Wieger Hes says that “Visitors respond positively, are very surprised by the developments at the material level and are happy that this is a visible trend.” Amidst the bustle of the crowd, several questions arise as people are introduced to the world of Biobased Design: what materials is this cabinet made of, and how are these materials compressed? How does this cabinet differ from other shelving, and what does regenerative mean?

Conservation: Reuse with healthy materials

Biobased Design focuses on preserving our environment and promoting responsible material use. The platform actively encourages the reuse of high-quality materials and components that remain healthy during their second life. This goes beyond simple recycling, which can have negative effects in the process. Preserving materials at the component level is crucial to minimizing environmental impact.

“The playful and modular design offers the opportunity to adapt to changing needs, which is very inspiring.”

Restoration: Giving back to nature

All new materials produced according to our biobased design philosophy are 100% biobased and 100% biodegradable. These materials play a crucial role in the recovery of our planet by storing CO₂ and creating a healthier living environment. 

The challenge we are facing is to find solutions and materials that grow faster than we consume and produce more CO₂ Save. Our partners have innovative solutions for these challenges: Vanhier, Stadshout, Seawood by BlueClocks, Ecor, and De Eekhoorn.

“What I like is that there is a great diversity of pioneering materials!” – response to the Dutch Design Week

Which materials are used?

SeawoodSeaWood is 100% natural, compostable, and chemical-free. It's produced by the amazing team at Blue Blocks in the innovative BlueCity in Rotterdam. The material is based on the results of the Maasplaat Project, which led to several product prototypes that have been tested. SeaWood is the next step in realizing Blue Blocks' ambition to have a huge positive impact on the climate.

Paulownia seems like a miracle wood. It absorbs almost 10 times more CO₂ More durable than average wood, it grows into a hive in just 10 years and delights the bees. To launch our biobased design, we're currently using Paulownia wood from Europe and will begin planting our own field in 2024. 

BioM VanHierThe cool covers are made by local artisans in Loosdrecht (NL) using reeds or grass clippings from various nature reserves in the Netherlands. Three ingredients are needed to make BioM sheet material: natural fibers, a filler, and a binder. Each natural fiber has a unique appearance.

City Wood AmsterdamWe source our most precious and beautiful pieces from Stadshout, a local sawmill in Amsterdam (NL), whose mission is to give every piece of urban wood a new purpose. Stadshout is a small-scale sawmill with an annual processing capacity of 2,500m³.

Regenerate: Building a new socio-economic system

Biobased Design involves building a new socio-economic system that revolves around bringing innovative makers, producers, and businesses to market. A regenerative system strives for conservation and restoration while also fueling the economy. It contributes to a healthy future by creating materials that grow faster than they are used, enabling an endless lifespan and a positive environmental impact.

Biobased Design at Dutch Design Week

During Dutch Design Week, New Economy and Studio Brian Kersbergen are introducing "Biobased Design." This platform offers designers the opportunity to create biobased and regenerative designs and contributes to connections and education about regeneration. The highlight of the event is the "Regenerative Modular Cabinet (RMC)." This piece of furniture is Biobased Design's first project and represents a regenerative vision of design and materials.

“I think it's great that you can also build it yourself!” – response to the Dutch Design Week

The RMC goes beyond traditional furniture design; it's designed to grow, adapt, and redesign, promoting a new eco-approach. With the RMC, materials can be redesigned and reused, extending the lifespan of products and components and thus avoiding unnecessary resource consumption and land use.

General impression of the Dutch Design Week

“I am excited that the trend of natural materials is returning at the material and product level.” – Wieger Hes

Many innovations at Dutch Design Week revolve around the reuse of materials and the promotion of biodiversity. A few exceptional examples include Urban Reef, which stimulates biodiversity in cities through 3D printing of natural materials that can support living organisms. Claudy Jongstra Weved, of Royal Vriesco Projects, makes curtains from sheep's wool that would otherwise be burned. MySpeaker is a concept that uses mycelium to form speakers. Finally, Plantpixel, a green facade that generates CO2, is a valuable resource.₂ saves energy and is beneficial for the insulation value of the building.

Join the Regenerative Design Revolution

Find out how to Biobased Design philosophy can find a place in your living room. Everyone can be a biobased designer and contribute to the regenerative revolution. Together we work towards a healthy future where conservation, restoration, and regeneration are central.