After years of extensive research, prototyping, and testing, Normann Copenhagen proudly presents Mat—a chair collection that ingeniously leverages highly renewable, durable materials of hemp and eelgrass, a type of seaweed, as superior alternatives to traditional 3D shell chair materials. Hence the name, Mat, a reference to the material innovation at the core of the design. Rooted in the principles of reduce, re-use, and recycle, the Mat collection aims to revolutionize conventional furniture production methods through minimizing environmental impact, repurposing production waste, and facilitating end-of-life recycling.
With innovation and circularity at its core, Mat is an exploration of how to create a contemporary shell chair with materials that have a lower environmental impact than the industry norm. Designed by Danish design studio Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen, this new chair design is the result of years of research and development.
CEO and Co-founder of Normann Copenhagen, Jan Andersen, explains: “When Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen approached us with their hemp chair project, we were immediately curious. Curiosity has always been a driver for Normann Copenhagen, and with our commitment to explore new, innovative production methods in mind, we embarked on a journey with Foersom & Hiort Lorenzen alongside hemp specialists from Danish Technological Institute to realize the project.”
AN INNOVATIVE PRODUCTION TECHNIQUE
For years, the furniture industry has seen numerous iterations of the same type of chair: the plastic shell chair. Meanwhile, designer Peter Hiort-Lorenzen from Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen has been working intensely on finding alternative, more sustainable solutions. In the end-1990’s, Peter initiated what would become a decades-long process, that began with the idea to transform cellulose material into shell chairs with an aim of ultimately offering an equivalent substitute for plastic.
It has taken several years to research, develop, and test the process of compressing hemp material into a shell chair that would meet the EN Level L2 testing standard for strength, stability and durability. This extensive timeline reflects the challenge of pioneering these production techniques, acquiring unique know-how and building industry expertise, given the absence of prior knowledge or precedent. Being among the first to embark on this endeavor demanded a significant investment of time to navigate and master the complexities involved.
Peter explains: “In 2005, we presented the first prototypes of the chair. Although an initial success, the timing wasn’t right, and on top of that, we were experiencing production issues. In 2008, after years of research, we started testing with one of the strongest natural fibers available: hemp. Now, some 20 years later, the hemp material we have developed in collaboration with Normann Copenhagen is more responsible, a lot sturdier and with a higher aesthetic appeal than any of the previous prototypes. It’s a one-ofits-kind product.” The result is Mat, a contemporary chair design with an unprecedented approach to materials. Using a minimalistic, ever relevant silhouette with a focus on ergonomic comfort, the collection encompasses numerous variations of dining chairs and barstools, available with and without upholstery. Utilizing the beneficial qualities naturally present in hemp, the shell is crafted primarily of hemp fibers bound together by a fully recyclable binder. The chair also comes in a characteristic version with added eelgrass, another natural resource with many advantageous qualities and a distinctive aesthetic. The shells are mounted on a simplistic powder coated steel base, available in two color options. The inevitable waste from the production of the shell is shredded and recycled for the making of new chairs, ensuring a zero-waste production.
HARNESSING THE POWER OF HEMP AND EELGRASS
The shell of the Mat Chair is innovatively crafted using hemp and eelgrass, a type of seaweed. The materials constitute the very essence of the design. Not only do the materials provide a more responsible product, they also play a key role in the aesthetic of the design, highlighting the natural beauty and tactility of the materials.
Hemp
For thousands of years, hemp has been recognized for its resilience, durability and versatility. Hemp, a rapidly renewable crop, is widely considered an environmentally friendly natural resource. It requires minimal water and zero pesticides, and fertilizers, and grows at extreme speed, enabling it to be harvested every season. In addition, it absorbs carbon dioxide, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Hemp’s CO2 absorption varies based on growth conditions, but studies indicate a hectare of hemp can capture about 15 tons of CO2 in one season. This emphasizes hemp’s potential as a tool for carbon sequestration and reducing overall CO2 footprints. The hemp used for Mat Chair is sourced from near-market regions. Here, the plant is grown for use in the food and pharma industries, who utilize the plant’s leaves and seeds. The stems, known for their remarkable resilience, have commonly been used for the textile industry, and now also for the Mat Chair.
Eelgrass
Still a widely overlooked material in almost every industry, eelgrass, a type of seaweed, possesses numerous qualities that also make it an ideal resource for furniture making. In Denmark, more specifically on the island of Læsø, there has been a century-long tradition of using the extremely resilient seaweed species as a roofing material. The natural plant absorbs significant amounts of CO2 and is known to be a strong and highly durable material with a low environmental impact and carbon emission output. Eelgrass is extremely important for the underwater ecosystem and so harvesting it would mean removing a vital resource from ocean. Instead, the eelgrass that naturally washes ashore the coastline of Denmark is collected and dried, making sure not to disrupt the plant’s essential function in its natural environment. For the production of the Mat Chair, the dried eelgrass, in combination with the milled hemp fibers, offers a grainy expression, exposing the natural beauty and tactility of the materials.
