SHD Composites bio-based composite plays role in EcoSuite aircraft interiors

Shown above is Safran Seats Unity, a current Business Class suite. Source | SHD Composites

SHD Composites (Sleaford, U.K.), a Cambium company, announces its role in EcoSuite, an initiative developing next‑gen aircraft seating through sustainable materials and advanced manufacturing. SHD will supply its composites expertise with FR308 — a bio‑based, fully FST‑compliant resin system for aircraft interiors, derived from cane sugar production waste streams.

EcoSuite unites Safran Seats GB, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), Innovate UK and other leading U.K. industry and academic partners — a consortium combining U.K. innovation with Safran Group’s (Paris, France) global engineering capability to deliver aircraft seating solutions that are 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 U.K.’s aerospace ambitions and aligns with ATI’s Destination Zero strategy to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

According to SHD, FR308, reinforced with 300 gsm glass fiber, 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 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.