FRONT®’s Post

"Plastic is the problem child of 20th Century industrial design. But, ironically, the first ever piece of mass produced plastic furniture turned out to be one of the best design classics of all time." Environmentally speaking, does it make more sense to buy a new Eames plastic chair (which is now produced using 100% eco friendly & recyclable materials), or to buy one of the original 'dirty' Eames plastic chairs from the 1950s? In our renewal obsessed world, isn't it worth holding on to the things that are already beautifully flawed? #design #sustainability #furnituredesign #circulareconomy #plastic #renewables #vitra #ecofriendlyproducts #industrialdesign

Plastic in any form will continue to emit , and it makes no circular sense to keep the energy in them trapped for ever . The best and only method of getting rid of them is through ‘Thermochemical’ distruction, preferably through gasification, you recover the energy and then use the ash , which would be inert for any of these experiments. Any building materials- tiles , bricks or furniture should be made of intert materials. That’s true circularity !!

Did you know? Recycled plastic furniture outperforms wood, offering significant cost savings and zero maintenance. It resists rot, cracks, and insects, lasting 50+ years compared to wood’s 7 years. Though initially higher in price, recycled plastic’s long-term savings make it the smarter, more sustainable choice for outdoor furniture and decking. #AIPMA #PlasticPositive #SustainableSolutions #BusinessGrowthPlastic #IndustryNetworking #PlasticProfessionals

Ever wondered what happens to school desks that have seen better days? Typically, the whole unit gets sent to landfill - even if it's just the MDF desk top that's damaged. 😳 But thanks to the ingenuity of Critical., wasteful disposal is a thing of the past. Māori-owned business, Critical Design has partnered with Manurewa High School to replace desk tops with their product, Cleanstone. Cleanstone is made from 100% recycled plastic panels, which can be easily re-sanded or buffed, or sent back to Critical to be recycled again and again. It's a solution that's versatile, made to last and looks great. So far, around 200 desk tops have been replaced in the school’s science block, diverting an estimated 1,500kg of plastic waste from landfill, and offering a much cheaper solution than total replacement. Certified as environmentally preferable by Eco Choice Aotearoa and part of Amotai - Supplier Diversity NZ, Critical Design is setting a new standard for sustainable interiors. If you're ready to future proof your business with Aotearoa's official ecolabel, get in touch. #Ecolabel #SustainableDesign #RecycledPlasticPanels #EnvironmentalStewardship #CommunityDevelopment #CircularEconomy

Wondering if recycled plastic panels can stand up to the demands of commercial projects? 🤔 In a world where durability is key, especially for high-traffic environments like retail and hospitality, the answer is YES! Critical.'s Cleanstone panels—made from 100% recycled plastic—are engineered not only for sustainability but for performance and longevity, too. Imagine using materials that are tough enough to withstand daily wear and tear, yet contribute to a sustainable, circular economy. From countertops to wall panels, joinery and wet areas, Cleanstone offer durability that rivals traditional materials, with the added benefit of diverting plastics out of landfill and being near carbon neutral. It’s a win-win for your design and the planet. 🌍 Did you know Cleanstone can help avoid over 1000 times the carbon emissions of traditional materials made from virgin plastics and minerals? With Cleanstone, your fit outs will be both beautiful and sustainable, positioning you as a leader in green building and design. Here are 3 practical tips on how you can use circular materials to create beautiful and sustainable: Choose Durable Surfaces for High-Traffic Areas: Use recycled plastic panels for countertops and wall cladding in retail spaces to high wear and tear while maintaining a sleek look. Cleanstone is solid all the way through. How it looks on the surface is the same all the way through. No breakable veneers and edge banding. Opt for Modular Designs: Incorporate flexible paneling systems using Cleanstone in commercial fit outs. These systems are easy to repair or replace, minimising material waste over time. Explore Backlit Panel Installations: For retail spaces, try backlighting Cleanstone’s translucent panels to create a stunning visual impact without compromising on durability. I run a green materials company called Critical. and we help designers and brands create beautiful spaces using 100% recycled plastics called Cleanstone. Drop me a DM or visit us at criticaldesign.nz to explore how Cleanstone can make a difference in your next project. Ngā mihi nui Zoe Black for the incredible opportunity to share our kaupapa and to kōrero and be inspired by Aotearoa's finest collective of Māori creatives at the Pohewa Pāhewa wānanga!! #SustainableMaterials #RecycledPlasticPanels #FitOut #Retail #CircularEconomy #GreenBuilding #EcoFriendly #DurableDesign

