X Bench: 3D Printed Seating From Recycled Plastic Waste
The X Bench by Rotterdam-based studio The New Raw shows how recycled plastic and digital fabrication can shape durable, expressive furniture. This two-person rocking bench transforms plastic waste into a functional design object. It suits both indoor and outdoor environments.
A Sculptural Design That Encourages Interaction
The bench features two intersecting volumes that form a strong yet playful structure. Its geometry allows a gentle rocking movement and invites users to interact. This makes the X Bench ideal for public spaces, hospitality settings, and open interiors.
The bench measures 140 cm in length and 76 cm in height. It offers comfortable seating for two people without taking up much space. The layered texture, created by 3D printing, adds visual depth and improves tactile comfort.
Turning Plastic Waste Into Valuable Material
The X Bench uses recycled polypropylene (rPP) as its main material. Each bench contains around 55 kilograms of recycled plastic. This helps reduce waste and lowers environmental impact. The production process saves approximately 143 kilograms of CO₂ per bench.
Instead of hiding the recycled nature of the material, The New Raw highlights it. Subtle variations in colour and texture remain visible. These differences give each bench a unique appearance and tell the story of its origin.
Robotic 3D Printing Meets Circular Design
The New Raw combines robotic 3D printing with a hands-on design approach. This method allows precise control over the form while keeping the material expressive. The result is a strong, weather-resistant product that can be fully recycled.
The studio designs each piece with circularity in mind. At the end of its life, the bench can be reprocessed into new products. This approach supports a closed-loop system and reduces material waste.
Source: The New Raw
Photos: Michele Margot