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Platform on sun and daylight control, shutters, patio covers and closures
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.
Guillaume Janssen was the former European patent holder for zip technology, which laid the foundation for the modern windproof zip screen. Although the patent has since expired, this technology still serves as the foundation for many current systems. According to Guillaume Janssen, the next step is no longer solely about wind resistance, but primarily about simplifying the entire system. Fewer parts, simpler installation, reduced susceptibility to errors, 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?
The availability of skilled technical personnel is under increasing pressure. That is precisely why there is a growing need for systems that require fewer steps and can process data more quickly. The solutions offered by Guillaume Janssen and Plastex directly address this trend:
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.
One of the best-known developments is Plastex Clipzip®, an innovative, patented interior rail system for zip screens.The Clipzip® solutions were developed to further optimize the installation and operation of screen systems. The system offers clear advantages, particularly for large and tall systems, patio awnings, and applications where fabric tension is critical.
Key features are:
These solutions also offer attractive opportunities in renovation projects and the replacement market. Existing systems can be upgraded relatively easily, extending the service life of installations and ensuring they remain sustainable. This makes repairs and modernization considerably easier.All Plastex products come with a 10-year warranty, which further underscores the systems’ sustainability. υ
With Plastex Aviasta®, Plastex is introducing an alternative to the traditional rigid snap-in cord. Aviasta® was developed as a soft, flexible cord profile suitable for virtually all standard steel awning tubes. Thanks to its clever anchoring mechanism, the profile securely locks into the tube, while installation becomes significantly easier.
For manufacturers, assemblers and service technicians, this means:
An additional advantage is that the fabrics can be rolled up more compactly. This results in smaller and shorter packages, which offers benefits for handling, logistics, and transportation. In addition to use in the tube, Aviasta® Ultra can also be used for the front strip or valance, provided compatibility is assessed for each system.
Plastex also developed a practical solution for the bottom trim: Boba®. This system eliminates the need for a visible seam, while making assembly simpler and more consistent. This offers clear advantages, especially in production environments where speed and uniformity are important. In addition, this solution ensures a cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing final result.
It is noteworthy that Plastex’s solutions are explicitly more versatile than just for use in new systems. It is precisely in the areas of service, renovation, and upgrading of existing installations that interesting opportunities arise. By modernizing existing screen systems with innovative components, their service life and performance can be significantly improved without having to completely replace the system. This aligns with the growing demand for sustainable and repairable solutions within the construction and sun protection sectors.
The collaboration between Guillaume Janssen and Plastex continues to evolve. Several new innovations will be presented at upcoming trade shows such as R+T 2027 and the Zonwering Expo. According to both parties, ‘very special developments’ are in the works, including an alternative to the well-known co-extrusion inner rail technology. This appears to mark another step toward simpler, more sustainable, and more efficient screen systems. At the trade shows, all possibilities and applications will be demonstrated in detail, allowing visitors to experience the innovations firsthand.
With a combination of practical experience, material expertise, and a focus on ease of use, Guillaume Janssen and Plastex are firmly committed to the future of the sun protection industry. The key to this lies not in more complex systems, but rather in smarter solutions. Fewer steps, fewer malfunctions, less maintenance, and a longer service life are the common thread running through their joint developments. These are precisely the themes that will become increasingly important within the industry in the coming years.
