A linen cushion with health functions loves you hard to open

In foreign countries, linen has long been a symbol of nobility and elegance. “In Europe, one of my friends proudly told me that his car seats, sofa cushions, curtains, and even bed sheets are all made of linen. Linen is a sign of status,” said Chen Shangliang, the general manager of Jiangsu Panjia Linen Factory Limited. In China, while flax hasn’t yet reached that level of prestige, the growing awareness of environmental protection and green living has led more people to choose natural fiber cushions when possible. Many still hold a deep appreciation for the quality and authenticity of linen cushions. According to reports, linen products offer a range of health benefits such as breathability, antibacterial properties, anti-static effects, UV resistance, moisture absorption, and quick drying. Their bold texture, soft colors, and crisp style make them well-suited for consumers who value eco-friendly, natural, and healthy options. In theory, chemical fibers or bamboo-based materials can feel too hot in summer and too cold in winter, but linen cushions perform better in these aspects. However, after visiting several automotive supply markets, I found that the actual sales of linen cushions are not very strong. Is ice silk more luxurious than flax? “This is the best cushion, made from ice silk. Whether it's the material or craftsmanship, there’s no need to say. Many customers come by recommendation. It’s 1200 yuan per set and sells really well,” the shop owner told me when I was looking for summer cushions. The “ice silk” he mentioned is actually a knitted fabric made from 70% viscose filament yarn and 30% nylon yarn. After weaving, a wet treatment causes the thermoplastic nylon to shrink, exposing the adhesive on the surface, making the inside hydrophobic and the outside hydrophilic. This gives the fabric a cooling effect, hence the name "ice silk." Though ice silk contains more viscose fiber, which is derived from cellulose and processed into spinning dope, it is still classified as a chemical fiber due to its synthetic processing. In contrast, flax is a natural fiber known as the “Queen of Fibers.” Depending on the tanning method, it can be either rain-exposed hemp or warm-water hemp. Rain-exposed flax is dried naturally under rain, while warm-water hemp is soaked in lakes or puddles after harvest. Flax cultivation requires specific environmental conditions, mainly between 45-65 degrees north latitude. Countries like France, the Netherlands, and Belgium are major producers of rain-exposed flax, while China’s northeast and Russia produce warm-water hemp. Flax is highly sensitive to weather, and long droughts or excessive rain can affect its quality. Zhao Zhigang, chairman of Beijing Shangnuo Tiangong Co., Ltd., who has imported flax raw materials for 15 years, says that annual weather directly impacts flax quality. Despite being a precious natural fiber, this nobility hasn't fully translated into consumer perception. Why? Some linen products are not genuine. A survey by the China Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine Bureau revealed that some brands labeled their cushions as 100% linen, but none contained real flax. Even experts find it hard to distinguish between real and fake. While imitation flax lacks the natural breathability and moisture absorption of real linen, many consumers remain unaware of the difference. Linen cushions are praised for their breathability and comfort, but they also have drawbacks. For example, they tend to shrink after absorbing moisture, requiring frequent washing and ironing—something inconvenient for modern lifestyles. However, advancements in finishing techniques have helped reduce shrinkage, and some companies blend linen with cotton to improve usability. The production of linen cushions is concentrated in certain regions, such as Heilongjiang Province, where Lanxi used to be a major producer. But due to market fluctuations and seed degradation, flax planting has declined. Over 90% of China’s flax comes from imports, and domestic production is minimal. Despite this, the flax industry has seen growth through standardization, certifications, and trade fairs. Every November, Lanxi hosts an international linen ordering conference, though most exhibitors are not pure linen manufacturers. Chemical fiber cushions dominate, raising concerns about the authenticity of the event. Industry leaders face challenges balancing interests and maintaining the integrity of the flax market. While the path to establishing a true high-end linen market is long, efforts to combat counterfeiting and promote genuine products remain crucial.

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Shaoxing Aiyi Textile Co., Ltd. , https://www.aiyitextile.com