Leading companies and startups showcased eco-design principles and circular practices as the future of the design industry at Feria Habitat Valencia 2024.
September 30 – October 3—At Feria Hábitat Valencia 2024, established companies and startups came together with the common goal of fostering a circular economy within the design sector. Some firms showcased their most innovative collections, demonstrating how cutting-edge design can seamlessly integrate sustainable practices, proving that meaningful contributions to environmental responsibility are not only possible but essential in the modern design industry. Others contributed by organizing prestigious awards that spotlight professionals who have excelled in their commitment to sustainability.
Under Eco-Design Criteria with Andreu World
Andreu World, an international company specializing in 100% circular economy furniture design, is committed to giving furniture a second life through services such as repair, refurbishment, and reuse of seating.
At Feria Habitat Valencia 2024, the company highlighted its approach through innovative collections before thousands of professional buyers.
The Brezal collection is manufactured under eco-design processes and criteria. Each element of the collection is thoughtfully designed to reduce environmental impact and promote responsible practices. The materials used in the collection are Cradle to Cradle® certified, ensuring sustainable production and recyclability at the end of the product’s life. Additionally, the wood used is FSC® 100%, sourced from responsibly managed forests, while the aluminum is 100% recyclable, further supporting the conservation of natural resources. See images below (courtesy of the company).
Andreu World’s initiatives aim to foster a more sustainable approach to design, manufacturing, and distribution, prioritizing global well-being, social equity, and environmental sustainability. Every piece is designed with its full life cycle in mind, ensuring that its environmental footprint remains as low as possible.
The company also presented the Connect table, which features a fully recyclable aluminum structure. Additionally, the Gala Executive line of corporate armchairs emphasizes sustainability, with all internal components made from 100% recycled and recyclable Pure ECO® thermopolymer. This ensures that their products uphold environmental responsibility from creation to end-of-life, establishing a fully sustainable chain throughout the product lifecycle. See images below (courtesy of the company).
Furthermore, the upholstery work on its Bolete chairs is completed over an internal shell made of Pure ECO® thermopolymer, which is composed entirely of recycled materials and is both fully recyclable and reusable. See images below (courtesy of the company).
Reuse, Refurbishment, and Upcycling with Alaska Circular
Another significant participant in this growing shift toward sustainability in the design industry is Alaska Circular. This innovative startup has developed a digital platform dedicated to buying and selling high-quality second-hand furniture, as well as restored and revalued pieces. Thanks to its large community of skilled restorers, the company is able to perform a wide variety of restoration and conservation projects, utilizing a broad range of techniques and materials.
Alaska Circular’s services, which include delivery, assembly, professional photography, and storage, cater not only to individual clients but also to professionals in the industry. By doing so, the company helps other businesses within the sector expand their operations and contribute to the overarching goal of sustainability.
During Feria Hábitat Valencia, Alaska Circular hosted the prize-giving ceremony for the Alaska Circular Awards, which recognize outstanding achievements in circular design. These awards honor excellence across three key categories: manufacturers committed to eco-conscious production, restorers who breathe new life into existing pieces, and upcycling companies that creatively transform materials into valuable new products. Through these awards, the industry can celebrate and elevate the leaders who are driving sustainability forward.
Sustainability has indeed become a key criterion in the design world, encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly practices aimed at reducing environmental impact. Through these collective efforts, companies and innovators alike are working together to manufacture a better, more sustainable world.
