- ZELFO is an ecological material free of synthetic binders or adhesives that can be produced from a large variety of cellulose fibre based 100% renewable raw materials.
- ZELFO is formable in 2 and 3 dimensions as a flexible and robust material solution.
- ZELFO 1 and 2. Historically Zelfo had mineral binders (i.e. chalk) this version is known as Zelfo 1. This material version is still useful based on its mouldability and high sound absorption. Zelfo 2 is without additional binders and is the primary subject of this website. The hemp only version of Zelfo, (used for musical instruments) is known also as 'Hempstone'. Both 'Zeoform' and 'Hempstone' are based on the Zelfo process.
Material Competent: By use of a patented method, organic raw materials are specially processed. This ensures the potential of naturally occurring cellulose fibres within the material can be exploited to create exceptional mechanical bonding properties. A mix of both raw and recycled materials is possible when particular end product properties are required. All raw materials containing cellulose in sufficient concentration can be utilized for the production of Zelfo.
Renewable Materials: Reed, straw, flax, hemp, miscanthus, sugar-cane, sisal, jute etc.
Recycled Materials: Waste paper, excess cellulose from the paper industry, old textiles, brewery draff, spinning mill dust from hemp and flax processing etc
Ecological considerations:
Due to purely mechanical processing and absence of any additional 'chemistry' in the production of Zelfo, the material has a very favourable ecological balance. A Lifecycle Analysis of Zelfo reveals the material to be virtually without impact from "cradle to grave"
Environmental Testing: The CML-method evaluation system proved that only trimmed timber and 100% recycled aluminium have better environmental values.
Flamability:
Hemp based Zelfo is fire resistant up to around 140 degrees Celcius. Further fortification is possible using special material mixes.