Mater’s Terra light collection is minimalist yet tactile while the use of its patented waste material Matek™ means a low environmental footprint.
The world has a plastics problem, with most of it ending up in landfills each year. That’s why companies such as Danish green-tech design brand Mater matter. By using materials such as recycled aluminium, old fishing nets, recycled industrial fibre and beer kegs, Mater has shown how to produce elegant pieces with sustainability and circularity at their core.
Images courtesy of OEO Studio
Its latest release – the Terra lighting collection, designed by Copenhagen-based OEO Studio, is crafted from Mater’s patented waste material, Matek™. This groundbreaking material combines recycled post-consumer e-waste from damaged or unwanted electronic devices from the UK and Germany with coffee shell waste. The outcome is a unique composite that is suitable for compression moulding. To date, Mater has primarily used the highly durable Matek™ for chair seats and tabletop surfaces, so advancing the technology to create smaller items necessitated significant innovation and dedication, explains Ketil Årdal, the company’s CEO.
Photography by Line Klein Thit
“One of the standout features of the Matek™ material is its versatility. If we had opted for glass or metal shades, we would have needed additional components for assembly, which would likely require glue. The Matek™ material enables us to incorporate all necessary elements directly into the mould, eliminating the need for glue and cutting down the numbers of parts. As a result, we have created a product that is highly engineered, optimised for production, uses fewer components and can be easily disassembled and upcycled at the end of the product’s life,” says Thomas Lykke, creative director and co-founder of OEO Studio.
Photography by Line Klein Thit
Terra’s conical shape, unique tactility and two earthy colourways make for an inviting and cosy light, whether in a domestic or work setting. “Yes, it’s true that the lamp is not translucent. The Matek™ material offers unique qualities in terms of tactility and texture, which was our focus in creating the Terra lamp series,” adds Lykke.
Images courtesy of OEO Studio
“The Terra lamp is designed to provide optimal lighting for larger areas without causing glare, making it very effective,” he explains. “Great lighting is a crucial aspect of all our interior solutions. While we don’t have a desk lamp yet, we remain open to future possibilities.”
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