In a drive towards circularity, Vitra has updated the renowned Eames Plastic Chair with a recycled plastic seat.
First designed in 1950 by Charles and Ray Eames, Vitra’s Eames Plastic Chair has become a regular feature in homes all over the world. Now, as our environmental impact has become more apparent than ever, Vitra has announced that as of February 2024, all new Eames Plastic Chairs will be made with a recycled plastic seat and the collection will be renamed Eames Plastic Chairs RE.
Using high-quality recycled material from household recycling and used packaging obtained through the Yellow Bag (Gelber Sack) collection programme in Germany, this new adaptation of the historic design is a welcome change. However, with the composition of the recycled material being slightly different to that of virgin plastic, the aesthetic will be unique with the colours being interspersed with small specks of pigment. As the original white colour cannot be achieved with recycled plastic, a new ‘cotton white’ version has been introduced alongside ‘citron’ and ‘emerald’ colourways with the virgin plastic option still being offered if customers do require the original white design.
“Our grandparents, Charles and Ray Eames, would have applauded today’s focus on sustainability, but they knew they could not anticipate every aspect of every topic,” states Eames Demetrios, director of the Eames Office. “Instead, we took the role of determining the authenticity and value of future modifications and new materials with the help of Vitra.”
Being the first mass-produced plastic chair in the history of furniture, this iconic design is one which many associate with the design duo. With this update allowing the design to remain relevant to today’s audience of conscious consumers, it not only pays homage to the original designers but also allows their story and work to be celebrated for generations to come. Also available in fibreglass and wire, the chairs are an integral part of design history so updating them is a key factor in extending their provenance today and is a positive step forward for the industry.
Imagery courtesy of Vitra.
