How Mater’s “Made From Waste” Collection Is Changing The Sustainability Game

We take great pride in our workshop partners, all of whom make their own daily efforts to produce more sustainable, ethically-sourced, organic, USA-made, handmade furniture that can improve our customers’ lives. One partner with a particularly innovative approach to their sustainability goals is Mater, who uses patented technology to create their very own unique materials from upcycled plastic, fiberglass, and other industrial waste. A global brand based in Copenhagen since 2006, Mater produces stunning, modern furniture that’s not only durable, but also able to be reprocessed into new furniture again and again. Here’s what you should know about their collection, and their pioneering work to reduce waste for our planet through the manufacturing of circular furniture materials:

Upcycling In Style

You may have heard the term, “upcycling,” and wondered whether it’s just another name for recycling. While both processes are great ways to minimize the amount of waste we produce, and help make the Earth a little greener too, upcycling is the process of creating an entirely new use for a product that may have very little to do with its original purpose, while recycling simply breaks a product down to its base materials, to then be similarly reused again. Mater’s goal was not only to manufacture more sustainable furniture pieces, but to expand the possibilities of sustainability in the furniture-making industry, and to do that, they knew they needed to take a bolder, more forward-thinking approach.

“Rooted in the Danish design tradition, the aim was to change the way people think about sustainably made furniture.”

– Mater founder, Henrik Marstrand

The Mater Circular Approach

In an effort to design timeless pieces of the highest quality, while also reducing unnecessary waste and pollution, Mater’s patented technology combines discarded materials that range from plastic, aluminum, and fiberglass, to mango tree wood, coffee shell waste, spent grain from beer, and even fishing nets! These distinct materials then become one of 5 different shades of Mater Circular Material, which can be applied to press molding, and turned into the furniture pieces that make up their “Made From Waste” collection. This inventive procedure promotes the concept that we can, and should, ensure we always get the most out of our resources, and that style and form do not need to suffer as a result. By capturing carbon from the environment into the process of furniture-making instead of leaving it to linger in our air, water, and landfills, Mater not only reduces the amount of greenhouse gasses that are emitted to craft these exceptional pieces, but it also goes one step further to help reduce the gasses already present from other industries as well. In the end, these finished pieces are alluring and elegant to look at with swirling lines and delicate waves that give the appearance of stone, terrazzo, and even marble. Naturally water-repellent, and made to last (or be reprocessed even further), this collection is literally turning the tables and the tides on what’s possible!

What’s Good For Mother Earth Is Good For Mater

The name “Mater” comes from the Latin word for “mother,” and there may be no title more fitting for this sustainably-forward company than one that calls Mother Earth to the forefront. With values that are aligned with the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development, Mater crafts high quality pieces that showcase effortless simplicity, and classic beauty through environmentally-responsible methods. In doing so, they’re also helping to revolutionize the furniture-manufacturing industry by inspiring other companies and brands to follow their lead. As their founder, Henrik Marstrand describes it: “Design influences how we as humans live our lives; it shapes values, culture and society. As a manufacturer, we have the opportunity to rethink dubious practices and create ethical and sustainable design that minimizes adverse social and environmental impacts.”

We’re proud to work with Mater, whose mission to encourage the world toward more sustainable thinking aligns so seamlessly with our own core values. As they continue to explore more cutting-edge and eco-friendly materials to push the boundaries that can benefit our global future, we hope you’ll check out their complete “Made From Waste” collection to see how you might incorporate some of these wonderful efforts into your own living spaces.