to ensure compliance with fire safety standards (such as the EN 13501-1 classification) using innovative coatings and smart combinations of natural additives.
- Scaling up production: From evaluating textile covers to supporting the transition to larger panel formats and higher weekly output, Centexbel helps prepare ATRIUM materials for market-readiness and industrial-scale manufacturing.
Thanks to Centexbel’s contribution, ATRIUM is one step closer to creating circular, high-performance, and sustainable alternatives for the built environment and to ensuring they meet real-life performance expectations.
Learn more about CENTEXBEL’s expertise by checking out their website: https://www.centexbel.be/en
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