&Tradition: recycled ergonomics
Although the whole recycling process may seem rather abstract, it always takes on concrete form with the finished product. The result of your efforts may be shaped to the form of a chair that you are sitting on. This environmental friendliness has given rise to the &Tradition Rely Chair collection. Designer Hee Welling devoted almost a year of work to researching and adapting the most suitable process, material and workmanship.
The result is a timeless design chair with an ergonomic seat made of 100 % recycled plastic. First, small pieces are shredded and melted, later, they are mixed with paint and shaped into a shell seat. Welling has incorporated sustainability into the whole process: he has designed the chairs so that they can be easily dismantled and repaired. This gives each piece the hope of an even longer life.
Ferm Living: durable woven fabric
To produce fabrics, Ferm Living has also decided to use recycled plastic bottles. Fifty-three of them are enough to cover one chair from the Desert collection. The plastic waste is firstly compressed into solid blocks, then crushed into small chips to make soft staple fibres. Such fibres, about as thin as human hair, are then spun into yarn of the desired thickness, which is ready to be woven into textiles in the same way as, say, wool. As the fabric is plastic, it does not soak up water and it is highly durable, even in harsh conditions–suitable properties for outdoor use of the Desert furniture.
Normann Copenhagen: the unique structure of the Bit Stool
A fresh addition to the Danish brand Normann Copenhagen's range, the Bit Stool, stands out for its sustainability and versatility. Whether as an occasional seat in the hallway or as a side table next to the sofa, its design always catches the eye. You won't overlook it thanks to its playful shape and material. It is made up of thousands of tiny bits of recycled plastic that remain visible, thus creating a specific pattern on the surface of the design stool.
Muuto: surprisingly functional felt
When Nordic aesthetics are combined with practical solutions, the success of the piece will not be long in coming. Since Muuto is also respectful of nature, this Danish brand offers products made from both responsibly sourced and recycled materials. Examples are the Restore and the Under The Bell collections.
A more organised home without toys, magazines or other small items lying around will be ensured by the former–a collection of storage baskets in various colours and sizes. During their production, recycled PET bottles are turned into durable felt that holds its shape and, together with the rounded shapes, gives a welcoming feel.
Polymer felt proves its qualities also in the form of Under The Bell pendant lamps. The material, made up of 60 % recycled fibres, effectively absorbs sound creating better conditions for undisturbed conversation even in the busiest areas of cafés, hotels and other public places. The feeling of privacy is enhanced by the dome-like shape of the lamp dramatically hovering above the table.
The responsible relationship with nature is close to many Scandinavian brands, as it is one of the pillars of the Nordic design tradition characterised by longevity, timeless style, quality of materials and precise workmanship. The use of recycled materials is a natural outgrowth of this approach.
