More efficient, sustainable and smart: Guillaume Janssen and Plastex take next step in sun protection technology

The awning industry faces major challenges. Production processes must become more efficient, technical personnel are becoming scarcer, and end users expect systems that function reliably for years with minimal maintenance requirements. It is precisely from this market demand that Guillaume Janssen and the Swiss company Plastex are working together on innovative solutions for the screen and sun protection market.

The cooperation focuses explicitly on ease of use, sustainability and reducing assembly, installation and maintenance time. A smarter approach to technology creates solutions that not only simplify production processes, but also help reduce service and breakdowns in the long term.

From original zip technology to new generation systems

Guillaume Janssen was the former European patent holder of zip technology, which at the time laid the foundation for the modern wind-resistant zip screen. Although the patent has since expired, this technology is still the starting point for many current systems.

According to Guillaume Janssen, the next step no longer lies exclusively in wind resistance, but mainly in simplification of the complete system. Fewer parts, easier assembly, lower fault sensitivity and less maintenance are becoming increasingly important within the industry.

Within that development, Plastex emphatically positions itself as an innovative partner. The Swiss company has specialized in high-quality thermoplastic solutions for the sun protection industry and develops products entirely from practice. The focus is not only on technical performance, but above all on the question: how do we make work easier for the manufacturer, assembler, technician and service technician?

Labor shortage calls for smarter systems

The availability of good technical personnel is under increasing pressure. This is precisely why there is a growing need for systems that require fewer operations and can be processed more quickly.

The solutions of Guillaume Janssen and Plastex respond directly to that development:

• Shorter assembly times
• Easier assembly
• Less chance of assembly errors (more tolerances)
• Fewer service and maintenance moments
• Higher long-term reliability

In addition, Plastex actively thinks along with manufacturers and system houses to develop industry-specific solutions. This hands-on approach has led to several innovations that are now widely applicable within the market.

Clipzip®: evolution of the inner rail

One of the best-known developments is Plastex Clipzip®, an innovative patented inner rail system for zipscreens.

Clipzip® solutions have been developed to further optimize the assembly and operation of screen systems. Especially for large and high systems, veranda awnings and applications where fabric tension is critical, the system offers clear advantages.

Key features are:

• Accommodating natural shrinkage and expansion of cloth
• Less resistance and smoother operation
• Simplified assembly
• Lower probability of failure, higher wind load
• Various rail types available for virtually all screen manufacturers

These solutions also offer interesting opportunities within renovation projects and the replacement market. Existing systems can be upgraded relatively easily, making installations last longer and remain more durable. Repair and modernization are thus considerably simplified.

All Plastex products come with a 10-year warranty, which further emphasizes the durable nature of the systems.

Aviasta®: cloth assembly revisited

With Plastex Aviasta®, Plastex introduces an alternative to the traditional hard click stud.

Aviasta® was developed as a soft, flexible tendon profile suitable for virtually all common steel awning tubes. Thanks to the clever anchor principle, the profile reliably hooks into the tube, while making processing considerably easier.

For manufacturers, assemblers and service technicians, this means:

• Faster and easier cloth assembly
• Easier replacement of cloths
• Less physical strain during processing
• Reliable fixation in the tube

An additional advantage is that cloths are more compactly rollable. This creates smaller and shorter packages, which offers advantages for handling, logistics and transportation.

In addition to application in the tube, Aviasta® Ultra can also be used for the front frame or awning, provided compatibility is assessed on a system-by-system basis.

Boba®: aesthetics and efficiency combined

Plastex also developed a practical solution for the underframe: Boba®.

This system eliminates the need for a visible hem while making assembly easier and more consistent. Especially in production environments where speed and uniformity are important, this offers clear advantages.

In addition, this solution provides a tighter aesthetic end result.

Also for the replacement market

Remarkably, Plastex's solutions are emphatically more widely applicable than just in new systems.

Interesting opportunities arise particularly within service, renovation and upgrading of existing systems. By modernizing existing screen systems with innovative components, service life and performance can be significantly improved without completely replacing the system.

This is in line with the increasing demand for durable and repairable solutions within the construction and shading industry.

Looking ahead toward trade shows

The cooperation between Guillaume Janssen and Plastex remains in full development. Several new innovations will be presented during upcoming trade fairs such as R+T 2027 and the Sun Protection Expo.

According to both parties, “very special developments” are planned, including an alternative to the well-known co-extrusion inner rail technology. This appears to be another step toward simpler, more durable and efficient screen systems.

At the fairs, all possibilities and applications are demonstrated in detail, where visitors can also experience the innovations practically.

Future-oriented collaboration

With the combination of practical experience, material knowledge and focus on ease of use, Guillaume Janssen and Plastex are firmly committed to the future of the awning industry.

Not more complex systems, but rather smarter solutions seem to be the key here. Fewer operations, fewer failures, less maintenance and a longer service life are the common thread within the joint developments - precisely the themes that will become increasingly important within the industry in the coming years.