
Pilot project: Industrialised eco-design of an operating armrest
elobau stands for innovative, sustainable products and state-of-the art system solutions. A renewable, biodegradable raw material was needed for a pilot project whose objective was to develop a new type of operating armrest. The underlying question being asked here was “What if we ran out of plastic tomorrow?”
And the best answer? karuun®.
karuun® surfaces run the entire length of the operating armrest, housing the controls and protecting the electronics. The built-in stainless steel frame guarantees stability, while karuun® sees to the charming good looks – and a good feeling for people and the environment.
“Having both materials clearly on show makes for an independent, striking and new design. With its lightness and its lines, we have created a new type of operating armrest that will stand out from the status quo in a sustainable way.”
Max Kromer, elobau



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karuun® stripe and karuun®block.
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Our products
karuun® is leading a revolution in the material world. An energy-efficient process transforms the natural structure of the rattan palm into an inimitable high-tech material that is both sustainable and commercially profitable.
karuun® stripe
The first rattan veneer – Ideal for use as a surface or postforming elements and for coating all types of substrates.
karuun® 3D
3D veneer for dimensionally-stable spherical objects from the size of a button to large, deep-drawn components.
karuun® shine
A translucent material that is permeable to light and air, with exceptional stability, formability and feel.
karuun® block
Made from the trunk of the rattan palm karuun® block perfectly unite form and function.