Celine Sandberg has explored the use of unconventional elements such as crushed oyster shells and agricultural waste to produce components for furniture.
Her goal is to reduce the dependence on plastic polymers, otherwise known as polyurethane, in furniture production. Therefore, she had to identify a more eco-friendly substance to stuff pillows, couches and chair cushions.
Agoprene's founder and her team began their venture by testing the use of oyster shells. These were broken down into a powder and used to create a foamy substance. Additionally, they experimented with agricultural waste and wood fibres with a comparable process.
She states that they experimented with a variety of materials, but in the end, most of them became rigid foam rather than flexible.
Finally, Ms Sandberg came upon seaweed which was processed into a powder, and then cooked in a unique oven.
A foam block is produced through the process, making it sufficiently pliable to serve as seat cushions and chairs.
Mr Sandberg states that the foam is 100% biodegradable, and it will decompose in the soil within eight months - reducing in time if cut into smaller sections.
Agoprene intends to expand its manufacturing operations by transitioning to a bigger factory in the upcoming year.
Could innovation shift the furniture industry away from the use of plastics in multiple areas?
In addition to polyurethane, responsible for cushioning, fabrics used to cover soft furnishings may be made from polyester - a type of plastic.
Faux leather furniture may be made of a vinyl blend, and vinyl is a term generally used to refer to an extensive range of plastics. On the other hand, less expensive wood furniture is commonly constructed using a wood veneer fixed to plastic.
Industrial wood furniture often utilizes a combination of chemicals in order to create its glossy, plastic-like surface. These chemicals often include polymers.
Christian Euler, an assistant professor in chemical engineering at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, outlines the reasons why plastic is so widespread.
He states that it "performs excellently for its intended operations" and has "the ability to be both rigid and pliable."
Additionally, due to the fact that the chemicals used to create plastic are derived from the refining of oil, it is cost-effective to produce. operations is being used.
Increasing utilization of technological solutions for business purposes is taking place.
The serious disadvantages of opting for budget, plastic-filled furniture are evident; in addition to its increasing prevalence in waste sites.
The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that furniture discards increased from 8 million tonnes in 2000 to 12 million tonnes in 2018.
About four-fifths of the furniture discarded in the United States in 2018 was put in landfill, where the plastic components may take centuries to decay.
At the same time, the production of plastics employed in furniture production results in carbon dioxide discharges. Data from Agropene found that polyurethane foam rubber is the cause of an annual 105 million tonnes of CO2 being emitted.
Many businesses are searching for new materials.
Mater, a Danish design company, has created a range of chairs that boast seats and backrests crafted from a combination of coffee bean husks or sawdust from furniture production.
Its outdoor furniture is made out of ocean waste.
Chief executive Katil Ardal remarked that they enjoy combining creativity and innovation.
It costs us quite a bit of money to make these eco-friendly collections, and I may become more concerned as a result, but it's a part of who we are to be an environmentally conscious business.
Researchers are exploring whether fungus could replace plastic, by looking into utilizing beyond just seaweed and coffee shell waste.
The root-like and branching structure of a fungus, known as mycellium, is the basis of BioKnit, a new kind of textile developed by researchers at the Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment (HBBE) at Newcastle Upon Tyne.
Jane Scott, the head of the HBBE's Living Textiles Group, explains that the procedure begins with the development of mycelium on a medium like sawdust. Afterwards, this mixture is kept in a dark, damp place in order for it to bond to and take in the nourishment from the sawdust. Subsequently, it is dried in a machine similar to an oven.
She observes that designers are already utilizing BioKnit for creating lampshades, for instance.
Ms Scott states that a benefit of this material is its decomposability, as it is composed of elements that do not require binders or glue which will not deteriorate in a landfill.
Big brand names in design are seeking to collaborate with more agile startups in order to introduce more sustainable materials into their furniture designs. US-based kitchenware and home furnishings firm Williams Sonoma has announced its intention to use responsibly obtained cotton and recycled polyester, and IKEA is aiming to make its products only from renewable and recycled materials come 2030.
Ms Sandberg declared that she is pleased that the furniture sector is ready to shift from their wasteful attitudes. "I was under the impression that these companies wanted to remain stuck to polyurethane and avoid any experimentation. However, I am now delighted to see them testing new alternatives and eager to bring about change with the pieces they craft."
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