Milan Design Week Unveils Seven Sustainable Innovations
Milan Design Week showcased a mix of eye‑catching installations and a growing emphasis on low‑impact materials, as dozens of brands displayed new products that aim to cut waste and lower carbon footprints.
From recyclable curtains to modular furniture
Spanish studio Kriskadecor marked its 100‑year anniversary with custom mesh curtains made from 100 percent recyclable aluminium. The two profiles, Kriska and Snina, offered finishes ranging from durable to delicate, and the cascading displays at the Salone del Mobile booth attracted visitors like bees to honey.
Arper introduced its Aom collection, a versatile indoor‑outdoor line built from just two components: a lightweight polypropylene structure and a recyclable polyester elastomer called Breathair. By eliminating polyurethane padding, the furniture becomes easier to recycle. The collection also includes a lounge chair by Doshi Levien named Cari, which is designed for complete disassembly at the end of its life, and an expanded Catifa (RE) 46 series that now features upholstered versions made from a fully recyclable plastic shell.
Bathhouse, booths and beyond
Kohler’s Flamingo Estate Bathhouse, installed in the Padiglione d’Arte Contemporanea, combined a copper‑toned brutalist exterior with wildflowers and pollinator baths intended to support birds, bees and butterflies. Inside, a freestanding enameled cast‑iron bathtub—comprising 80 percent recycled material—was set against floor‑to‑ceiling stained glass, highlighting a blend of design and ecology.
Fisher & Paykel created an immersive forest‑themed booth that showcased appliances built from locally sourced New Zealand Tōtara softwood, featuring a subtle grooved texture. The display included modular induction cooktops, integrated column refrigerators and fabric solutions, complemented by ceramics from local artist Aaron Scythe. The company will repurpose native Tōtara wood from its New Zealand showroom for future displays.
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While many exhibitors emphasized eco‑friendly products, the trade show itself generated considerable waste, a paradox noted by several participants. Knoll, for instance, has been reusing its metal‑grid booth for several years, and Miele plans to rebuild its modular designs in the United States, reducing the need for new construction. Fisher & Paykel also pledged to repurpose native Tōtara wood from its New Zealand showroom for future displays.
For designers and visitors moving through the busy streets of Milan, the surge of sustainable offerings signals a shift in industry expectations. Brands that once relied on single‑use swag now find value in reusable materials, and the presence of recyclable polyester padding and biodegradable plastics suggests that the market is responding to broader consumer concerns about waste.
In practice, this means that the average Milan Design Week attendee might leave with fewer disposable items and more awareness of how product lifecycles can be extended.
Overall, the week highlighted both the promise and the challenges of integrating sustainability into large‑scale design showcases. As companies continue to experiment with recycled metals, biodegradable polymers and low‑impact manufacturing, the industry’s ability to balance spectacle with responsibility will likely shape future editions of the event.
