Project: Kelpwood & Bioplastic
Funded by: Nordic Innovation
Our role: Lead partner
Type: Cross-industry innovation project
Focus: Material development, furniture and object design, communication
Year: 2023–2024
Two marine resources rarely get a second thought: cultivated sugar kelp and the invasive Pacific oyster. We brought together partners across the entire value chain, from kelp farmers to the property owner, to turn both into fully biodegradable materials, free from fossil ingredients, synthetic glues and binders.
Kelp proved the harder material to tame. Through a series of prototypes, including acoustic panels and pellets for large-format 3D printing, we developed Kelpwood, a soft foamed material made from kelp and wood pulp with strong sound-absorbing properties. The work was followed by a 25 MSEK investment round in our kelp farm partner, led by Inter IKEA Group, to further develop seaweed-based materials.
The oyster shells became a biodegradable bioplastic. Within the project, we used it to design the Gigas coffee table, the Infauna lamp and a conference table, and to build a full-scale Vättersnipa boat with artist Jenny Nordmark. The material later also became the Caillou seating collection and our freestanding Shelf Life is available in it.
Press
The pieces have been shown at Stockholm Furniture Fair, Salone del Mobile, Grand Designs Live and Surface Design, featured on SVT and acquired by companies and private collectors.
