From Trash to Treasure

In recent years, designers have been exploring the possibilities of new materials for their designs. The main reason is that the traditional materials they’ve been using, such as plastics and leather, have highly damaging production processes for the environment. Additionally, at the end of their lifespan, they cannot be naturally decomposed or recycled. One alternative material that many designers are turning to is abundant natural resources. However, in addition to abundant natural materials, there is another equally popular option for helping to protect the environment: recycling or upcycling ‘waste’ into materials for producing furniture and various household items.

Nowadays, many designers and brands have turned to using this “waste” as a material in their designs. When combined with skilled design, technology, and excellent manufacturing standards, products from “waste” has become beautiful designs that are no less impressive than the traditional materials we are familiar with.

Upcycle & Recycle

Food waste, such as pineapple leaves, orange peels, and eggshells, is being repurposed as materials for furniture and home decor. Swedish designers Carolina Härdh and Emeli Höcks created the Besitt bench (2020), featuring a unique white textured surface made from oyster shells. Finnish designer Mari Koppanen also explored innovative materials, using fungi and amadou to create the FOMES bench (2021) and TRAPETSI lamp (2024). Back in 2019, Philippe Starck’s Cassina collection featured an innovative approach to upholstery. By using Apple Ten Lork, a leather alternative made from apple cores and peels developed by Italian company Frumat, Starck showcased his commitment to both design and sustainability.

Besides food waste upcycle materials, the furniture industry is seeing a growing trend toward recycled plastic materials. Vitra, a leading furniture manufacturer, has been a pioneer in this movement, replacing virgin plastic with recycled plastic in their products since 2020. This shift began with the iconic Tip Ton Chair, followed by the HAL Chair and other pieces. Even the classic Lounge Chair by Charles and Ray Eames has been reimagined with recycled materials.

Sustainable Movement In Thailand

While the green design movement in Thailand may not be as widespread as in other countries, OSISU has been a pioneer in sustainable furniture design since 2006. The brand has been upcycling industrial waste, such as scrap metal, and food waste like coffee grounds, eggshells, and barley waste, into innovative furniture materials. Another brand is SONITE, a spin-off from a textile SONITE Innovative Surfaces. SONITE has expanded into furniture and homeware design, utilizing waste materials such as rice husks, coconut fibers, plastics, and even shredded banknotes.

When it comes to transforming waste into art and design, WISHULADA is a name that often comes to mind. For years, Wischulada Pandaranuwong has been creating art from a variety of discarded materials, including plastic waste, soda cans, bottle caps, old toys, and clothing. We find her window display projects and art installations for retail stores, department stores, and various venues particularly fascinating. Her collaborations with brands such as Kiehl’s, SCG, Club21, and her creation of the 2023 Christmas tree at ICON SIAM using recycled toys and dolls mark a significant step towards more environmentally friendly display design in Thailand. WISHULADA’s immersive installations, like ‘A-waiting Materials’ at The Peninsula Bangkok (2020) and ‘Overflow’ at the Siam Museum, have transformed these spaces into vibrant and thought-provoking environments. These works serve as powerful evidence of the overwhelming amount of waste on our planet, underscoring the urgent need for action.