Soisa Aircraft Interiors has unveiled an armrest designed for sustainability, made from a corn-based material.
This initiative builds on the success of Soisa’s ‘From Waste to Wonder’ programme, which creatively repurposed materials that were otherwise destined for landfill into functional items like wallets, bags and pouches for the local community.
In 2023, Soisa produced approximately 5,200 armrests for various airlines, utilising around 2,000ft² of polyethylene foam, which resulted in nearly 2,600kg of CO2 emissions annually. By transitioning to a biodegradable material derived from corn waste, a non-food resource, Soisa will significantly reduce its carbon footprint.
The corn-based material may also offer potential cost benefits, enabling Soisa to produce specialised moulds for each part number and thermoform the corn, streamlining its manufacturing processes. The company said this advancement promises further cost savings and efficiency improvements, benefiting both customers and the environment.
“As the aerospace industry intensifies its focus on sustainability practices, airlines worldwide are increasingly striving to minimise their environmental footprint,” said Jacobo Mesta, sales and growth strategy, Soisa. “Soisa is at the forefront of this movement, pioneering engineering in aerospace by thinking outside the box and exploring alternatives which promote a sustainable future. This innovative design not only highlights our commitment to environmental responsibility but also ensures that our products retain their aesthetic appeal, comfort and high quality.”
The organic armrest, soon to undergo testing and certification, marks Soisa’s initial venture into exploring biodegradable materials. The company said it was poised to integrate sustainability across its entire product line and align with the global Net Zero 2050 initiative.
Soisa specialises in cabin upholstery across dress covers, cushions, curtains, armrests, carpets, insulation panels, acoustic panels and VIP seats.
