Continuous

Continuous celebrates zero-waste, closed-loop production that sees material recycled into new products again and again. Technically advanced reclamation processes allow designers to achieve an elevated, refined aesthetic, as materials retain their original quality. Designers are keeping low impact front of mind, aiming at mono-materiality (single materials are easier to recycle than blends). Modularity and design for disassembly (products that are easy to take apart and repurpose) are also key techniques. The Continuous aesthetic doesn’t flaunt its eco credentials. It is practical, pared-back, utilitarian, and timeless, reflecting a sense of essentialism and longevity. Its impact is sophisticated and subtle, with universal appeal. This theme extends beyond design: transparency builds trust here, and communicating the Continuous message clearly and simply reinforces that trust.

Key Influences

Honext, Spain

Barcelona company Honext supplies the building industry with next-gen, sustainable boards manufactured from paper production waste. The material is made from cellulose in paper and cardboard, with enzymes, rather than non-recyclable resins, added to create strong bindings between the fibres. The boards are made to be long lasting but can ultimately be fed back into the production cycle.

circulo.se, renewcell.com @circulose, @renewcell

Circulose by Renewcell, Sweden

Circulose is a biodegradable fabric made by recycling company Renewcell from 100% discarded textiles. Renewcell sources fabric waste with a high cellulosic content, such as cotton, and uses chemicals – which can be recycled – to dissolve the fibres and create a slurry. The mixture is dried in sheets and then fed back into the textile production cycle. The brand produces about 4,000 tonnes of Circulose pulp per year.

Ineke Hans, Netherlands

The Rex chair by Ineke Hans is made with injection-moulded, nylon-based thermoplastic created from recycled office furniture, fishing nets, toothbrushes and other waste. In October 2021, the second iteration of this design from 2011 – now fully recyclable – was unveiled at Dutch Design Week by furniture brand Circuform. The manufacturer pledges to reimburse part of the cost of any Rex chairs returned to it after use; these will be resold or become material for new chairs.

Continuous Textiles

Advancements in fibre regeneration allow for zero-waste, truly circular production of both synthetic and cellulose yarns
Timeless and essentialist palettes encourage longevity and extended life
Advancements in fibre regeneration allow for zero-waste, truly circular production of both synthetic and cellulose yarns
Timeless and essentialist palettes encourage longevity and extended life
Waste fibres are respun and material fragments amalgamated to create new composite materials and textiles

Colour Palette

A minimal, pared-back colour palette celebrates modern, essential hues. From bright white through a series of warm greys and sage into sophisticated, classic blues and complex near-blacks, this palette elevates the classics with nuanced undertones and added complexities.