The application of biobased materials is expanding across design sectors, with construction materials increasingly being adapted for use in furniture and interiors. US-based company Plantd has introduced its grass-based structural panels into the commercial furniture market through a collaboration with Studio TK.

From Construction To Interior Applications

Plantd’s panels were originally developed as an alternative to oriented strand board (OSB) for the construction industry. Made from fast-growing perennial grasses, the material is designed to offer structural performance while using a rapidly renewable resource. The grasses absorb carbon during growth, contributing to the material’s lower environmental impact compared to conventional engineered wood products.

The collaboration with Studio TK represents an extension of this material into furniture applications, indicating potential for broader use across product and interior design.

Material Efficiency And Functional Versatility

In furniture manufacturing, different engineered wood products are typically used depending on performance requirements. Plywood is often applied for structural strength, while MDF or HDF are selected for smooth finishes and detailing. According to Plantd, its panels are designed to perform across these applications, potentially reducing the need for multiple material types within a single product.

This consolidation may contribute to simplified sourcing and production processes. At the same time, the use of a biobased feedstock aligns with ongoing efforts in the design industry to incorporate materials with a lower environmental impact.

Integration In Commercial Furniture

The material is currently used in Studio TK’s Clique Luxe bench collection, designed by Mario Ruiz. The benches are intended for use in commercial interiors such as workplaces, hospitality environments and shared spaces. Plantd panels serve as the primary structural component, while the design incorporates upholstered elements and refined detailing.

This application demonstrates how alternative structural materials can be integrated into furniture without significantly altering established design and manufacturing approaches.

Production And Material Development

Plantd’s production system combines agricultural cultivation with automated manufacturing processes. By using perennial grasses as raw material, the company aims to provide an alternative to timber-based panels while maintaining consistency and scalability in production.

The introduction of these panels into furniture reflects a wider development in material innovation, where solutions initially developed for the construction sector are being explored for use in interiors and product design. For designers, this may expand the range of available materials when considering environmental performance alongside technical requirements.

Source: GlobeNewswire
Photos: Studio TK