SHD Composites announces role in EcoSuite

SHD Composites announces role in Ecosuite - developing lightweight, sustainable materials and processes for next-gen Business and First-Class aircraft seating.

SHD, a Cambium company, is proud to announce its role in EcoSuite, a major initiative developing next‑generation aircraft seating through sustainable materials and advanced manufacturing. SHD will supply its composites expertise with FR308 – a novel, bio‑based, fully FST‑compliant resin system for aircraft interiors, derived from a waste stream of cane sugar production.

EcoSuite unites Safran Seats GB, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), Innovate UK, and leading UK industry and academic partners—a consortium combining UK innovation with Safran Group’s global engineering capability to deliver seating solutions that are both high‑performance and environmentally responsible.

The project secured ATI Programme funding at the Paris Airshow in 2025, the first direct investment in aircraft seating. This support reinforces the UK’s aerospace ambitions and aligns with ATI’s Destination Zero strategy to reach Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050.

FR308, reinforced with 300gsm glass fibre, delivers significant sustainability and health and safety advantages over traditional phenolic prepregs. Free from formaldehyde, phenol, and organic solvents, its bio‑based formulation contributes to a significantly reduced carbon footprint. Supported by a detailed cradle-to-gate analysis covering raw material sourcing to material dispatch, FR308 is an ideal lower-carbon material choice for aircraft interiors.

SHD is exhibiting at Aircraft Interiors Expo, Hamburg, between 14-16 April 2026. Meet us at the show on stand 6F111.

'IMAGE: Safran Seats Unity – a current Business Class suite', courtesy of Safran Seats GB