How organic waste is turned into sustainable office furniture
Heidelberg, September 20, 2024
21Upcycling is a young company from Heidelberg that develops and produces sustainable materials. State Secretary for the Environment Dr. Andre Baumann got an idea of the potential of these materials at the Heidelberg production site. The State Secretary visited the production facility where these innovative fiber composites are partly manufactured and also processed into end products such as furniture and furnishing elements.These newly developed, natural fiber composites (NFCs) consist of recycled waste materials such as textiles, industrial coffee grounds and other fiber residues. The Heidelberg company uses formaldehyde- and melamine-free binders to produce these fiber composites. This has a positive effect on the indoor climate, as no environmentally harmful toxins are used. Bio-based and sustainable materials and environmentally friendly processes create pieces of furniture that meet the highest standards in terms of quality and design. The first series production for trade fair and office equipment was presented: high tables, chairs and laminate flooring, made from over 85% recycled waste materials such as textiles and industrial coffee grounds.
Sascha Schulz, Managing Director of 21Upcycling and owner of the Schulz carpentry shop: “Customers, especially companies and authorities, are currently increasingly looking for sustainable solutions for interior design and office furniture. With our products, we supply clean, sustainable and ecological furnishings of the highest quality and durability.”
State Secretary for the Environment Dr. Andre Baumann was enthusiastic about the innovative power of the multi-award-winning start-up: “This young company impressively proves that GreenTech made in Baden-Württemberg works: What I have seen here is practical bioeconomy par excellence. With companies like 21Upcycling, the circular economy takes place locally - everything was developed, implemented and produced here in the country, by-products and waste materials are returned to the material cycle." Baumann emphasized: "It is important to us as the Ministry of the Environment to support such commendable approaches in the country as an important contribution to the regional circular economy."
"We have developed materials here from which we can produce functional and aesthetic furniture and interior fittings, and we are convinced that we can make a major contribution to resource conservation and sustainability with these newly developed materials," said Christian Wegmann, co-managing director of 21Upcycling.
