a sustainable revolution has sprung at pedrali as the 100% made in italy manufacturer inaugurates ‘recycled grey’ in their first chairs – the ‘remind’ by eugeni quitllet and the ‘babila XL’ by odo fioravanti. the two are made from 100% recycled plastic. this is in their aim of reducing their impact on the environment – as a brand and for their own customers.
recycled polypropylene used in pedrali’s production process
the push for a more sustainable portfolio is challenged by the need to balance the manufacture of high quality products whilst minimizing the negative environmental impact of the design process. pedrali achieves this with ‘recycled grey’. the new material is made 50% from plastic material post-consumer waste and 50% from plastic material industrial waste. the former comes from products that have been used and duly recycled, such as plastic bottles of food packaging, whereas the latter is part of the brand’s production process where they reintegrate its industrial waste. characterized in a grey hue, the result features high resistance and durability needed for prolonged use, and its antistatic finishes ensure they are easy to clean, maintain and sanitize.
‘this blend allows us to manufacture high quality green products with excellent mechanical performance. obtaining 50% of this material from post-consumer waste means selecting, sorting and recovering a material that would otherwise be discarded. instead, by conducting precise tests and analyses, we can create the ideal raw material for use in furniture,‘ explains the company’s joint CEO, giuseppe pedrali.
‘remind recycled grey’ chair designed by eugeni quitllet
the ‘remind recycled grey’ chair designed by eugeni quitllet is the first of two pedrali products made from this material. inspired by the soft, sinuous curves of the wooden chairs of 19 century, the romantic design is distinguished with a completely new feel. it is functional, versatile and now more sustainable. its lightweight appearance remains thanks to its dotted seat and backrest. the chair is also still suitable for both outdoor and indoor use.
the ‘recycled grey’ version of the ‘babila XL armchair by odo fioravanti
(above: ‘remind recycled grey’ chair designed by eugeni quitllet)
debuting as part of their new ideas 2020, odo fioravanti creates a ‘recycled grey’ version of the ‘babila XL armchair. the design alternates between the rational, straight lines of its supports and the curves of its large shell. this highlights the link between the artificial world of industrial products and the natural world of the human body. the polypropylene seat, which embraces the sitter in a comforting cocoon, is made from recycled plastic.
the ‘recycled grey’ version of the ‘babila XL armchair by odo fioravanti
the ‘recycled grey babila XL’ pushes pedrali’s statement on sustainable even further. its legs can be made from different materials, such as wood or metal, to add character and style variants as well as deliver improved environment standards. when fitted with wooden legs, the product is 100% green. timber sourced from managed forests in line with strict environmental, social and economic regulations – FSC® C114358 certified in fact – is used.
pedrali wooden furniture elements are made from FSC® C114358 certified timber
last but not least in their ongoing sustainable revolution, pedrali has finished its wooden parts in water-based paints since 2018. up to 40% of raw materials sourced from waste plant substances deliver durability, chemical and light-resistance, and industrial usability. it also ensures a substantial decrease in volatile organic compounds, contained in normal paints, to deliver healthier and less hazardous working environments, less air pollution and reduction in CO2 emissions.
their paint is made from up to 40% of raw materials sourced from waste plant substances
‘we produce everything in-house, in our production plants at mornico al serio (near bergamo) and at manzano (near udine). this allows us to oversee the entire production process, using the latest-generation machinery and equipment, as well as high quality, sustainable materials,‘ says the company’s joint CEO, monica pedrali. ‘the purpose of the sustainable philosophy that my brother giuseppe and I are pursuing by converting industrial and post-consumer waste into raw material is to safeguard the planet, in line with the principle of circular economy aimed at eliminating waste.‘
project info:
brand: pedrali
material: recycled grey
products: remind chair and babila XL armchair
designers: eugeni quitllet and odo fioravanti