After the past years of uncertainty, Salone del Mobile is back in its full fledged glory. The 2022 edition has just ended and we’re already anticipating what will come next. Before we move on, though, let’s take a moment to appreciate ten of the best sustainable products seen in Milan.
The future of our planet has been very much the guiding theme of this year’s kermesse, with the concepts of sustainability and innovation merging into an array of spectacular products and installations scattered throughout the Italian capital of design.
Here we’re sharing our selection of interior design products that nailed the sustainability brief thanks to eco-friendly materials that fit into the recycling loop, contribute to lessen the amount of waste created, and improve sanitation levels of shared environments so that togetherness becomes possible again.
Image by Jennifer Niederhauser. Courtesy of Noemi Niederhauser
1. Wastematter by Studio Niederhauser, organic plywood from draft beer
WHY WE LIKE IT: Studio Niederhauser wants to create furnishing elements out of organic waste from breweries in Lausanne (CH). The project is called “Wastematter” and explores ways to turn malt, a by-product of beer production, into a plywood-like material that can be used to create furniture and wall panels. Tons of malt waste are produced on a weekly basis in Lausanne, making Wastematter a valuable resource in tackling food waste based on hyperlocal needs. A solution that could be easily adopted by cities where similar industries flourish, resulting in a sustainable and local alternative to particle boards and plywood.
Re-Chair by Antonio Citterio for Kartell. Courtesy of Kartell
2. Re-Chair by Antonio Citterio x Kartell – powered by illycaffè
WHY WE LIKE IT: Light, resistant and stackable chair made from illicaffè waste coffee capsules. The capsules, rejected by automated quality controls during the production cycle, are made of top-quality plastics, making them suitable for transformation into secondary raw material, and in turn into granules for injection moulding. Circular-economy approved.
3. Fybra Home, air quality sensor by Fybra
WHY WE LIKE IT: A tiny device with an intelligent sensor that helps maintain optimal air quality. With a simple LED light, the device lets you know when it’s time to ventilate the room based on its capability to measure key parameters – carbon dioxide, internal and external temperature and humidity – and integrate them with data on external air pollution. Perfect for schools, offices and homes.
Ofuro by antoniolupi. Courtesy of La-KiNi PR & Digital Relations for antoniolupi
4. Ofuro by antoniolupi, long-lasting bathtub inspired by Japanese tradition
WHY WE LIKE IT: Ofuro is easy to clean and restore, affording the product the precious characteristics of lasting durability. Its seamless shape, inviting rim and advanced materials conjure moments of self-indulgence and extending the lifespan of the product. A welcome move away from premature obsolescence.
5. Coconut by Egoitaliano, padded armchair made of recycled personal hygiene products
WHY WE LIKE IT: Egoitaliano has shown Milan how sustainability can be fun, colorful, and suitable for almost endless customization (over 550 different coverings, including leather and fabric). The colorful armchair was designed by Architect Giulio Manzoni and derives its eco-friendly features from the collaboration with FATER, an Italian company whose patented industrial processes can transform recovered personal hygiene products into plastics and cellulose.
Integralis by Artemide. Courtesy of Artemide
6. Integralis by Artemide, light platform with sanitizing efficacy
WHY WE LIKE IT: Ample range of smart lighting solutions contributing to safer, sanitized indoor spaces and surfaces. Artemide Integralis lamps rely on selected frequencies of visible light to inhibit the development and growth of bacteria, fungi and molds, and on UV to deactivate pathogenic microorganisms, including viruses.
Hari Re-Wood by Ondarreta. Courtesy of Ondarreta
7. Hari Re-Wood by Ondarreta, virtuous-loop polypropylene chair
WHY WE LIKE IT: Re-Wood uses sustainable polypropylene obtained from industrial wood waste (white and caramel) and bottle caps (black version). Spanish furniture maker Ondarreta and design studio estudi{H}ac have teamed up to develop a chair made of recycled and wood polypropylene thus single handedly working on two key fronts: reducing the use of virgin fossil materials and diminishing the production of waste from manufacturing processes at the brand’s own factory.
8. Recycled by Telami, a collection of durable seats made of wood and recovered awnings
WHY WE LIKE IT: A whole collection of summer seats made of wood and Raytent® Living, the acrylic fabric patented by Giovanardi, obtained from recycled awnings and characterized by extremely high resistance to the sun, humidity and wear. Recycled sports mélange shades inspired by the washed out summer landscape of the Mediterranean coast. A summer must have.
Keir by Kreoo. Courtesy of Design Fever PR for Kreoo
9. Keir by Kreoo, mindful seating made of natural stacked pebbles
WHY WE LIKE IT: Reminiscent of zen gardens and pebble towers, Keir stones are born from the encounter of natural materials, such as wood and marble, inviting the natural world in when used indoors, and integrating organically with the surroundings when deployed outdoors. A beautiful, simple object to step away, even for just a minute, from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Keir is the evolution of Pavè stones.
10. Loop by India Mahdavi x Gebrüder Thonet Vienna
WHAT WE LIKE: A sinuous reinterpretation of the past that stems from a history of unequaled craftsmanship. Loop could be interpreted as a timely nod to the sustainable (and fun) practice of salvaging, reusing, and revamping iconic vintage pieces, preferably retrieved from flea markets and neighborhood car boot sales. Other examples of reworked iconic seatings seen in Milan include: the classic Windsor-inspired chair by Wilkinson & Rivera for SCP, the 2008 Hiroshima chair by Maruni, the Zig Zag chair by Gerrit T. Rietveld as presented by Cassina for One Block Down.
Loop by India Mahdavi for Gebruder Thonet Vienna. Courtesy of Gebruder Thonet Vienna
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