Turning Recycled PET-Bottles and Reclaimed Wood into Furniture

Turning Recycled PET-Bottles and Reclaimed Wood into Furniture

By Marty Middlebrook  February 24th, 2017

From the kitchen bin to the kitchen bench. IKEA has launched a new kitchen range made from recycled PET and reclaimed wood.

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From the kitchen bin to the kitchen bench. IKEA has launched a new kitchen range made from recycled PET and reclaimed wood.

In collaboration with one of their suppliers, IKEA has new produced a new kitchen range called KUNGSBACKA and it is made completely from waste.

”As far as we know, this is completely new on the market,” said Anna Granath, product developer at IKEA of Sweden.

PET-bottles are made from the recyclable polyethylene therephalate but often end up in landfill. Each year approximately 100 billion PET-bottles are used by consumers. Across the world around 30% are recycled while the othersend up in landfill or a litter.

Around twenty-five half-litre PET-bottles are used to create a plastic foil which coats the reclaimed wood kitchen fronts, creating a sustainable kitchen without compromising on quality, design or price.

“Our ambition at IKEA is to increase the share of recycled materials in our products so we are looking into new ways to re-use materials, such as paper, fibre, foam and plastic, so that we can give them a new life in a new product.” Granath explained.

“The new KUNGSBACKA range is a start in turning everyday waste into beautiful furniture. At IKEA we are very conscious of the impact of waste, knowing that plastic bottles take up to 1,000 years to decompose,” said David Vine, IKEA UK & Ireland Kitchens Business Leader.

”We need to find alternatives for a circular system, where we not only think cradle to grave, rather cradle to cradle” states Grathan. “Our ambition is to increase the share of recycled materials in our products. We are looking into new ways to re-use materials, such as paper, fibre, foam and plastic, so that we can give them a new life in a new product” expresses Grathan.

“Sustainability should be for many people, not only for those who can afford it”. Like all IKEA kitchen fronts, the KUNGSBACKA range has 25-year guarantee and will be available from February, in all IKEA stores and online. New products are expected be available in August 2017.

Positive Actions

  • Next time you are building or just adding some new furniture – consider reclaiming wood and other materials – check out Make It Wood for some inspiration. 
  • Check out the Re-Use Hub for tips and tricks.
  • Almost all Australians live in a council area that collects PET for recycling check out RecyclingNearYou.com.au to find out what other materials your council collects.

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Sources 

IKEA Today 

IKEA.com 

Recycling International 

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By Marty Middlebrook

Marty started with Planet Ark in 2012 and is currently Head of Operations. "I grew up playing outside. I love that Planet Ark not only champions time in nature, but that it also demonstrates the actual benefits and positive effects for people – and how fun it is!"

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