🌱♻️ Embracing Sustainability: The Power of Wooden Pallets ♻️🌱 Did you know that wooden pallets are not just sturdy and reliable, but they also contribute significantly to sustainability efforts? 🌳 Let's delve into the eco-friendly benefits of these humble yet impactful pallets. ⭐️ Reusability: One of the most compelling aspects of wooden pallets is their ability to be reused multiple times. Unlike single-use alternatives, wooden pallets can withstand numerous journeys, making them a sustainable choice for transporting goods. By extending their lifespan through reuse, we minimise waste and reduce the demand for new materials, thus conserving natural resources. 🔄 Circular Economy: Wooden pallets epitomise the principles of a circular economy by being part of a continuous loop of use, reuse, and refurbishment. Once a pallet reaches the end of its initial lifecycle, it can be repaired, refurbished, or repurposed for a variety of applications, extending its functional life and diverting it from landfills. 🌍 Environmental Impact: Opting for wooden pallets aligns with eco-conscious practices. Wood, a renewable resource, is sourced from sustainably managed forests, ensuring responsible forestry practices and minimal environmental impact. Additionally, wooden pallets have a lower carbon footprint compared to plastic or metal alternatives, further reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 💡 Innovation Opportunities: The versatility of wooden pallets opens doors for innovation in sustainable design and construction. From up-cycling into furniture and décor to incorporating them into eco-friendly building materials, the possibilities are endless. Embracing wooden pallets sparks creativity while promoting environmental stewardship. As we strive for a greener future, let's recognise the unsung heroism of wooden pallets in fostering sustainability. Together, let's continue to champion eco-friendly solutions that benefit both our planet and our communities. 🌏💚 #Sustainability #WoodenPallets #CircularEconomy #GreenFuture

Sustainability has become a key priority for our clients and, as interior designers, the products and finishes we specify reflect this and our own commitment to the environment. To celebrate Plastic Free July, here's three of our favourite products using recycled plastic: Tiptoe's Venezia coffee table and New Modern dining room table feature table tops made from hundreds of yoghurt pots. Each is unique, in this recycled plastic collection the colour and patterns vary with fragments from the labels. Camira's Oceanic and Quest recycled fabrics are woven with 50% / 75% ocean plastic waste and the balance from post-consumer polyester yarn, from post-consumer plastic bottles diverted from landfill. Each metre contributes towards reducing marine plastic pollution. Mater's Ocean Collection recycled outdoor furniture and Mater OC2 Ocean Collection recycled outdoor furniture is made from recycled fishing nets and recycled hard plastic or, in the case of the OC2 Collection, the slat design has been created in plastic waste from Carlsberg’s discarded beer kegs. #sustainable #officedesign

Kvadrat supports the Design Talks Lounge by Gensler with 66 linear metres of custom printed curtain, enveloping the Talks stage in a nature inspired setting. With sustainability at the core of the conversation, the curtain textile will find second life in charity projects allowing a waste-free design. Sport is an upholstery textile by Patricia Urquiola which unites a vibrant, high-tech contemporary expression with a compelling sustainability story. It is the world’s first recycled polyester upholstery textile made from 100% ocean-bound plastic waste. Unlike conventional polyester textiles, which are traditionally flat, Sport has a sophisticated binding that adds tactile multidimensionality to its structure. Tiny graphic floral forms play across its surface, infusing the upholstery with a characterful, intricate expression. Importantly, Sport is made exclusively from recycled polyester, from 100% ocean-bound plastic waste. The post-consumer plastic used to manufacture the material is collected no further than 10 km away from coastlines and on remote islands in Thailand, where better waste management infrastructure is needed. #wds2024 #workspacedesignshow

World Plastic Bag Free Day 🌍 On this occasion, we would like to highlight the importance of reducing our plastic consumption and promoting sustainable solutions for our planet. At Fiberdeck, we are proud to contribute to a greener future by offering eco-responsible outdoor landscaping products. Our composite cladding, decking and fencing are made from recycled materials and are designed to last, reducing the need for frequent replacement and additional waste. By choosing our products, you're opting for : ♻️ Durability: robust materials that stand up to the elements and the test of time. 🌱 Eco-responsibility: Products made from recycled materials. 🌟 Aesthetics: An elegant design that enhances your outdoor space while respecting the environment. Together, let's commit to adopting more sustainable practices and reducing our plastic footprint. 🌏💚 #plasticfreeday #sustainabledevelopment #outdoorfurnishings #ecoresponsible #greenInnovation #recycling #environment #cladding #fencing #decking #woodcomposite

In a world where sustainability is no longer an option but a necessity, supporting companies prioritizing extending and renewing product life cycles is essential. CompositesWorld recently highlighted Ohio-based Canvus Inc., which upcycles fiberglass wind blades, car tires, and post-consumer plastics to create outdoor furniture that amplifies sustainability messages in community spaces. Innovators like Canvus are reducing waste and reshaping the future of industries by focusing on durability and recyclability through innovative, clever design. They are making a significant impact on reducing environmental footprints. Together, we can build a future where products are not just consumed but continuously renewed. #Sustainability #Innovation #EcoFriendly #ProductLifeCycle