As the world increasingly embraces eco-consciousness, industries are stepping up their game to introduce innovative materials that prioritize both environmental stewardship and functionality.
Here, we delve into a selection of cutting-edge sustainable materials that are poised to make waves in the design industry and beyond. Join us as we uncover the exciting potential of these new eco-friendly innovations.
Sustainably Made Tiles and Panels
Borrowed Earth Collaborative are sustainably manufactured tiles & panels, celebrating timeless design in natural material, transformed with technology & craftsmanship. As the name symbolizes, Borrowed Earth celebrates our inviolable connection to nature and attempts to recreate the innate joy of cohabiting amongst it. Conceptualized by Ruchika Grover, Borrowed Earth Collaborative, is a guided journey into transforming natural materials into works of architectural art.
With the mission of “Take only what you need, and find perfection in the imperfect”, Borrowed Earth’s new tiles, panels, and stonework were shortlisted as 12 most favorite sustainable products at IBS 2024. The dimensional & textured stone work celebrates the natural wonders of the world while encouraging you to stop and think.
Borrowed Earth uses recycled materials and smaller blocks considered to be imperfect, choosing materials only from quarries that extract in a sustainable manner while sourcing materials close to the manufacturing unit to reduce transportation emissions. Conserving water in the stone manufacturing process is also a big part of their sustainability mission. Transforming even the incidental remnant materials, into artistic shapes and surfaces.
Borrowed Earth is exclusively represented by Precision Stone Design, Elk Grove Village. They offer CEU & product knowledge sessions for Architect & Design community, Borrowed Earth aims to collaborate with architects, designers and artists to tell their stories, their sensibilities, to their audience. Connect with Precision Stone Design via Email, Instagram or Facebook to learn more about this range.
Ethically Harvested Woods and Natural Stone
At O’Brien Harris, sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s one of their guiding principles. They prioritize environmental ethics, consciously selecting woods and suppliers that uphold responsible practices. Their commitment extends to using water-based finishes, ensuring products are free from harmful chemicals. Today, O’Brien Harris continues to source only the finest ethically harvested woods from reputable U.S. timber farms.
O’Brien Harris most often uses natural stone for their projects but if clients request materials that have a low carbon footprint they are loving products from fellow RNDD member, Elm Surfaces.
Bottom Row: Kitchen design by O’Brien Harris
Coconut Fiber Upholstery
In the pursuit of being at the forefront of sustainability, Team7, a brand typically known for their solid wood furniture and available through Mobili Möbel, has developed the new elliot lounge chair, which incorporates coconut fibers in their upholstery! This layered upholstery consists of 100% renewable raw materials – coconut latex and other natural latex encased in a cotton fleece – making this chair not only sustainable but incredibly cozy and comfortable.
The rest of the chair is designed to meet the highest levels of sustainability, with solid wood parts assembled without formaldehyde and pure natural oil used to finish the wood surfaces, as is typical of Team7 products. The elliot chair is proof that luxury and design can still be sustainable. Shop it through Mobili Möbel.
