Unconventional Materials Unveiled: Sustainable Furniture's Anomalies

Celine Sandberg, the founder of Agoprene, has been experimenting with unconventional materials to create eco-friendly alternatives to plastic polymers in furniture production. Initially, Sandberg and her team tried using ground oyster shells, agricultural waste, and wood fibers to make foamy materials for pillows and cushions. However, these materials turned out to be rigid foam rather than flexible. Eventually, they discovered that seaweed could be transformed into a soft foam block suitable for seat cushions and chairs. This foam is 100% biodegradable and will naturally degrade within eight months when left in the soil. Agoprene plans to scale up production by moving to a larger manufacturing facility. The furniture industry heavily relies on plastic, such as polyurethane and polyester, due to its affordability and versatility. However, the disposal of plastic furniture contributes to carbon emissions and landfill waste. As a result, many companies are seeking alternative materials for furniture production, including Mater, which incorporates discarded coffee bean shells and ocean waste into its designs. Fungus-based materials, like mycellium, are also being explored as a potential replacement for plastic. For example, BioKnit, a textile developed by researchers at Newcastle Upon Tyne's Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment, uses mycellium grown on sawdust to create sustainable products. Major design brands, including Williams Sonoma and IKEA, are also transitioning towards using renewable and recycled materials in their products. Sandberg is optimistic about the industry's willingness to adopt sustainable practices and hopes to bring about change in furniture production.