Location: Der Grüne Punkt, Cologne – DE / Architect: Sabine Szkowron – angestellte Architektin HW Pütz / Photography: Mattias Heynen

Der Grüne Punkt, Cologne (DE)

Der Grüne Punkt was founded in 1990 in Germany for the nationwide collection of used waste packaging with the aim of extracting raw materials and thus creating a closed loop economy. This system was the first of its kind worldwide and today Der Grüne Punkt is still a leading supplier. All activities are aimed at preventing the waste of raw materials and minimising the impact on the climate and the natural environment.

Furniture
Because of the organisation’s growth and ambitions, Der Grüne Punkt moved to new, sustainable premises in Cologne (DE) in June 2020. In this building, their own recyclates based on almost 100% recycled household waste have been used, including in the floor and various objects in the building. New furniture was required for the meeting rooms, canteen and other key areas. The necessary requirements were set for the chairs and bar stools, such as good sitting comfort for various purposes, a businesslike look and, of course, a sustainable character. In addition, it was a must that their own recyclate would be used in the furniture.

“How special; we produce the raw materials for the shell parts of the Curvy Circular chairs and use these chairs in our office.”

Norbert Völl – Press Officer Der Grüne Punkt

From waste to recyclate
Der Grüne Punkt’s recyclate is produced after a careful process starting with the collection of waste. After sorting the household waste, plastic suitable for recycling is crushed into small pieces. After removal of residual metals, the plastic shreds are washed and pulverised into smaller particles. Dark and light particles are then separated using an innovative technique.

The plastic chips are mixed with pigment to achieve the desired colour composition. By means of a heating process, the chips are fused into ultra-pure granules, the basic material for plastic products. The granules are odour-neutral, resistant to discolouration and offer a truly environmentally friendly alternative for the production of new plastic products.

Curvy Circular chair
In close cooperation with Der Grüne Punkt, Casala has produced chairs whose seat and back are made of 100% recycled plastic. The frames of the Curvy Circular chairs are made of steel with the maximum acceptable recycled content and are finished with sustainable Chrome III.

The result: a high quality and sustainably designed chair with a strong frame and shell parts made of 100% recycled plastic! What’s more, the total saving on CO2 emissions for this project – compared to new chairs with standard plastic seats and backrests – is approximately 1340 Kg CO2. For both Der Grüne Punkt and Casala, the production of the Curvy Circular chairs is an important project given the demands placed on technique, quality and innovation.

“Curvy Circular chairs are the first high quality products made from 100% recycled plastic.”

Norbert Völl – Press Officer Der Grüne Punkt

Ambition
The production of Curvy Circular chairs underlines the application possibilities and the trend towards more use of additive-free recycled plastics. For Casala, the Curvy Circular chair gives a new dimension to our philosophy: ‘Design linked to Functionality’.

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