’S U.S. DESIGN INDUSTRY BENCHMARK REPORT for 2024 shows that 73 percent of designers feel it is their responsibility to recommend sustainable products to their clients. And the manufacturers have heard this signal loud and clear. The 40 products shown here were selected out of 169 submissions by brands showing at or in Chicago this June. Here are some of their sustainable attributes: 11 winners utilize significant quantities of biobased, bio-sourced, or natural materials. If the products use wood, it is always FSC-certified. Many are either certified carbon neutral or made from carbon sequestering materials, and the majority offer sustainable end-of-use or end-of-life solutions—designed to be 85 to 100 percent recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable.
Never before has there been such an abundance of beauty and responsibility in furnishings and fixtures. The sustainable evolution of interior design is sure to flourish!
IMPACT ACOUSTIC ARCHISONIC COTTON
Archisonic Cotton acoustic tiles are made from cotton cellulose, a 100 percent natural by-product of the textile industry that would otherwise go to waste, without the use of harmful synthetic binders and chemicals. Unlike conventional acoustic materials, which rely on synthetic binders that are difficult to recycle, these tiles can be seamlessly returned to production at the end of their life.
TURF ARCADE
Arcade is a new compression molded ceiling tile available in five Gothic architecture–inspired tile shapes that can be combined to form vaulted panels. They have a noise-reduction coefficient of 0.95, enhanced by hollow chambers inside each tile that are created by their unique shape.
ABPURE INFINITY NEUTRAL
ABPURE Infinity is a 3 mm rubber sheet flooring that is carbon neutral without purchasing carbon credits. Organic waste is fermented in biomethanation farms to generate renewable natural gas, which is then turned into a flooring material. ABPURE Infinity is easy to maintain and disinfect without the use of harsh chemicals or wax, and comes with the best colorfastness guarantee on the market.
BENTLEY PACIFIC STANDARD TIME
Pacific Standard Time celebrates California with three carpet styles—Now/Then, Chronologies, and Lot 45—all available in tile and broadloom. Like all Bentley carpet products, Pacific Standard Time is PVC- and Red List–free as well as Cradle to Cradle Certified, is produced in a carbon-neutral facility, and carries Declare labels, EPDs, and HPDs.
HMTX INDUSTRIES TEKNOFLOR HEALTHSCAPES
Uniquely engineered with a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) as a vinyl alternative, Healthscapes TPU Flooring offers enhanced durability and infection control, helping protect the health and well-being of occupants in healing and learning environments. The collection is Red List–free and easy to maintain with a “No Buff, No Wax” regimen.
MANNINGTON COMMERCIAL LIMINAL SPACE
A new collection of carpets available in both modular tile and broadloom, Liminal Space is inspired by thresholds and transitions, a brief interlude before the next phase of life comes to pass. The collection includes five styles, is CRI Green Label Plus certified, has a third-party verified EPD and HPD, and is 105 percent carbon offset (cradle to gate).
MOHAWK GROUP SHAPE THEORY
Consisting of two distinctive but coordinating product lines, and available in 14 colorways, Shape Theory can be configured or customized to create floors that make a positive impact. Shape Theory, like all Mohawk products, is Red List–free and Living Product Challenge petal certified, supports net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, and can be salvaged with the company’s take-back program.
PATCRAFT WASTE KNOT
Waste Knot combines the benefits of both hard and soft surfaces in a 100 percent PET hybrid flooring material that can be recycled in its entirety. The collection is available in 12” x 48” planks and is offered in 12 total colors, including neutral and saturated tones that coordinate with other collections within Patcraft’s ReWorx platform.
REGUPOL UPSCALE
REGUPOL Upscale offers two unique commercial flooring products—luxury rubber tile (LRT) and luxury rubber plank (LRP)—made from recycled rubber. This new line is an alternative to terrazzo, ceramic tile, and luxury vinyl tile and plank. A blend of postconsumer tire rubber, vibrant postindustrial EPDM chips, and low-VOC binder, Upscale is available in two standard sizes: 4 mm x 8” x 36” and 4 mm x 12” x 24”.
SHAW CONTRACT ECOWORX
Art + Science is Shaw Contract’s first-ever EcoWorx Resilient collection, a PVC-free flooring product line that is fully recyclable and covered by Shaw’s Environmental Guarantee through its Re[TURN]® Reclamation program. EcoWorx Resilient has a PSI rating of 2500, with one of the highest static load limits on the market. In initial stain testing, it performed 40 percent better than LVT.
TARKETT LAYERED DUALITY
Layered Duality features a collection of four soft-surface patterns and two non-PVC plank and tile patterns. The collection’s soft surfaces are treated with Eco-Ensure, a chemistry with a C2C Certified Material Health Certificate™ at the Platinum Level that resists soiling from oils and organic materials. The entire Layered Duality collection is part of Tarkett’s ReStart® take-back and recycling program.
