MateriO displayed the transformative power of sustainable materials at Maison&Objet 2023 in its Second Life exhibition, where discarded items find new life as innovative design treasures.
Paris, September 7 – 11, 2023—The summer edition of Maison&Objet has drawn its curtains, leaving behind a trail of enchanting discoveries that perfectly encapsulated the theme of the event: the pursuit of delights. This year’s iteration of the renowned interior design fair transformed exhibition spaces into havens of well-being, where design seamlessly blended joy and celebration while maintaining a delicate balance between conscientiousness and the desire to re-enchant our daily lives.
The pursuit of delights was not merely a theme but a resounding call to rediscover exuberance, to break free from the austerity that has permeated both society and brands in response to global challenges. The event brought together an array of brands and designers who embraced vibrant colors, extravagance, audaciousness, and humor in their creations, rekindling the enchantment in our lives.
One standout highlight of the event was the “Second Life” exhibition by matériO’, the global library of innovative and unique materials. The exhibition showcased materials born from reclamation, recycling, and regeneration. Visitors were greeted with an original spring-mounted scenography that emphasized materials sourced from discarded items, excess stock, and waste materials, all given a new lease on life.
The materials, presented in large PMMA cylinders hovering 1.70 meters above the ground, seemed to defy gravity, evoking a sense of wonder. At the base of each cylinder lay the discarded items, transformed into “secondary raw materials.” Guests strolled through this material wonderland, marveling at the possibilities, and received comprehensive information to incorporate these magical materials into their architectural, decorative, or creative projects. Among the treasures on display were scale paper, denim wood, yogurt pots turned into panels, flooring crafted from used leather belts, shrimp shell foam, tire tiles, insulation blocks made from popcorn, and rigid plates composed of cigarette butts, among others.
Maison&Objet 2023 reaffirmed that design can be a powerful tool for rekindling joy and enchantment in our lives, showcasing how creativity and sustainability can go hand in hand. The event’s celebration of the pursuit of delights not only offered a glimpse into the future of interior design but also served as a reminder that beauty, innovation, and responsible consumption can coexist harmoniously, inspiring us to embrace the magic of design in our daily lives.
Polygood: Transforming Industrial Waste into Eco-material
On display next to the Second Hand exhibition by MateriO, the Polygood panels by The Good Plastic Company. Polygood’s journey begins with an inspiring commitment to recycling, as it is crafted entirely from 100% recycled plastic. What sets this eco-material apart is not just its origin but the captivating narratives woven into each unique pattern. The panels of Polygood are born from a diverse array of post-consumer and post-industrial plastic waste sources. This includes everything from discarded refrigerators and single-use cutlery to retired electronics and industrial consumables. The result is a versatile material that can be employed in various applications such as wall panels, shelving, retail counters, displays, signage, and storage solutions. Imagine a store, hotel reception, or office space breathing new life into 5-10 tonnes of recycled plastic.
Polygood represents the largest panel size available on the market. With a standard panel size of 1400x2800mm and the ability to deliver oversized panels reaching up to 4m², Polygood offers versatility that few can match.
Behind the scenes, the company is also working tirelessly to enhance its recycling capabilities. The development and patenting of equipment to process plastic from various waste streams enable the collection of valuable data parameters, including temperature and melting points, pressure, time, and melt flow index.
To further solidify its commitment to sustainability, The Good Plastic Company collaborates with large recycling centers across Europe. These centers play a crucial role in collecting and sorting plastics, both post-consumer and post-industrial. Thanks to partnerships with large-scale recyclers, the company can consistently produce high volumes of Polygood panels. Currently operating two factories in the Netherlands and Ukraine, they have the capacity to manufacture over 1,000 tonnes of recycled plastic panels annually, effectively meeting industrial-scale demand.
As the world continues its quest for sustainable alternatives, Polygood stands tall as a shining example of what is possible when creativity and commitment converge to create a brighter tomorrow.
