World’s First Recyclable Architectural Fabric

Specialty contractor of lightweight long-span roofing systems and tensile structures Birdair, Inc. has announced the world’s first and only fully recyclable architectural fabric membrane.

Kenafine membrane, manufactured by Taiyo Kogyo and sold in North America by Birdair allows tensile roofing structures to be recycled into paper products at the end of their lifecycle – which is ideal for temporary structures like those built specifically for events like the Olympics.

Like traditional fabric membrane roofing products, Kenafine functions as a highly durable, moisture resistant material that features a high degree of translucency, promoting optimum natural daylighting. As a sustainable building product, Kenafine contributes to a variety of United States Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credit categories.

Kenafine membrane is derived from kenaf, a type of annual hibiscus herb that absorbs more carbon dioxide than regular plants and trees and therefore grows more rapidly. The plant grows well in a variety of climates and is farmed principally throughout China, India, Africa and Australia, and through locations in North America, including Texas, North Carolina and Mexico. Kenaf also functions as an alternative to wood as a raw material for paper.

“Kenafine is a unique step forward in realizing sustainable design through tensile architecture,” says Michele Roth, Birdair marketing manager. “The ability to now be able to recycle fabric membrane into paper products makes tensile design both an environmentally responsible and aesthetically pleasing addition to the building envelope.”