ALLSTEEL MAT CHAIR
Mat is a chair crafted from highly renewable, durable hemp and eelgrass. The collection encompasses dining chairs, armchairs, and several bar seating variants, all of which come in two versions of hemp or hemp with added eelgrass. All options are available with full or front upholstery in numerous options.
ARPER CATIFA CARTA
An interpretation of Arper’s Catifa 53, the Catifa Carta has a seat crafted from PaperShell, which is made out of paper, steam, and bio-resin, a natural alternative to adhesives. At the end of its life, Catifa Carta can be returned to Arper to be turned into biochar, effectively rendering the chair carbon-negative.
BERNHARDT DESIGN ICE TABLES
Designed by Daniel Germani, this collection bridges art object and commercial product. Handblown in glass, the Ice tables are instant conversation starters to enhance any room. The collection comprises tables in three sizes and three colors—cobalt blue, amber, and smoke.
BOSS DESIGN FRIDA
From the option to stow bags underneath the seat to the seamless integration of accessories, every aspect of this focus pod has been crafted with the user in mind. Frida is also easy to disassemble at its end of life for recycling purposes. An average unit contains 10.95 percent recycled materials, while 85.19 percent of its materials can be recycled.
DIVISION TWELVE CRUX
Created in collaboration with design duo Afteroom and inspired by their Swedish roots, the Crux collection consists of a café chair, a stool available in two heights, and two tables available in three heights with square or round tabletops. Crux is a certified carbon-neutral collection, BIFMA Level 2 certified, and made with FSC-certified wood.
HAWORTH BRECK
Breck features a weight-activated mechanism that easily responds to the way you sit and recline. Breck is manufactured and assembled in an ISO 14001, zero-landfill facility and is Greenguard Gold Certified. Each chair contains 58 percent recycled content, is 94 percent recyclable, and weighs only around 30 pounds.
HELLER FORTUNE CHAIR
Design duo JUMBO’s first project for Heller invites joy, luck, and a modern sensibility to indoor and outdoor spaces alike. The Fortune Chair was heavily influenced by designer Monling Lee’s background growing up in Taiwan, and references a fortune cookie. It is 100 percent recyclable and made using a high percentage of recycled postconsumer plastic.
KEILHAUER DAIS
Designed by Form Us With Love for Keilhauer, Dais is a certified carbon-neutral chair. From its elegantly simple FSC-certified ash frame to its distinctive bio-based foam seat, it proves that style and sustainability can coexist in harmony.
MANTRA INSPIRED FURNITURE UNITY TABLE COLLECTION
Unity is a collection of elevated solid wood tables designed with easy assembly and carbon abatement in mind. The base is composed of two pieces that slide together with a simple joint, and the tables are designed to be flat-packed. Unity is salvageable and reusable in its entirety, 100 percent biodegradable, compostable, and Red List–free.
MARTIN BRATTRUD AZUSA
Designed by Alyssa Coletti, Azusa tables make a big statement using just a few parts. The tabletops float above gently folded aluminum panels and can be specified in solid ash, solid walnut, stone, quartz, and solid surface. The wood tops come from sustainably managed forests with FSC certification, while the entire product is formaldehyde- and PVC-free.
MODEL NO. ESKER CHAIR
The Esker Chair is 3D printed in one continuous and wasteless process using resins upcycled from plant waste that fully biodegrade or recycle at the end of life. This year OurCarbon is partnering with Model No. to use its biochar material as a carbon-negative pigment in the Esker Chair.
TEKNION AAREA
Designed by Pearson Lloyd, Aarea unites circularity and human comfort. The chair is composed of five parts—a tubular steel frame, a bespoke 3D textile knit, an upholstered seat cushion, recycled plastic arm pads, and a recycled aluminum star base—which intelligently come apart so that the chair can be serviced or repaired easily to extend its life, and then be fully recycled at the end of its life.
FOCAL POINT POLINA
A state-of-the-art acoustic luminaire, Polina is designed to create stunning ceiling or wall arrangements or to function independently. Its unique, patent-pending dual-density PET shade design absorbs sound over a broad frequency spectrum. The luminaire is available in two sizes and offers a variety of installation options.
JANUS ET CIE CHILL COLLECTION
Chill, a collection of exterior seating and accessories with clean lines, includes two backless benches, a stool, and a large garden planter. Composed entirely of JANUSstone, a proprietary material that reinforces concrete with fiberglass for the look and longevity of solid stone at a fraction of the weight, Chill is available in four nature-inspired matte colors.
TUUCI MERITAGE COLLECTION
Designed by Dougan Clarke and suited for hospitality, commercial, and restaurant settings as well as large residences, the Meritage Collection offers a multitude of seating options, classic and deep seating size options, different arm details and styles, and two back cushion options.
