The urgent need to tackle the climate crisis and establish a functional circular economy is driving innovation within the furniture and interior design industry. interzum 2025, the leading international trade fair for furniture production and interior design, will feature the trend forum "Materials & Nature", focusing on bio-circular materials that are revolutionising the sector.
The Hemp chair by Vepa, made from discarded jute coffee sacks.
Professor Sascha Peters, a materials expert and curator of the forum, emphasised the importance of adopting circular business models in the furniture industry. He stated, 'In response to the climate crisis, we are currently in the midst of a major transition towards a functional circular economy. A key factor here is the adoption of circular business models, particularly in the interior design industry. We believe that redesigning product groups and cultivating a new understanding of materials offers the greatest potential when it comes to furniture production.'
The special exhibition area will showcase a variety of sustainable solutions, highlighting innovative approaches to using bio-circular materials. As the furniture industry traditionally uses a combination of natural and synthetic materials, these new methods aim to significantly reduce CO2 emissions and promote closed product cycles. Prof. Peters explained, 'These not only provide opportunities to significantly reduce CO2 emissions but also help to close product cycles.'
Prof. Sascha Peters (centre) at the trend forum Materials & Nature at interzum 2023.
Among the most exciting innovations on display are plastic-free solutions for upholstered furniture, lightweight construction materials made from fast-growing fibres, and biodegradable adhesives derived from protein sources. Visitors will also see groundbreaking products such as adhesive made from chicken feathers, filling materials from fruit kernels, and 3D-printed furniture made from orange peel. Prof. Peters noted, 'The current range of innovations in this area is enormous.'
Bio-fabrication, a key driver of innovation in the sector, will also be featured. This technique utilises natural growth processes to create materials, such as fungal mycelium tables with linoleum surfaces and leather substitutes made from bacterial nano-cellulose. Prof. Peters highlighted the potential of bio-fabrication, stating, 'Bio-fabrication is currently a major catalyst for innovation among suppliers to the furniture industry.'
The exhibition also addresses the evolving aesthetic standards of bio-circular materials, as products are increasingly designed to preserve their natural qualities without synthetic coatings. This approach supports sustainability by allowing materials to be recycled and reintroduced into the production cycle. Prof. Peters remarked, 'Bio-circularity is contingent on the materials employed being left in their natural state, i.e., not coated in, or combined with, synthetic substances.'
interzum 2025 aims to inspire industry leaders to embrace sustainable practices by showcasing cutting-edge materials and innovative production methods. As the demand for responsible manufacturing grows, the forum will serve as a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange.
More information:
interzum
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