Technogel
Technogel Italia S.r.l. is a manufacturing company based in Vicenza, Italy.
Company History
Technogel dates back to 1990 in Italy, when Massimo Losio--also an executive of Selle Royal Group--founded Royal Medica to use the patented gel material to relieve the discomfort of individuals bound to wheelchairs and hospital beds. By the mid-90s, Royal Medica had expanded into office furniture, providing applications of Technogel for seat cushions, armrests & ergonomic desk accessories. In 1998, Royal Medica formed a joint venture with Otto Bock--the partnership took the namesake of the material and gave rise to the company now known as Technogel.
Continuing to expand its applications, Technogel has become one of the world's leading producers of gel. It is positioned as a wellness company, known for creating sleeping and lifestyle products that blend gel technology with high-end design to make the world more comfortable.
Partnerships have included furniture and fashion houses such as Vitra, Saporiti, Steelcase, Humanscale, and Prada, to name a few. Special projects have also been produced with designers and artists such as Philippe Starck and Mariko Mori.
Technogel is a multinational corporation with primary manufacturing operations in Italy and Germany and an administrative headquarters in the United States in Pittsburgh. Established in 2010, Technogel’s US branch focuses on the development and sales of Technogel Sleeping products, as well as new innovations in comfort that reach consumers with the quality and reputation of the Technogel brand name.
The Material
Initially developed and patented by Bayer Material Science, and now licensed exclusively by the Technogel company, Technogel is a polyurethane gel made without plasticizer oils; it's odorless, non-toxic, biocompatible and durable.
Technogel combines the adaptability and 3D deformation of a fluid with the stability of a solid to offer comfortable, supportive cushioning. It's also known for its cooling effect: the material's high conductivity provides thermal regulation that can create a fresh, cool feeling and help avoid overheating.
Consumer Goods
After years of research and design refinements, Technogel also launched its first line of consumer products in 2008 as the Technogel Sleeping brand of gel mattresses and pillows. The Technogel Sleeping collection is sold through various licensees and retailers in more than 50 countries. A number of athletes use Technogel products for rejuvenating and restorative support required for peak performance.
In 2013, the Technogel Sleeping VIVE line of luxury gel mattresses and pillows and the Technogel Living seating supports collection were both launched. And the company continues research and development and new product releases.
References
- "Commoditised market innovation - FT.com". ft.com. Retrieved 2014-02-28.
- "Ciclismo, Froome made in Italy: non solo bici, nostri pure i materassi - La Gazzetta dello Sport". gazzetta.it. Retrieved 2014-02-28.