In short: biberna invented Biber bedding (brushed cotton flannel) in 1968 and still offers it today according to the original recipe – 100% cotton, around 160 g/m², brushed. The family business was founded in 1932 and invented Biber bedding (brushed cotton flannel) in 1968. The Flannel quality with 160 g/m² has been a popular core product since 1968. Shipping is always free of charge with no minimum order value.
When it comes to Flannel bedding, many people first think of warmth and coziness – and only secondarily of where and how it is actually made. And this is exactly the right thing to look at: biberna has stood for quality based on substance rather than quick goods as a family business since 1932. Anyone who wants to understand why it is worth choosing the original quality should take a look behind the scenes of production.
Own weaving mill in Hamminkeln: What is behind it?
biberna has been a family business with its own weaving mill in Hamminkeln-Dingden since 1932 – the mélange flannel is still woven, dyed, and finished there today. This differs significantly from many offers where individual production steps are spread across several countries. This depth of production is made possible by a fully automated high-bay warehouse that efficiently organizes logistics in the background, while production can focus on the quality of the Flannel quality with 160 g/m² and its high fluffiness and loft. Anyone who wants to learn more about the importance of such depth of production can also find background information in our post Bedding Made in Germany: What full-stage production really means. For you as a customer, this depth of production means one thing above all: responsibility lies in one place instead of being spread across many suppliers, and quality control takes place where production actually happens.
1968: The origin of Flannel bedding as we know it
The history of Flannel bedding at biberna begins long before today's trend towards sustainable production. The company was founded as early as 1932 as a contract weaving mill under the name H.u.W. Schmänk GmbH & Co. KG in Hamminkeln. In 1968, biberna then invented Biber bedding (brushed cotton flannel), which is still appreciated today – and thus also gave the brand its name. Today, the third and fourth generations continue to run the family business with around 80 employees. This continuity over decades is part of what many associate with sustainable, reliable production: knowledge, machines, and quality standards are passed down through generations instead of being replaced in the short term. You can read the entire history in detail in The invention of Flannel bedding: The history behind biberna.
Why the original quality from the inventor makes a difference with Flannel bedding
The term Made in Germany is often used without actually standing for continuous production in the country. That is why something else matters at biberna: Flannel bedding comes from the inventor himself, and that is exactly what has enabled biberna to offer a core product of consistently high quality since 1968. For customers, this means short control paths, production that adheres to a fixed quality standard, and a product that is not designed for the lowest possible manufacturing costs, but for the super-cozy, warm properties of the Flannel quality. The same applies to mélange flannel, the development invented by biberna of classic Flannel bedding – also known as "Flannel 2.0". This is also produced fully in Germany, is even fluffier and softer, and consists of 100% cotton. biberna is thus practically the only manufacturer of this special quality worldwide.
Original quality instead of cheap goods: The direct advantage
Another aspect that is often overlooked: In brick-and-mortar stores, original qualities such as classic Flannel bedding have been replaced by cheaper, low-quality goods in many places. By contrast, those who buy directly from biberna receive the original quality at a historically attractive price-performance ratio – without detours through intermediaries who would have to cut corners on materials or production elsewhere. Mélange flannel is available directly from around 49 to 79.95 euros, and shipping at biberna is always free of charge, with no minimum order value at all. Especially for people who are often cold at night – colloquially also known as "frosty buns" – this direct look at origin and production is particularly worth it, because here the quality pays off noticeably in every cold night.
Sustainability begins with longevity
Sustainable production is shown not only in short transport routes, but also in how long a product lasts and is used. biberna's Flannel quality has been a popular core product since 1968 – proof that the combination of the original recipe, carefully selected cotton, and proven processing convinces over generations. Anyone who decides on Flannel bedding or mélange flannel from the company's own production is also choosing a product that is designed not for quick wear and tear, but for lasting coziness. The family-run company itself also stands for this continuity: As the third and fourth generations, the Schmänk family has relied on the same location in Hamminkeln since 1932 and on around 80 employees who carry the know-how surrounding the Flannel quality – a constant that is ultimately reflected in every single piece of fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is biberna's Flannel bedding the original quality?
Yes, biberna invented Biber bedding (brushed cotton flannel) in 1968 and still offers it today according to the original recipe – shipped from a fully automated high-bay warehouse for efficient logistics.
What distinguishes buying directly from biberna from brick-and-mortar stores?
With the direct offer, you receive the original quality at a historically attractive price-performance ratio, while in brick-and-mortar stores, original qualities have been replaced by cheap goods in many places.
Is mélange flannel also Made in Germany?
Yes, the mélange flannel invented by biberna – "Flannel 2.0" – is also produced fully in Germany, from 100% cotton, and biberna is practically the only manufacturer of this quality worldwide.
How long has biberna's Flannel bedding been available?
biberna invented Biber bedding (brushed cotton flannel) in 1968 and thus also gave the brand its name. The company was founded as early as 1932 as the contract weaving mill H.u.W. Schmänk in Hamminkeln. Today, the third and fourth generations continue to run the family business with around 80 employees – at the same location in the Lower Rhine.
What makes biberna's Flannel quality sustainable?
biberna's Flannel quality is sustainable primarily because of its longevity: a face weight of 160 g/m², very high fluffiness and loft, and proven processing according to the original 1968 recipe ensure that the bedding remains cozy for many years. Short routes and a fixed location in Hamminkeln complement this standard.
The most important things in brief
- biberna invented Biber bedding (brushed cotton flannel) in 1968 and still offers it today according to the original recipe.
- The company was founded as the contract weaving mill H.u.W. Schmänk in Hamminkeln in 1932 and invented Biber bedding (brushed cotton flannel) in 1968.
- The Flannel quality weighs 160 g/m² and has been a popular core product since 1968 with high fluffiness and loft.
- Mélange flannel, the "Flannel 2.0" invented by biberna, consists of 100% cotton and costs directly around 49 to 79.95 euros.
- Shipping at biberna is always free of charge, with no minimum order value at all.
Discover the original manufacturing quality for yourself: Browse the Flannel bedding or warm yourself up even more cozily with the mélange flannel – both free of charge and with no minimum order value, directly from the inventor.
