Although the circular economy requires creativity, Normann Copenhagen took on the challenge by developing a new material that outperforms many traditional manufacturing materials in both durability and carbon footprint. As much as 75% of the seat of the Mat chairs is made from rapidly renewable hemp. The minimalist and always relevant cup chair is designed to cover numerous variations, from dining chairs to bar stools, available both upholstered and non-upholstered. A personalized version of the chair is also being made, with seaweed incorporated into the material – another natural resource with remarkable properties and distinctive aesthetics.
The chair collection includes dining chairs, armchairs, and three bar stools, all available in two frame materials: pure hemp or hemp combined with seaweed. The chairs can also be ordered with upholstered seats or fully upholstered.
The new innovative materials have a significantly smaller environmental impact than traditional manufacturing methods. These new natural materials not only offer a more responsible product but also form the aesthetic core of the design, highlighting the natural beauty and texture of the materials. Leftover materials from the production of the Mat chair seats are shredded and recycled into new chair production materials, ensuring zero-waste production.
The Mat chair series, designed by Danish design studio Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen, was realized in collaboration with the Danish Technological Institute.
Mat Chair Collection: A Result of Decades of Development
The story of Normann Copenhagen’s Mat chair collection began in the 1990s when designer Peter Hiort-Lorenzen started researching alternative, more sustainable solutions to the traditional plastic chair. The result of decades of research, the material used in the Mat chair involves shredding hemp plant stems, mixing them with recyclable binding agents, casting them into sheets, and pressing them into the seat shape. The carefully designed process ensures that the materials’ recyclability is not compromised and can be recycled into new production at the end of the product’s lifecycle.
Normann Copenhagen’s new Mat chair collection’s transformative nature makes it suitable for various spaces, from restaurants and classrooms to hotel lobbies and private homes.
A Responsible Alternative That Meets Market Demands
Since its founding, Normann Copenhagen has aimed to challenge traditional thinking by designing different products – and now also materials. In recent years, this philosophy has gained particular significance and reinforces the brand’s commitment to a more sustainable business model by exploring innovative, circular approaches. The Mat collection is a direct response to the market’s demand for more responsible alternatives that don’t compromise on quality or durability. Normann Copenhagen’s CEO and founding member Jan Andersen elaborates:
“The story of replacing plastic with natural hemp fibers symbolizes the shift towards sustainability, innovation, and a deeper connection with nature. It shows how small steps can lead to significant changes.”
For more information on the new Mat chair collection’s options, prices, and delivery times, contact our familiar OOT-DRK team. The chairs are in production and available for order immediately.
