Smart and Trendy Furniture Made from Recycled Content.
I am always astonished by the ingenuity of some people in finding ways to recycle and reuse materials — saving them from years of decomposition and gas emissions!
Did you know that eliminating waste to the landfill is a great way to achieve a net zero? What does it mean to be net zero? Net zero means achieving a balance between the greenhouse gases (GHG) put into the atmosphere and those taken out. How much GHG is generated by the waste we dump in the landfill? What we dump, called Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), is generating 15% of the Overall Methane gas produced on the planet - Methane is a potent greenhouse gas 28 to 36 times more effective than CO2 at trapping heat in the atmosphere over a 100-year period. Not a good thing!
Want to learn more? EPA Basic Information about Landfill Gas
When it comes to reducing methane emissions, furniture made from recycled content is leading the charge. In recent years, we've seen a surge of companies embracing the trend of creating furnishings from recycled materials.
With their commitment to sustainability, these designers and manufacturers are setting an example for other companies to follow and showing that it is possible to create stylish furniture while still being eco-friendly.
By purchasing furniture made from recycled content, you can do your part in helping to reduce methane emissions and helping to make the world a better place.
Salvaging coins, glass bottles, rubber tires, fishing nets, and much more!
Johnny Swing is based in Vermont, USA. He is well known for his unique coin furniture collection. His approach to design is — to be entertaining, spark curiosity, and above all must be comfortable.
“I have made objects of refulgence, with money–the material that makes the world go round. These, flat hard shiny coins in a circular format, which have been touched, hoarded, traveled, and traded for goods and services are now released from their original burden. Assembled together to form the furniture they become part of the play in swirls, lines and patterns.” — Johnny Swing
ecoBirdy is based in Antwerp, Belgium. They produce furniture and accessories made from recycled plastic — mainly old discarded toys. The end product comes in many colorful options. I love the storybook. Brilliant idea! Read more.
“ecoBirdy recycles discarded plastic toys and turns them into colourful, kid-sized design furniture that is comfortable to use and easy to clean. ecoBirdy created a system that starts with the collection of old, unused plastic toys, passes through the recycling phase and ends with the design and production of pieces of furniture. The collection of kids' furniture is entirely made of recycled plastic from European waste. Each step is based on social and environmental responsibility. An accompanying storybook and school-programme have been designed to introduce youngsters to the circular economy and inspire them to contribute to a more sustainable future.” — ecoBirdy
Mater USA is based in California, USA. They are a conscious and ethical design brand with a strong design philosophy and a great emphasis on craftsmanship. Mater offers several collections made from waste but my favorite is called Ocean OC2 made from Recycled fishing nets and recycled hard plastic.
“Mater means ‘mother’ in Latin. The name is the daily reminder of our small contribution to preventing the challenges ‘mother earth’ faces. Design influences how we as humans live our lives; it shapes values, culture and society. Unfortunately, we are increasingly aware that the choices made during design processes often have environmental consequences. However, as a manufacturer, we have the opportunity to rethink dubious practices and create ethical and sustainable design that minimises adverse social and environmental impacts.” – Henrik Marstrand, Founder
Retyred is based in Byron Bay, Australia. They specialize in recycling old tires to create original furniture and accessories. Tires take a very long time to decompose and are not ideal to dispose of – better to reuse and repurpose! The bonus of rubber furniture is that it can be used both indoors and outdoors!
“Retyred stands for furniture made from a constantly growing raw material – old tyres. Experienced and brand new, beautiful and distinctive, durable and comfortable, creating outstanding strong combinations. Retyred shows brand new furniture with lots of experience.” – Retyred
Studio Thus That is based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and led by Kevin Rouff and Paco Boeckelmann. The coffee table shown below is part of a collection made of slag (molten impurities cast aside during the smelting process into large mountainous heaps), a by-product of producing copper during extraction. So interesting! Check out their website to learn more.
“ThusThat is a design practice with a focus on materials and alternative making processes. Right now we are exploring industrial wastes from mining and metallurgy.”
– Studio This That
Tom Dixon has its headquarters in London and showrooms worldwide. Tom is well known for his furniture, lighting, and accessories creations. His new Swirl collection is made from recycled/ excess powdered marble residue. Each piece is unique, a collectible, due to the nature of the pigmentation, and the pouring process.
From craftsman to designer, in the early years Tom manipulated found objects and industrial materials to create welded salvage furniture.
"More than any other metal, copper has the longest and richest historical connection with humans. Our fascination with this semi-precious metal has led to many of our most recognisable lighting and accessory designs." – Tom Dixon
Learn more about Recycled Content – Check out our blog “Saved From The Landfill.”
More on the subject.
This Kelp Chair Is 3D Printed Using Recycled Fishing Nets + Wood Fiber by Design Milk Sustainable furniture: responsible chairs made from recycled materials by Wallpaper Furniture design from recycled materials by Design Communication Ten furniture designs made from sustainable materials By Dezeen