From Plants to Plastics

Transforming nature's bounty into a beautiful sustainable mini collection.

Releaf, the brainchild of Avantium, is transforming the landscape of conventional fossil-based plastics used in bottles, packaging, and clothing with its plant-based PEF. PEF can be produced from first-generation feedstock like high fructose syrup derived from corn or wheat as well as 2nd-generation feedstock such as agricultural waste. This makes Releaf a promising alternative in our quest for eco-friendly materials. For this year's Dutch Design Week, Releaf has teamed up with design studio Hoogvliet Jongerius to create an installation that not only highlights the origins and benefits of Releaf’s biobased plastic but also underscores the urgent need for eco-friendly alternatives. The installation celebrates both the beauty and the artistic potential of the sustainable material. The versatile industrial applications of this biobased plastic—such as foils, yarns, and sheets—offer endless possibilities for creating unique textures and structures. Inspired by this diversity, the designers have crafted a mini furniture collection, including a cabinet, bench, side table, lamp, vase, and bowls. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, challenging the conventional single use perception of plastic.