The last few months have been a busy and productive period for the Hanex UK team, spent developing new ideas, partnerships, and materials that we’re now ready to introduce.
In 2024, Hanex UK partnered with SMILE Plastics (now SMILE Materials) to develop a recycled solid surface material. Following strong interest from the design community, we began offering SMILE sheets directly to our fabrication network.That partnership marked a turning point.As a result of the feedback we received and the growing demand for innovative and responsible materials, our material portfolio began to expand beyond solid surface alone. This naturally led us to take on additional material partners and explore new categories.
This is why Hanex UK is pleased to introduce MTRL Library – which is launching at the Surface Design Show.
Why MTRL Library?
You may be asking why these materials aren’t being introduced under Hanex UK. The answer is simple: with the breadth of materials we now work with, and those still to come, we needed a dedicated platform that could properly represent, organise, and support specification across multiple material types.
Does anything change with Hanex Solid Surfaces?
No. Hanex Solid Surfaces will continue to be supplied by Hanex UK, with no changes to ordering, sampling, or support.
MTRL Library brings everything together in one place.
Within MTRL Library you’ll find the SMILE Materials Core collection and at the Surface Design Show there will be a curated selection of Made-to-Order panels. You’ll also get a first look at SMILE Minerals — the recycled solid surface material developed in collaboration with SMILE, set to launch later this year.
MTRL Library will also introduce a series of new and exciting material partnerships, including:
Organoid – creates natural materials made from real plants and renewable fibres, including wool and moss.
Ottan – creates durable bio-composite sheet materials by up-cycling food and agricultural waste into high-performance surfaces.
KAVA Surfaces – develops eco-friendly, plastic-free sheet materials made from recycled coffee grounds and organic waste, offering a fully circular option for design projects.
Suberra Cork – delivers ultra-high-density cork sheet materials made from 100% post-industrial recycled cork grain, providing a sustainable and resilient surface option.
Sustainable Ply – produces strong, lightweight sheet materials made in the UK by up-cycling waste cardboard into a circular alternative to traditional plywood and MDF.
Plus many more to come!
All of these materials.
One platform.
Discover. Specify. Order.
We look forward to sharing more with you at the Surface Design Show –
Hall: Mezzanine Stand: 273
