Revolutionary design: Introducing Ekbacken Studios – 3D printed furniture that holds the key to sustainable design

DREAMING OF A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

The brainchild of one digitalization professor, three engineers and a fashion designer, Ekbacken Studios was founded in 2022 with the vision of creating furniture that was as striking as it is beautiful but, most importantly, completely sustainable. By harnessing the power of cutting-edge 3D printing technology, they are transforming fishing nets that are no longer viable into striking pieces of furniture.

The fishing industry generates an alarming 50% of ocean waste and for years the world has grappled with the environmental impact of discarded fishing nets which often find their way into our oceans, wreaking havoc on our marine ecosystems. The visionary minds at Ekbacken Studios have taken an inspiring step forward on the path to reversing this trend. We spoke to Kristina Tjäder and Karoline Teigland, two of the founders of this innovative design company, about their vision for Ekbacken Studios, where the idea came from and what the future holds for the furniture producers.

Our mission is to create a better world, to create a future for our children and grandchildren, that is sustainable.”

3D PRINTED FURNITURE PRODUCTION

Each piece of Ekbacken Studio’s 3D printed furniture tells a story of innovation and environmental impact management, but how does one go from fishing net to masterful furniture centrepiece you may well ask?

The nets are initially collected from fishermen in Portugal, Karoline tells us. “It is important to note these are nets that are no longer in use or cannot be repaired but thanks to the initiative [of Ekbacken Studios] there is no worry of the fishing nets ending up in the ocean, as is often the case”. The nets are then cleaned and sorted by colour and eventually ground down and a mixed with a form of stone powder that acts to make the material stronger.

The 3D printing happens in Sweden, but Ekbacken have plans to create production hubs all over the world to ensure production remains as close to the customer as possible.

THE CIRCULAR LIFE OF DESIGN

Using a recycled material brings with it its own set of challenges Kristina tells us, the material can come with defects and the team must weigh up “from product to product” what type and how large of a defect can be accepted. The benefits are obvious, of course, “we have helped to save emissions for the climate, and that makes up for it, a lot, I would say” Kristina concludes, highlighting the passion this team has for the work they are doing.

One additional benefit to this type of production is that if the product doesn’t meet the standards the team have set then “we can grind the material down and use it again for something new” Karoline adds. This indeed is part of Ekbacken Studios’ sustainable business model, their products are designed to last a lifetime, passed down from generation to generation but of course if, for whatever reason, you have decided that the life of your product has come to an end Ekbacken will buy It back and turn it into something new.

PLAYING WITH FORM AND FUNCTION

Ekbacken’s designs are bold and adventurous but 3D furniture printing is not without limitations Kristina states. At Ekbacken Studios, however, they take these limitations and use them to their advantage “we cannot create sharp angles or corners, for example” she explains but the strong lines of the Eel lounge chair and the undulating curves of the Anemone coffee table make these limitations feel like an intentional design choice, creating a design language that is as daring and eye catching as it is sustainable.

3D furniture printing is a unique approach to a modern problem, pushing the boundaries of what we know and understand about furniture design. It is interesting to note, Kristina tells us, that the code for each piece of furniture can only be used one time, making each piece well and truly one of a kind.

What those at Ekbacken Studios understand is that true luxury extends beyond appearances – it includes a profound responsibility to our planet.

Each of Ekbacken Studios’ 3D printed furniture designs is a testament to the fusion of cutting-edge technology and eco-conscious creativity. The product names and designs link back to the oceans that the team are so acutely aware need protection. These modern pieces make a striking statement, not only in design but also in what they stand for. “[We want to] inspire people to be more daring when it comes to colour and shape” says Kristina, “and of course it is really nice to have a piece in your home that has a story to tell.” She finishes.

THE NEXT GENERATION OF FURNITURE DESIGN

Pushing the boundaries of what is possible is second nature to Ekbacken Studios. The 3D printed furniture challenges conventional design norms, inviting customers to embrace bold choices that harmonise with their eco-friendly values. As the demand for sustainable solutions gets louder, Ekbacken Studios is at the forefront of a movement that champions a better future through design innovation.

Photography: Ekbacken Studios