Normann Copenhagen has introduced the Mat collection, a series of chairs crafted from sustainable materials such as hemp and eelgrass, signaling the brand’s initial venture into the realm of bio-based plastics. The collection, a collaboration with design duo Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen, was unveiled during Stockholm Design Week. The hemp chair, derived from the stems of the cannabis plant, and the eelgrass chair, a combination of hemp and marine plant fibers, showcase the brand’s dedication to innovative production methods as a part of its commitment to sustainability. The development of these plant-based chairs, which replace injection-molded plastic with biodegradable materials, aligns with a zero-waste approach, allowing manufacturing offcuts and old chairs to be reused in the production process.
The Mat chairs represent the culmination of a decades-long journey, with Peter Hiort-Lorenzen, co-founder of Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen, expressing his initial interest in plant fibers as a substitute for plastic in the late 1990s. The hemp material developed in collaboration with Normann Copenhagen stands out for its durability, responsible sourcing, and enhanced aesthetic appeal, marking a significant advancement from earlier prototypes. The collaboration with hemp specialists from the Danish Technological Institute underscores the commitment to sustainable practices, as the chair shells are produced from hemp stems, often considered waste products from farms. The incorporation of a unique blend of fibers and a bio-based binder ensures recyclability, emphasizing the brand’s dedication to environmental responsibility throughout the lifecycle of the product.
