# Recycled Parachute Chairs 'Canopy' Shares Rocking Chairs Made from an Unconventional Materials By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2019-09-30 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rocking-chair-seats References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2019/09/30/layer-raeburn-canopy-furniture-collection-recycled-parachutes/) The Canopy collection from design agency Layer and fashion studio Raeburn explores "undervalued materials" and combines [recycled parachutes with steel frames](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-limbo-chair) to create [rocking chair seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oval-rocking-chair). For the project, the collaborators looked to Raeburn's archives to see how it had previously repurposed parachute materials for the creation of new fashion pieces. These ideas offered a starting point for the furniture designs in the collection, which includes not just two low rocking chairs but also a space-dividing screen. In the Canopy collection, the designers opted to use surplus ex-military parachutes and aircraft brake parachutes, which are crafted from [thin ripstop nylon material](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kartela). While two of the chairs in the collection are colorful and have clean lines, the others are more subdued and rich in textures. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 54% | Activity: 49% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Upcycling Parachute Materials:** Designers are exploring new ways to use surplus ex-military parachutes and aircraft brake parachutes for furniture designs, creating opportunities for disruptive innovation in sustainable product design. - **Exploring Undervalued Materials:** Canopy collection is using 'undervalued materials' in furniture designs, creating opportunities for disruptive innovation in materials sourcing and design. - **Fashion-forward Furniture:** Fashion studios are collaborating with design agencies and exploring new ways to repurpose materials for furniture designs, creating opportunities for disruptive innovation in cross-industry collaborations. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Furniture Design:** The Canopy collection is exploring new materials and designs for furniture, creating opportunities for disruptive innovation in sustainable product design. - **Sustainability:** Repurposing parachute materials for furniture designs is creating opportunities for disruptive innovation in circular economy and sustainable materials practices. - **Fashion and Textiles:** Collaborations between fashion studios and design agencies in furniture design are creating opportunities for disruptive innovation in cross-industry collaborations and material repurposing. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Recycled Dynamic Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bultan-chair.md) - [Bold Community-Reflected Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-flap-chair.md) - [Chic Recycled Material Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vale-furniture-collection.md) - [Fabric-Wrapped Rocking Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zhe-rocking-chair.md) - [Soothing Boat-Like Lounge Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canoa-chair.md) - [Contemporary Leather Classic Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sling-chair-1.md) - [Playful Outdoor Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-new-raw-1.md) - [Fishing Container Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/common-neglect-material.md) - [Childhood-Inspired Outdoor Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peace-outdoor-lounge.md)