The Ply Loop Chair, designed by Joris Laarman Lab, challenges the assumption that highly sculptural, futuristic forms come at the expense of sustainability. With its refined, vortex-like silhouette, the chair initially appears far removed from the biodegradable materials behind it — making its environmental credentials all the more unexpected.
The chair is fully biodegradable, if left in a forest, it would eventually return to the earth without leaving a trace. While plywood is typically considered an unsustainable material, the issue lies largely in the formaldehyde-based adhesives traditionally used to bind its layers, rather than the timber itself.
The Ply Loop Chair, designed by Joris Laarman Lab, challenges the assumption that highly sculptural, futuristic forms come at the expense of sustainability. With its refined, vortex-like silhouette, the chair initially appears far removed from the biodegradable materials behind it — making its environmental credentials all the more unexpected.
The chair is fully biodegradable, if left in a forest, it would eventually return to the earth without leaving a trace. While plywood is typically considered an unsustainable material, the issue lies largely in the formaldehyde-based adhesives traditionally used to bind its layers, rather than the timber itself.
The Ply Loop replaces these conventional glues with Plantics, a 100% plant-based resin derived from agricultural waste. Its reversible curing process allows the chair to be disassembled into its individual components, with the materials and adhesive able to be recovered and reused. The result is a piece that considers sustainability across its entire lifecycle, from material sourcing and construction to disassembly and eventual biodegradation.
The Joris Laarman Lab have utilised this concept to develop chairs, shelving and a console, all presenting themselves as refined material initiatives.
Contact
Instagram: @jorislaarmanlab
Email: info@jorislaarman.com
Website: https://www.jorislaarman.com/
