Libeco home supplies household linen to the Princess Elisabeth scientific research station in Antarctica. In late 2008 Libeco-Lagae was contacted by Nedda El-Asmar, who designed and equipped the interior of the South Pole station at the request of the International Polar Foundation. Nedda El-Asmar used a carefully-chosen range of materials and objects from mainly Belgian companies. Quality, durability and respect for people and the environment were very important criteria in her choice.

So the decision to opt for linen products by LIBECO HOME is easily understood. Not only has Libeco-Lagae played a leading role in the national and international flax market for 150 years; flax is also, by its very nature, a 'green' product. No other material combines comfort, durability and everyday practicality as linen does.

Libeco-Lagae is thus very proud of its title as ‘Official supplier’ to the Princess Elisabeth research station in Antarctica.

ABOUT THE BELGIAN LINEN IN ANTARCTICA

Nedda El-Asmar chose the following products from the Libeco Home collection for the station at the South Pole:

Vence Bedlinen: a pure linen fabric with a unique soft handle and a very attractive finish. This special finish gives the linen fabric a unique lustre. Duvet covers, sheets and pillow cases were supplied in three stylish and timeless colours: Taupe, Oyster and Ficelle.

Polylin table linen: a linen polyester blend for easy care with the look of linen. Table sets in Brown will be in everyday use on the research station.

Stonehenge kitchen linen: a durable linen polyamide fabric with a washed look and a very soft handle. Pan holders and oven gloves were supplied in the warm Café Noir shade.

Parma teatowels: the traditional teatowel in 93% linen and 7% cotton. Easy-care, large (70 x 70 cm), durable and colourfast – these are the features that have given the Parma collection its reputation for traditional reliability.

Spa Terry bathlinen: this collection is made in a linen cotton blend and stands out from other traditional bathlinen collections with its special colours and a different, 'rougher' handle. The Spa Terry collection is neither bleached nor dyed, and forms part of the Libeco Home Eco Linen collection. Large handsome bath towels were supplied in the typical Flax shade.

ABOUT LIBECO-LAGAE AND LIBECO HOME

Our experience and knowhow of linen goes back for more than a century. Founded in 1858, Libeco-Lagae is today a leader in Belgium (with approx. 60% market share) and is one of the largest linen weavers in Europe (with annual production of 5 million m²). Almost 85% of Libeco-Lagae’s turnover comes from exports to apx. 80 countries. The company currently employs 200 people and generated a turnover of almost 30,5 million euros in 2007.

Libeco-Lagae offers its customers  high quality pure linen fabrics. We guarantee top quality technical support and unrivalled service to our customers. The creation of innovative products with a significant added value is essential to our company and our customers. Creativity and innovation are the key words. Libeco-Lagae sets a standard in linen.

Libeco Fabrics offers more than 3,000 types of linen fabrics of superior quality, designed for interior decoration, furnishing, apparel, household linen, embroidery linen and technical applications.

A range of finished products for household linen is sold under the brand name Libeco Home. This is a high end collection of bed linen, table and kitchen linen, night and lounge wear and linen accessories. The complete collection is timeless yet contemporary.

Libeco-Lagae is very aware of the need to protect the environment. We constantly invest in more efficient material and work methods in order to reduce water and energy needs.

As suppliers to this unique project we want to express our commitment and support the philosophy and vision of the International Polar Foundation.

ABOUT BELGIAN FLAX AND LINEN FABRICS...

Flax has grown for thousands of years, and always with great respect for the environment. Flax requires considerably fewer pesticides and fertilizers than other crops. Flax has some inherent ecological characteristics as all parts of the plant are used (there is no waste) and are 100% biodegradable or recyclable. Linen is strong and durable. The more it is used and washed, the softer and stronger it becomes. Beyond just beauty, linen bedding has shown to promote restful sleep by insulating against heat and cold, providing breathe-ability and absorption, and possessing anti-allergenic properties.

Nedda El-Asmar's choice of Belgian linen fits logically with the philosophy and principles adopted by the International Polar Foundation in this unique project.

ABOUT THE PRINCESS ELISABETH SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH STATION IN ANTARCTICA

Work started on this new Belgian station at the South Pole in 2007. This unique project is the only station at the pole which runs entirely on renewable energy sources and has no CO2 emissions, reducing the ecological footprint of the station to an absolute minimum. The station is home to 25 scientists carrying out research into climate change.

The station was officially opened on 15 February 2009.

For more information about this project, visit www.polarfoundation.org.

ABOUT DESIGNER NEDDA EL-ASMAR

Designer Nedda El-Asmar studied in Antwerp and London. She designs for several large brands and companies and teaches at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp. She has already carried off a number of prizes. In 2007 she was hailed as 'Belgian designer of the year'; in 2008 she won the prestigious Flemish Culture Prize for Design.

For more information about Nedda El-Asmar go to www.nedda.be.

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