Who says you can’t be high-end and planet-friendly? These days, some of the biggest names in luxury furnishings and décor are embracing the challenge. Some, like Paolo Castelli, even celebrate it: “What are the limits of elegance when using surprising new materials, molded into the purest forms?” Featuring fast-growing and second-quality wood, recycled glass, stone, fabrics and concrete, natural fibers, sustainable ceramics, and other materials that are regenerated, recouped or ethically produced, these seven brands are proving that the finest sense of style is sustainable.
Sancal
Spanish design house Sancal is a company that “reinvents itself continuously.” With facilities that are completely powered by solar panels and a collection of fabrics, Zero, which has 0 residues in its manufacturing process, the company is passionate about the environment. As they proclaim on their website: “we reject the dictates of throw-away consumerism, carefully producing pieces that are designed to pass the test of time.”
New from Paolo Castelli: GREENKISS Ecoluxury Collection
Paolo Castelli’s 22 eco-responsible pieces, the result of a collaboration with designers Hubert de Malherbe and Thierry Lemaire, “show how an ethical design must become the engine of a renewed positive and empathetic sense towards the environment.” The collection of tables, armchairs, seats, and light fittings reflects the best design of the Fifties and Seventies, with every phase, from conception to final production, enhancing the values of Made in Italy in a strongly green perspective.
Vondom’s Ibiza Collection
Made entirely with recovered recycled plastics from the Mediterranean Sea, Vondom’s Ibiza was inspired by the plastics washing up on the island, “like artificial shells.” Elegant and inviting, with clean, curving lines, Ibiza is proof that sustainability and luxury go together like sea and sun.
Mater’s Ocean Collection
Named in honor of Mother Earth, Mater strives to “rethink dubious practices and create an ethical and sustainable design that minimizes adverse social and environmental impacts.” Ocean reflects the company’s Scandinavia minimalism, with a collection of elegant pieces designed to stand the test of time.
Made using recycled fishing nets, and other hard plastic extracted from the world’s oceans.
Alki’s Kuskoa Bi Chair
Comfortable and generously sized, Kuskoa Bi is the first chair manufactured entirely in bioplastic. The enveloping shell, cut out to optimize back and arm support, is delicately placed on a solid wood trestle (an upholstered version is available as well.)
We decided that the Kuskoa Bi had to be a comfortable, enveloping chair and to achieve this we opted for a semi-concave shell. The material that best enables this shape to be created is plastic. However, the production of plastic is contrary to our fundamental principles on sustainable development. To find a solution to this dilemma, we carried 1 out in-depth investigative research and found a new material: bioplastic.
Riva 1920
From the carefully sourced Italian poplar wood used to make its products to the cardboard packaging the final products ship in, Riva is as passionate about sustainable forest management as it is about design. In founder Maurizio Riva’s words: “The new luxury is living in a sustainable and ecological space.”
All production processes are sustainable in compliance with quality and functional requirements, guaranteeing a 100% Made in Italy product. We are always at the forefront in the defense of our planet, which has given us woods to admire, to live, and to hand down.
Zeitraum
Drawing on centuries of regional woodworking traditions in southern Germany and the Alps, Zeitraum’s “direct dependence on nature shapes our sense of responsibility and long-term character.” One-touch and you can feel the designers’ love for solid wood in the “sensual, warm, and unique character of this living material.”
We feel deeply connected to the forest as a valuable habitat. We produce regionally and combine state-of-the-art technology and traditional woodcraft.