SYSTEMS & SOLUTIONS
ALLERMUIR CRATE DIVIDE CURVED
Crate Divide Curved is an adaptable structure that allows users to create zones in open-plan spaces. The steel structure, which contains 50 percent recycled content and is 99 percent recyclable, can curve around a space or even enclose a circular area. It can also take on fluted curtains to add visual and acoustic privacy.
FRAMERY SMART POD
This all-new generation of smart pods provides private, fully connected spaces that are easy to book and automatically adapt to the preferences of any user. They feature sophisticated technology such as precision sensors, mmWave radar, automated lighting, and adaptive ventilation technology, while providing class-A soundproofing.
HIGHTOWER TOWARD MODULAR
This collection features two standalone sofa variations as well as a modular system with 17 unique modules and three tables to be combined for unique configurations. Hightower is a certified B Corp and all its products adhere to the guidelines of the Living Building Challenge Red List 4.0.
KNOLL COVE COLLECTION
Designed by Dan Grabowski, Cove Collection by Knoll is a minimalist collection for private offices that can be scaled to meet the needs of a range of workspaces. The collection takes full advantage of the Knoll wood finishing process, including the careful selection of pieces of veneer from the same flitch, and the processing of individual components all at once.
GOOD PLASTIC COMPANY POLYGOOD
Polygood is a sustainable material made from 100 percent recycled plastic, ideal for retail fixtures, displays, furniture, flooring, cladding, and other design elements. Polygood® is also 100 percent recyclable, and clients can return used panels and offcuts at the end of the project’s life span through a free take-back program.
URBAN EVOLUTIONS DIAMANT MEDALLION WOOD WALL PANEL
The Dimant Medallion Wall Panel translates the tradition of wood wall paneling into a modular system that is easily customizable for vertical or horizontal scaling, and is simple to install. It is made in the USA, Declare Label Red List Approved, and manufactured with solid wood and MDF that exceeds the Eco-Certified Composite Standard.
TEXTILES & WALLCOVERINGS
ARC-COM EXPLORER COLLECTION
This collection is inspired by imagery of the cosmos and its constantly evolving atmospheric conditions. Andromeda is a printed velvet, Moon Phase explores the cycles and surface of the moon, and Rover is a mid-scale pattern. All three patterns are LBC Red List–free, REACH compliant, Prop 65 compliant, and AB-2998 compliant, and meet the criteria for the Healthier Hospitals Initiative.
BRENTANO PATCHWORK
This fresh pattern is light and airy, with a pillowed effect like a matelassé, belying its complex construction. Patchwork is made from 45 percent postconsumer recycled polyester and 55 percent cotton. It comes in a 53-inch width and four colorways, lending itself to many applications.
CF STINSON SEA CHANGE
Sea Change is an inspired collection of six artisanal textiles that reflect the depth and beauty of the oceans. All fabrics in this collection utilize SEAQUAL YARN®, a high-quality, 100 percent postconsumer recycled polyester containing reclaimed ocean plastic. Every fabric combines the soft hand preferred in residential applications and the durability required in commercial spaces.
HBF TEXTILES MEMORABLE COLLECTION
Designed by Mary Jo Miller, this collection consists of Daydreamer, a fabric with ethereal swirls made from 100 percent postconsumer recycled plastic; Hefty Herringbone, a comfortable textured upholstery fabric; and Glovely, a leather produced at one of the most recognized sustainable tanneries in the world.
KVADRAT AME
Ame is an upholstery textile designed by Teruhiro Yanagihara that embodies longevity and mindful reuse in its construction and aesthetic. It is the first Kvadrat textile woven with recycled polyester made entirely from textile waste, and features a design inspired by sashiko, a traditional Japanese mending technique.
ULTRAFABRICS VOLAR BIO
The Volar Bio line of fabrics has doubled its sustainable content with a 66 percent mix of recycled, rapidly renewable, and biobased ingredients. The backcloth not only includes certified REPREVE® recycled polyester and ECOVERO™ viscose but also has Susterra® propanediol biobased resin made from regeneratively farmed U.S. dent corn.
WOLF-GORDON CROSSINGS BY DOROTHY COSONAS
Acclaimed textile designer Dorothy Cosonas has developed an upholstery collection consisting of four patterns for Wolf-Gordon. “Crossings,” named after the vertical and horizontal intersection of warp and wefts, consists of four patterns—Fable, Dreamweaver, Odyssey, and Sampler—that are all highly durable and suited to a variety of environments.
MOMENTUM TEXTILES & WALLCOVERING CIRCON
Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering has introduced the first-ever bio-sourced, carbon-neutral wallcovering substrate: Circon. Produced in partnership with Versa Designed Surfaces, Circon has dramatically lower fossil fuel–derived PVC content compared with conventional vinyl wallcoverings, but with pricing, durability, and aesthetic options comparable to conventional vinyl options.