Wolf-Gordon Launches HyphynTM
Revolutionary Biodegradable Performance Vinyl
| New York, NY - June 9, 2025 | Wolf-Gordon introduces Hyphyn™ biodegradable vinyl, a sophisticated coated upholstery textile that intelligently redefines performance and sustainability for applications in hospitality, workplace, learning and wellness. Unlike conventional vinyl, Hyphyn is engineered with a patented enzyme system and proprietary resin formulation that activate its biodegradation when exposed to microorganisms in the anaerobic conditions of biologically active landfills. This innovative design extends to its polyester backing, ensuring the entire textile is nearly 100% biodegradable, thereby mitigating the long-term environmental conditions typically associated with vinyl.
Throughout its years-long development, extensive testing in a simulated landfill environment has verified that Hyphyn biodegrades over 90% within two years, breaking down into inert gases and non-toxic biomass. To validate Hyphyn’s safety after degradation, soil used in testing was analyzed and found free of detectable toxins. Corn and soy seeds planted in this soil showed 100% germination, confirming that Hyphyn leaves no harmful trace.
Hyphyn represents an exciting new technology for our industry and for commercial designers; it provides an alternative that we hope becomes a new standard for pairing durability and beauty in coated upholstery. We are proud to participate in bringing this ground-breaking material innovation into the market.
- Marybeth Shaw, Chief Creative Officer, Marketing & Design
Hyphyn is offered in a range of distinctive patterns and colors that enliven interiors without compromising on sustainability. Hyphyn is debuting with four patterns, including Vida, which is a vibrant grid motif with a dynamic lattice-like effect. Structured and playful, Vida has a visual rhythm that with motion and complexity—ideal for modern, upbeat environments. A standout in the collection is Mesquite, a versatile vegan leather textile featuring a fine-grain texture inspired by the split-wood grain of its desert tree namesake. Another prominent pattern is Petrichor, which is embossed with a small-scale texture that evokes tiny drops of morning dew clinging to a leaf.
Designed for demanding environments, Hyphyn is extremely abrasion-resistant, achieving 100,000 Wyzenbeek double rubs, making it ideal for high-traffic seating applications. It also features excellent colorfastness to light, ensuring long-term visual appeal in any interior. Additionally, Hyphyn is easy to maintain with just soap and water and is finished with a PFAS-free stain-resistant treatment. It stands up to a wide range of industrial cleaners and disinfectants, including diluted bleach—making it a smart choice for healthcare, hospitality, and educational spaces.
About Wolf-Gordon
Wolf-Gordon is an American design company offering designers a wide range of interior surfacing products united by the common qualities of excellent design and dependable performance. Founded in 1967 as a comprehensive source for wallcoverings, its product line has since added wall protection, upholstery textiles, paints, and Wink clear, dry-erase coating. Through its collaborations with leading national and international designers and in its Design Studio, Wolf- Gordon continues to develop new work that is provocative, inspiring, and of our time. Wolf- Gordon’s growing portfolio of licensed collections includes designs by Laurinda Spear, Karim Rashid, Petra Blaisse, Grethe Sørensen, Kevin Walz, the Boym Partners, Frank Tjepkema, Mae Engelgeer and Aliki van der Kruijs. Wolf-Gordon account executives are based in all major markets in the United States.