Waste-Filled Furniture

Long description

Man+Wife’s Waste-filled furniture range is about rethinking the materials used in furniture production and the impact those materials have on the environment and our health.

With over 20 years of design experience, we set out to create furniture that is kind to the earth from the beginning to the end of its lifecycle. Furniture that people will want to have in their homes and pass onto the next generation.

We looked at current furniture trends and what trends had the most significant impact on the environment. The first was plastics. Only 9% of plastics are recycled worldwide (Greenpeace). The second trend is the transportation of materials around the world. For example, South Africa produces 10% of the world’s Merino Wool, but China and Europe processes nearly all of it. International shipping is one of the largest contributors to CO2 emissions. This influenced our decision to use local bio-based and recycled materials.

Thirdly, sourcing local waste or discarded materials that can have a positive impact on our environment. These waste materials are thrown out as they are by-products of first grade materials, such as discarded sheep’s wool for stuffing cushions or cow hides that can be used for upholstery. Recycled textiles fibres repurposed into fillers and dead or diseased hardwood trees that have been felled to make couch legs or armchair frames.

We want our furniture to help people thrive. We want it to positively impact the user’s health, the community/society, and the environment.

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