The 61st edition of Salone del Mobile returned in April this year and Sustainability was at the heart of the show. Reuse, regeneration, circularity and energy saving was not only an approach for the brands an exhibitors but also a key key theme considered by the designers of the installations and stands which were designed to be dismantled and reused.
‘Planet-centric’ was a word used to describe the commitment brands are making towards the sourcing of materials used when manufacturing products, as well as recycling, minimising waste and using innovative production methods to design and create products with a circular approach.
Many of the brands that we have chosen to retail at Innes are continuing to make advances in the sustainability of their products.
2023 has seen the return of products made from natural raw materials such as cotton, wool, jute and paper, locally sourced as well as the use of fabrics made from recycled materials. Many are also using natural dyes and finishes from organic sources such as coffee, tea or olives.
During the exhibition Kvadrat showcased the installation ‘Paravent’, which introduced a collection of fabrics designed from drawings by Ronan Bouroullec. The Tero outdoor textile from the range is an example of a material constructed from post-consumer recycled polyester and finished with an environmentally focused, fluorocarbon-free treatment that provides resistance against seawater and weathering.
Lighting brands are working with increasingly efficient LED sources and are also making important innovations in the manufacture and distribution of low impact products. Flos for example have eliminated the use of glues and welds which facilitates products that can have parts dismantled and repaired.
The Black Flag wall mounted light by Konstantin Grcic for Flos is available with an Eco Mode, where a sensor adjusts the brightness of the light to suit the setting, reducing energy consumption and extending the bulb life.