Copenhagen, Denmark
Originally designed in 1955 by one of the 20th-Century’s most renowned designers, Nanna Ditzel, the Ocean table-and-chair collection originally realised in timber veneer now is being reproduced from plastic waste including recycled Carlsberg beer kegs.
Mater, the sustainably-minded design label founded in Copenhagen in 2006, has joined the relaunch frenzy with a series of garden furniture by one of the most celebrated duos of Danish design.
Mater has reimagined the table-and-chair collection in ocean waste plastic, creating a truly forward-thinking backward glance.
Made using a combination of ocean plastic waste (primarily used fishnets collected from the Danish west coast), PP regenerates (mostly recycled plastic from milk transport cases) and a dash of bioplastic charcoal, which adds stability so the plastic doesn’t crack, the Ocean collection represents a considerable shift for Mater.
A single chair uses some 960g of fish net waste, while the collection’s large table repurposes 1,320g.
The series is characterized by its light structure with repeated slats and metal frames, made and tested for outdoor use.
The ocean waste plastic and recycled plastic (PP) honors the UN Sustainable Development Goals of protecting “Life Below Water” (SDGs 14) and “Responsible Consumption and Production” (SDGs 12) and “Partnership for the Goals” (SDGs 17).
The Ocean Collection is designed for disassembly, meaning that the design allows each component in its purest form to recycle into new production circles.
“I feel that manufacturers have a responsibility to look seriously into waste and upcycling – to take what has zero value, or what is, in fact, a problem for the planet, and mature it through nice designs from the past or present,” states Henrik Marstrand, Mater founder and CEO.
“If we can create a product that is attractive, functional and durable while cleaning up after the side effects of our collective consumerism, it’s a win-win.”
Project: Ocean Collection (1955)
Designers: Jørgen & Nanna Ditzel
Manufacturer: Mater A/S
