Normann Copenhagen

Mat Chair cane & fibres brown / Navy Alga

With a focus on innovation and circularity, the Mat project aims to create a Shell chair using materials with minimal environmental impact. Manufactured using an unprecedented production technique, the chair's Shell is made from Hemp or Eelgrass, a type of Navy seaweed. Durable and extremely renewable, these natural resources offer an ecological alternative to plastic. Anchored in the 3R principle of reduce, reuse and recycle, the Mat range aims to revolutionize furniture production by minimizing its environmental impact, reusing waste and facilitating recycling.

Designed by Danish design studio Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen, the Mat chair is the result of years of research and development. In the late '90s, designer Peter Hiort-Lorenzen set in motion a process that would last several decades, with the idea of transforming natural fiber into an ecological equivalent to plastic. It took many years to develop a Hemp-based material that was sufficiently strong, stable and durable over time. The length of this project illustrates just how challenging it was to innovate these production techniques: unique know-how had to be acquired and industrial expertise concentrated, given the absence of prior knowledge or precedent.

Peter Hiort-Lorenzen explains: "In 2005, we presented the first prototypes of this chair. It was a success, but the timing wasn't right, as we were experiencing manufacturing problems. In 2008, after years of research, we began testing one of the world's strongest natural fibers: hemp. And now, almost twenty years later, the Hemp material developed in collaboration with Normann Copenhagen is more responsible, and far more robust and aesthetically pleasing, than any of our previous prototypes. It's a one-of-a-kind product. ''

The Shell for the Mat Chair is made from Hemp fibers and eelgrass (Navy algae), ground and sealed with a fully recyclable binder. This mixture is cast into slabs, which are compressed to form the chair shells. Next, the edges are meticulously sanded and the surface oiled by hand, with a VOC-free Linseed oil ensuring a long-lasting, resistant finish. The slightly grainy surface enhances the natural beauty and tactile appeal of these materials.

A fast-growing plant, Hemp requires minimal watering and zero pesticides. It also absorbs carbon dioxide, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Hemp used to make Mat is harvested by local farmers in areas close to the production site. Hemp stalks are used, whereas they are usually discarded as a by-product.

Largely ignored by the industry, eelgrass is used in Denmark as a roofing material. Extremely strong and durable, this Navy alga also absorbs a significant volume of CO2. Only the eelgrass leaves that naturally wash up on the beaches of the Danish coast are collected and dried, ensuring that the plant's essential function in the underwater ecosystem is not disrupted.

The waste inevitably generated during Shell production is crushed and recycled to make new chairs, ensuring zero waste production. All components of the Mat Chair can be fully disassembled and recycled, within an entirely circular life cycle.

The minimalist silhouette of the Mat Chair prioritizes comfort and ergonomics. The Shells are mounted on simplistic Thermolacquered steel legs.

The Mat range offers a responsible alternative that makes no compromises in terms of quality and durability. With the launch of the Mat Chair, Normann Copenhagen aims to challenge the conventional perception of materials within the furniture industry, while seeking to steer it towards a more conscious future. Jan Andersen, CEO and co-founder of Normann Copenhagen: ''Replacing plastic with a natural material, such as hemp fibers, symbolizes a transition towards sustainability, innovation and a better understanding of our connection to nature. It illustrates how small steps can lead to big changes, and hopefully inspire an entire industry to think greener. ''

In detail:

• Variation : Alga (dark) / Base, legs Black

• Brand : Normann Copenhagen

• Designer : Johannes Foersom - Peter Hiort-Lorenzen

• Type : Chair

• Colour : Shell: Navy (Light) - Base, legs: Black

• Material : Shell: Eelgrass leaves (seaweed) mixed with hemp fibers, ground and sealed with a fully recyclable binder (only eelgrass leaves that naturally wash up on the beaches of the Danish coast are used) - Shell sanded and oiled by hand - Base, legs: powder-coated steel

• Dimensions : W 51.6 x D 53 cm x H 79 cm - Seat: H 45 cm
• Weight : 10.12 lb
• Characteristics : Minimal environmental impact - Ecological material using natural resources of local origin, sustainable and extremely renewable - Zero waste production (manufacturing waste reused) - Completely dismountable and recyclable - Innovative technology (many years of research) - Solid and durable, easy care: clean with a damp cloth.