Swedish Studio Unveils Kelp Chair Made From Ocean Algae

FDT Bureau

Swedish design studio Interesting Times Gang has introduced a new iteration of its innovative Kelp chair, now crafted from seaweed instead of recycled plastic. Initially launched in 2022, the original Kelp chair was constructed from recycled fishing nets and wood pulp, drawing inspiration from the graceful forms of ocean vegetation. However, the studio has long aimed to create a version of the chair using actual macroalgae, known as kelp, which is gaining importance in the development of bio-based materials. Know more about it on FURNITURE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (FDT). Reportedly, macroalgae play a vital role in capturing carbon and produces at least 50 per cent of Earth’s oxygen. According to the studio, scaling up the cultivation and utilization of kelp has a pivotal role when it comes to mitigating the effects of climate change. The chair is crafted from Nordic sugar kelp, a type of brown seaweed found in the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans. This kelp is transformed into a bioplastic material used for 3D printing the chair. The Sugar Kelp chair can be paired with a cushion made from the same source material. The upholstery is crafted from Keel Labs’s seaweed-based Kelsun fiber, while the foam filler is derived from kelp biofoam developed by Norwegian startup Agoprene. Interestingly, the chair is designed to be biodegradable at the end of its life cycle, aligning with principles of sustainability and environmental responsibility. Designed by Alexander Westerlund under the Interesting Times Gang brand, the Kelp chair represents a fusion of innovative design and eco-conscious materials. Its dimensions measure 400mm X 500mm X 840mm, and it features a sleek Light Umber colour/finish. The use of Nordic sugar kelp and a bioplastic blend of PLA and PHA underscores the studio’s commitment to exploring alternative, nature-inspired materials in furniture design. Image credit: Interesting Times Gangs