A chair made of coffee sacks

In the pursuit of a more sustainable future, companies are increasingly looking at ways to repurpose waste into functional products. Vepa, a Dutch furniture manufacturer, and Peeze, a coffee roasting company, have teamed up to tackle this challenge by transforming used coffee sacks into durable, eco-friendly furniture. This collaboration highlights the innovative potential of reusing materials that would otherwise contribute to landfill waste.

Coffee sacks, typically made of jute, a natural fibre derived from plants, have historically been used to transport coffee beans around the world. While jute is biodegradable, the bags often wear out after several uses, posing a disposal issue. Rather than discarding these sacks, Vepa and Peeze have turned them into a valuable resource for creating furniture. The process begins with collecting the used coffee sacks, which are then treated and processed to form a sturdy, fabric-like material. This material can be applied as a covering for chairs and other furniture pieces. By doing so, the companies not only reduce the demand for virgin materials, but also offer a creative solution to waste management in the coffee industry.

This initiative fits within the broader framework of circular design, where products are created with the intention of reusing, refurbishing, or recycling materials at the end of their lifecycle. By repurposing coffee sacks, Vepa and Peeze aim to extend the lifespan of these textiles, diverting them from waste streams and giving them a second life in the form of furniture. Additionally, the use of jute as a raw material aligns with sustainable design principles. Jute is a fast-growing, renewable resource that requires minimal water and pesticides to grow, making it an environmentally friendly choice for manufacturers. As a material, it is also highly durable, which means that the furniture produced is built to last, contributing to a reduction in overconsumption and waste.

Photos: Peeze