[The following content is provided by Normann Copenhagen]

 

At the forefront of this shift is Normann Copenhagen, a Danish design company recognized for its ethical practices and commitment to environmental responsibility. Their Mat Collection, which includes the revolutionary Mat Chair and Barstools, showcases the potential of bio-based materials, offering a vision of the future of furniture design.

 

Collaboration Between Normann Copenhagen and Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen

 

Central to the innovation of the Mat Collection is the collaboration with acclaimed Danish designer Peter Hiort-Lorenzen from the studio Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen. The inception of the Mat Chair took place in the late 1990s when Hiort-Lorenzen aspired to create a sustainable alternative to the plastic shell chairs that dominated the market. The quest for a viable option was challenging, as existing designs, primarily made from polypropylene, lacked sustainable characteristics.

 

Hiort-Lorenzen devoted over two decades to research, prototyping, and testing new materials with lower environmental footprints—a task that involved tackling significant obstacles. Initial prototypes were presented in 2005, but progress stalled due to timing issues. However, in 2008, the designer began experimenting with hemp, a robust natural resource, laying the groundwork for what would become a landmark product. Hiort-Lorenzen reflected on this journey, stating, “After 20 years, the hemp material we've developed in collaboration with Normann Copenhagen is more responsible, sturdier, and aesthetically appealing than any previous prototypes. It's a one-of-a-kind product.”

 

 

Crafting the Mat Chair: A Sustainable Approach

 

The production process for the Mat Chair is labor-intensive and intricately designed to uphold sustainability principles while delivering aesthetic appeal and durability. A combination of hemp fibers and dried eelgrass—an often-overlooked seaweed—are utilized, going through shredding, milling, and compression stages. Significantly, the process emphasizes zero waste, where even scraps are repurposed into new chairs, embodying the essence of a circular economy.

 

 

Normann Copenhagen's Commitment to Circularity

 

Normann Copenhagen’s vision for the Mat Collection is anchored not merely in design, but in a foundational philosophy of responsibility towards society and the environment. By completely eliminating harmful substances typically associated with furniture production, the collection demonstrates how manufacturers can transition away from petroleum-based materials and envision a revolutionary lifecycle for furniture.

 

The Mat Collection adheres to the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle at every stage, from material sourcing to disposal. Each component is carefully selected to reflect a commitment to responsible craftsmanship: hemp harvested from local farmers and sustainably collected eelgrass from Denmark’s coastlines minimize environmental impact significantly.

 

The materials chosen for the Mat Collection epitomize its circular design ethos. Hemp, being durable and resilient, thrives on efficient cultivation practices that absorb carbon dioxide, contributing to carbon sequestration. Its rapid growth—up to four meters per season—enables frequent harvesting without soil depletion. Eelgrass, featured for its strength and lower environmental footprint, is sustainably sourced from natural coastal occurrences, ensuring that the natural habitat remains undisturbed.

 

 

Challenges and Innovations in Production

 

The crafting of the Mat Chair required overcoming unique challenges posed by the use of natural materials. Standard manufacturing techniques for plastic chairs proved unsuitable, necessitating years of experimentation to discover effective methods for fusing natural fibers into a sturdy product. Maintaining the integrity of these materials while ensuring functionality for everyday use was a key goal.

 

A critical innovation introduced during the production process was a bico-binder specifically designed to enhance strength and durability. This fully recyclable binder, free of toxic chemicals, further reinforces the collection's circularity. The production facility upholds rigorous standards to ensure that hemp and eelgrass are properly sorted, shredded, and processed, transforming fibers into sheets that are meticulously baked and compressed.

 

Attention to detail is evident even in the finishing touches, where chair shells are hand-sanded and coated with a VOC-free linseed oil, balancing aesthetics and durability. The result is the Mat Chair—an exemplary fusion of design beauty and sustainable manufacturing.

 

 

Reimagining Tomorrow: A Blueprint for Bio-based Furniture

 

The Mat Collection features a versatile range of seating options, including dining chairs, barstools, and armchairs, available in pure hemp or a hemp-eelgrass blend. The sturdy powder-coated steel bases can be customized to offer varied finishes for different environments, such as hotels, restaurants, educational institutions, and private homes.

 

As the furniture industry begins to recognize its contributions to environmental degradation, initiatives like Normann Copenhagen’s Mat Collection elevate discussions on bio-based design. This collection not only responds to emerging trends but also envisions a promising future for furniture—harmonizing form, function, and sustainability, nurturing a heightened consciousness regarding ecological impacts.

 

The Mat Chair stands as a beacon of hope and a model of progress within an industry known for its environmental footprint. Normann Copenhagen's partnership with Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen paves the way for future innovations, as they champion circularity and organic materials in furniture design. The potential for bio-based furniture to transform our surroundings and the broader industry is indeed vast and inspiring.