Hyphyn™ From Wolf-Gordon
The Biodegradable Vinyl
Introducing a groundbreaking new coated upholstery: Hyphyn Biodegradable Vinyl. This textile, ideal for wellness, learning, hospitality, and other seating applications, meets the high performance standards of our other vinyl upholstery products with a serious sustainability upgrade. At the end of its useful life, the pioneering new material biodegrades 90% in landfill conditions—in only two years.
What is Hyphyn?
Hyphyn is a coated upholstery textile that maintains the durability and ease of cleaning of traditional vinyl—without the environmental impact.
- Hyphyn upholstery is embedded with a patented enzyme system that, combined with its proprietary resin formulation, creates a biodegradable performance material.
- The same enzyme present in the vinyl is also embedded in Hyphyn’s polyester backing, making the entire material biodegradable!
- Because the enzyme is only catalyzed in anaerobic landfill conditions, Hyphyn looks, feels, and performs like other vinyl upholstery when in use.
- Extensive testing in a simulated landfill environment has verified that Hyphyn biodegrades over 90% within two years, breaking down into inert gases and non-toxic biomass.
How Does Hyphyn Work?
Proprietary Enzyme System
Embedded in Hyphyn is a proprietary enzyme system. The enzymes sit dormant while the material is in use.
Biodegradation Starts in a Landfill
Hyphyn will not degrade until it's in anaerobic landfill conditions, where its enzymes interact with landfill-specific microorganisms to break the material down into organic matter.
There are No Toxins
There are no toxins left behind as Hyphyn degrades. Instead, it converts into inert gases that are reclaimed and can be transformed into enegry.
High Performance, Low Impact
Hyphyn offers sustainability—without sacrificing the performance of vinyl upholstery.
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- Hyphyn is engineered to meet or exceed all ACT performance guidelines.
- Extremely abrasion-resistant Hyphyn achieves 100,000 Wyzenbeek double rubs—making it ideal for heavy abuse seating applications.
- The material offers superior colorfastness to light and will maintain its aesthetics throughout its lifetime.
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- Easy to clean with soap and water, Hyphyn is protected with a superior PFAS-free stain-resistant treatment.
- The material can withstand a range of industrial cleaners and disinfectants, including diluted bleach, making it suitable for healthcare, education, and hospitality applications.
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- Hyphyn is low-VOC and compliant with the CDPH Standard Method (Section 01350) for indoor air quality.
- Hyphyn passes Cal TB 117-2013 flammability testing—without the use of flame retardants.
- When disposed of, no microplastics or toxic residues are released, and the material can be safely incinerated without emitting harmful dioxins.
Science-Backed Design
- Throughout Hyphyn’s years-long development, it was extensively tested in lab conditions as per ASTM D5511.
- After biodegradation testing, the remaining soil tested zero for detectable chemicals of concern, including heavy metals, PFAS, and those listed in Prop 65 and REACH.
- When corn and soy seeds were planted in the post-degradation soil, 100% germination was achieved, promoting healthy ecosystems and a more circular lifecycle for Hyphyn upholstery.
The Patterns
