6 Top Sustainable Materials in 2024

At A Designer At Heart, it became an annual tradition to explore the most innovative and eco-conscious products, and this year is no exception. We're excited to kick off the year with a guide to the most sustainable products of 2024. We curated a list of six materials which has not only captured our design-loving hearts but also contributes to a greener tomorrow. If those 6 are not enough for you, feel free to check out our selections from the previous years. You can do it here: 2023 and 2022. Let's dive into the future of interior design and discover the sustainable gems that are set to make a change this year.

1. VerdEco by Agua

Want to save 250 liters of water when selecting your sofa? Have a look at VerdEco, Agua's latest sustainable fabric which redefines what eco-friendly means with 100% recycled yarn and a water-free production process. Using pre-consumer textile waste, VerdEco undergoes a meticulous process, saving an average of 250 liters of water when upholstering a standard three-seat sofa— a very impactful choice for manufacturers and specifiers. VerdEco meets crib 5 and IMO inherent fire retardant standards without additional back coating, showcasing safety without compromise. While eschewing common treatments for soft fabric ranges, VerdEco remains a contemporary and versatile option for diverse projects, from modern workspaces to high-end hospitality environments. It comes in 35 beautiful shades that can complement any interior. As Agua continues its stride toward sustainability, more eco-friendly fabric collections are in development, with another set to be introduced soon.

2. Gaia from Skopos

Image courtesy of Skopos

Gaia is another eco upholstery made from 73% recycled polypropylene thanks to recycled textiles and 27% recycled polyester (post-consumer magic). It's not just a fabric; it's a nod to a greener future in interior textiles without compromising on style. This beautiful, soft, textured looped fabric in earthy tones can easily elevate your spaces adding cosiness and warmth to them. But there is more to Gaia's story – it provides a Crib 5 cotton backing, making it flameretardant and halogen-free, so there are no unwanted chemicals. Need durability? Gaia's got you covered with 50,000 Martindale rubs – perfect for the rough and tumble of hospitality and leisure spots. So, whether you want to improve your living room or specify it for a commercial project, Gaia is a good sustainable choice. We see Skopos as a very conscious brand on the right mission.

And how good does it look in our YourTRIBE South Bermondseyproject?

3. Outdoor furniture from Plastic Ethics

PLACE TIC is an innovative French group with a goal to redefine outdoor furniture. Committed to being eco-warriors, they're all about creating ethical, contemporary masterpieces using 100% recycled and recyclable plastic. No glue, no resin, no colorants – just pure materials. But what sets them apart is their new product: Polygood tiles by The Good Plastic Company, made from 100% recycled and recyclable plastic. These panels come from post-industrial plastic waste, ranging from fridges to disposable cutlery.

They have recently launched their exclusive BENCHI and INITIALE outdoor furniture collections. Made in France, these pieces represent modern elegance with their clean lines and eco-chic vibes. But they're not just stylish; they're rock-solid, thanks to highrigidity hard plastics. No wood frames are needed, making them easy to handle and stack for your balcony or terrace. Every piece is a unique work of art. PLACE TIC lets you customize your furniture, from space-saving items to one-of-a-kind creations. Their commitment to sustainability isn't just a statement; it's a lifestyle that will upgrade your outdoor spaces.

4. Fost Large Bulb, PET Felt Acoustic Lamp

Image courtesy of De Vorm

Fost Large Bulb is the perfect blend of style and functionality. It is a lampshade and an acoustic panel in one! The special fabric dampens the sounds providing acoustic comfort underneath. This 118 cm lampshade can largely elevate the aesthetics of your space. It offers a diverse range of lively colors, features a universal fitting, and brings flexibility and variety to your lighting options. The lampshade is not just a beautiful piece of furniture; it's made with PET Felt, a sustainable and durable material created from recycled plastic bottles. This innovative PET Felt technology not only streamlines production but also lets the lamp take on any form imaginable – in this case, a chic and unique ribbed pattern that defines its bold visual identity. Apart from the recycled material technology, we see a great ecological advantage of this product in its multifunctionality. Instead of 2 products - lampshade and acoustic panel, you have 1 which massively reduces the carbon footprint of your project.

5. Oceanides

This eco-friendly collection of sustainable and luxurious tables is a project developed by Alex Mint studio, a new design company from London that focuses on producing unique objects of exceptional design and high-quality materials.

There is a beautiful storyboard to this product. The name of the collection “Oceanides” is derived from the sea plant: “Posidonia Oceanica”. Based on Greek Mythology, Oceanides were mythological sea nymphs, rulers of the earth, and her deep waters.

Embodying the principles of sustainability and Earth preservation and in collaboration with local Greek workers, these sculptural pieces are made from two innovative natural materials: Peloponnesian tortora marble and "Posidonia Oceanica. The choice was driven following thorough research about natural, renewable resources, where it was discovered that sea flora has incredible capabilities of cleaning the oceans and converting CO2 into oxygen. The leaves are collected from Meditteranean coasts for upcycling instead of being landfilled.

6. Reduced Paper Bin by Muuto

We love this very simple Reduce Paper Bin – the eco superhero of waste management! Crafted with the art of reduction in mind, this bin isn't just about cutting back on paper; it's about minimizing raw material, waste, and unnecessary frills to give you a sleek and sophisticated daily essential. Made entirely from 100% recycled ABS plastic sourced from post-consumer waste, it's a straightforward design with a soft and welcoming shape. Delving into the realm of psychology, the idea of having a recycled bin can be a thoughtprovoking experience. Imagine every toss becoming a moment of reflection as you interact with this eco-conscious bin. With each item discarded, the recycled bin subtly nudges you to contemplate your consumption habits, fostering a mindful connection between your actions and the environment. This amazing product is a gentle reminder to ponder the impact of our daily choices. That is our sneak peek into the world of sustainable materials of 2024 that not only elevate your interiors but also give a little bit to Mother Earth. These sustainable materials aren't just additions to your space; they're contributors to your well-being, creating spaces that not only look good but feel good too. Embrace the green revolution in design with us – your space and your soul will thank you! 🙏