Expanded polystyrene (EPS), also known by the DuPont registered trademark Styrofoam, is the main material used to create these recycled furniture pieces for a soft yet decidedly stark-looking aesthetic.
Designed by the Japan-based we+ studio, the furniture pieces are entitled 'Refoam' and are all characterized by their dark, randomized appearance. The various pieces are each crafted using EPS that has been recycled by melting it into ingots before pressing it into forms to achieve the rigid yet lightweight final products seen here.
The recycled furniture pieces are inherently lightweight and identify what could be done to utilize packaging or waste materials rather than simply disposing of them. The products also highlight how materials can be upcycled rather than recycled to eliminate the need for more formalized operations.
Expanded Polystyrene Furniture
These Recycled Furniture Pieces from the we+ Studio are Lightweight
Trend Themes
1. Recycled Furniture - The use of recycled materials for furniture production, such as EPS, presents an opportunity for sustainable and eco-friendly design.
2. Upcycling - The trend towards upcycling materials rather than just recycling them creates opportunities for cost-effective and creative design solutions.
3. Lightweight Furniture - The trend towards lightweight furniture designs using materials like EPS could revolutionize the transportation and logistics industries.
Industry Implications
1. Furniture Manufacturing - Adopting the use of recycled materials could become a major selling point for furniture manufacturers looking to differentiate their products and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
2. Packaging - EPS packaging could be upcycled into furniture instead of just being disposed of, presenting an opportunity for companies to reduce waste and contribute to a circular economy.
3. Logistics - Lightweight furniture designs using materials like EPS could not only reduce shipping costs but also create new opportunities for innovative logistics solutions.