My manufactory receives a grant to develop an innovative type of cushion inlet.
This product development is funded by the European Union, together with the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
My product research is about inlets that are to be filled with sheep’s wool.

The funding program is called LEADER. The aim of LEADER and thus of the EU is to strengthen rural areas.
And yep – AN-NA Design is actually located in the countryside, in the town of Eitorf. This is a municipality between the “Bergisches Land” region and the “Westerwald”. There are mainly hills, forests and fields here. Eitorf is located around 25 km east of Bonn and 50 km south-east of Cologne.

The idea for ticking with wool filling came about because more and more people were looking for alternative cushion fillings. Be it due to intolerances or because they want to try something new.
I am of course delighted about the funding. In the summer of 2024, the first inlets will be sewn and filled. Until then, I am testing wool from various suppliers in Germany (which will of course be delivered cleaned and washed). A further step is to research high-quality fabrics for ticking and select suitable fabrics.

I offer the cushion covers and ticking separately in my store. Why did I decide not to put my pillows directly filled with inlets? This means that customers who would like an alternative to duvets with a feather filling can purchase duvets with alternative fillings from other suppliers, for example rubber, spelt or synthetic fibers.

AN-NA Design is expected to offer the two alternatives feathers and sheep’s wool as fillings from summer 2024, then for all cushion sizes available to buy here in the store.