i4F, a leading innovations group servicing the global flooring and woodworking industries, has significantly bolstered its digital printing technologies portfolio. In a major move for flooring manufacturers worldwide, six new digital embossing patents developed in collaboration with Hymmen have been officially granted across key global markets, including Europe, the United States, China, and South Korea.
Broadening Patent Protection for DLEplus Technology
These newly granted patents reinforce the intellectual property protections for Hymmen’s acclaimed DLEplus (Digital Lacquer Embossing Plus) technology, which is exclusively licensed through i4F. This expanded protection encompasses advanced functionalities that elevate product performance—offering scratch resistance, varying gloss levels, and surface textures that emulate natural materials such as wood and stone.
Such capabilities unlock greater design versatility for manufacturers, enabling them to cater to diverse aesthetic preferences and market demands with high-quality, durable, digitally printed flooring.
Global Reach across Strategic Markets
According to i4F’s latest corporate news update on February 12, 2024, newer patents were secured by the European Patent Office and the Chinese Intellectual Property Office, safeguarding DLEplus-backed digital embossing across Europe and China.
Earlier, additional patents had already been granted in the U.S. and China, marking a sustained push into these critical markets.
Over time, that cumulative announcement set the stage for i4F’s current global coverage — now spanning Europe, USA, China, and South Korea. These six patents represent a significant expansion to i4F’s “Digital Printing Technologies Cluster,” one of the most comprehensive global portfolios in the flooring sector.
Industry Impact and Leadership
Dr René Pankoke, CEO of Hymmen, noted that these patent grants underscore Hymmen’s leadership in pushing the boundaries of digital printing for flooring applications. In collaboration with i4F, Hymmen continues to refine precision, depth, and durability of its digital solutions, strengthening global IP coverage.
John Rietveldt, CEO of i4F, emphasized that this expansion not only enhances the technological capabilities available to flooring producers but also empowers licensees by broadening the scope of protected innovation, improving market competitiveness through superior visual appeal and surface performance.
Why It Matters for the Flooring and Woodworking Sectors
Digital embossing and printing technologies are transforming the flooring industry by enabling precise decoration and structure integration in a single process. The ability to emboss in register—aligning textures exactly with designs—allows for highly realistic, three‑dimensional aesthetics that simulate authentic wood grains or stone patterns. This level of realism and flexibility supports:
- Faster time-to-market and reduced inventory, since designs can be produced on-demand rather than pre-stocked.
- Lower material waste, as digital processes eliminate additional décor films or wear layers and optimize resource use.
- Enhanced durability, with scratch-resistant coatings and adjustable gloss for varied environments, from residential to high-traffic commercial spaces
i4F’s Growing Influence in Global Flooring Innovation
i4F has steadily emerged as the conduit for flooring innovation, maintaining strategic partnerships with key industry players. Its digital printing cluster, powered by Hymmen technologies, now spans virtually all major flooring markets.
Earlier collaborations—such as with CFL Flooring in Georgia, USA, and Engineered Floors—demonstrated how manufacturers are adopting DLEplus-enabled “JUPITER” digital printing lines to print and emboss new flooring products in real time.
Beyond digital printing, i4F continues to grow its technology clusters, including drop-lock installation systems and sustainable material composition patents, further solidifying its central role in the woodworking and flooring value chain.
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Image courtesy: 2025 Hymmen
