‘We are constantly looking for opportunities to convert plastic waste into design’

The designer duo of Vanessa Yuan and Joris Vanbriel are constantly looking for opportunities to convert plastic waste into design. And with success, because this has led to the creation of a full-fledged collection of objects, including armchairs, (side) tables and a tableware line. Everything under the ecoBirdy label.

To put the products in the international spotlight, ecoBirdy took part in Salone del Mobile Milano. The company got this opportunity thanks to BelgoFurn. The designs of the Antwerp company shone on the Belgian pavilion. “We did this not only to present the brand story and the furniture pieces, but also to introduce people to its sustainable production processes,” say the founders of ecoBirdy.

Vanessa Yuan and Joris Vanbriel, founders of ecoBirdy. Photos: Cleo Goossens.

Richard armchair and Judy side table
The Richard armchair was exhibited in Milan, among other things. The design is available in two colors that fit universally into any private and public space. The ergonomic seat has been specially designed to maximize postural support and make the armchair suitable for work areas and long-term use. The armrests provide support, while an embracing backrest makes the armchair comfortable. The two legs of the armchair give it an elegant and distinctive silhouette, and at the same time they are built to give stability and balance.

The Judy side table is a versatile piece of furniture, a sleek and cheerful small table. Her linear design makes Judy perfect to use as a coffee table, side table and bedside table. The side table suits different environments. Because it is round without sharp edges, the side table is suitable for environments with small children.

Richard armchair and Judy side table. Photos: Vanessa Yuan and Michiel Bosman.

Frost table
Frost Table is a slim piece of furniture. Its timeless design combines functionality and durability. The table top is made from internal parts of discarded refrigerators. The curved surface comes in an icy palette that resembles the original cooling purpose of its source. The layered texture recalls the original purpose of the recycled material. The metal base is treated with natural wax, an old technique of the whitesmith to preserve steel authentically and ecologically. Frost matches different interior styles and furniture combinations. It is available in three heights: coffee, coffee or bistro table, and three patterns: Glacier, Snow, Mid-Grey.

“We embrace the second life of discarded household appliances to create a timeless design, a sleek table that will support both items and the contribution to a more sustainable future,” say Vanessa and Joris.

Frost table. Photos: Arne Jennard.

Mabo board
ecoBirdy has also launched a tableware line. The Mabo board looks like it is made of marble, but that is not the case. It is made entirely from recycled plastic food containers. ecoBirdy has developed a technique that allows recycled plastic to be an integral part of the production process; its authentic features organically form a vein-like pattern and create an earthy color palette.

“The resulting tableware is a stylish decoration for the dining table,” Vanessa and Joris explain. Aesthetics and functionality merge. A raised curved edge keeps food from sliding and makes it easy to scoop. Smooth edges with a deep and wide shape, it can be used both as a serving bowl and a multi-functional bowl.

Mabo board. Photos: Heikki Verdurme and MIchiel Bosman.

Kids collection
The ecoBirdy children’s collection allows toddlers to experience creativity while raising awareness for sustainability. The designers have developed an entire system, from collecting and recycling old plastic toys to designing and producing the furniture. An accompanying picture book and school program has been designed to introduce young people to the concept of circular design and inspire them to contribute to a more sustainable future.

All products are made entirely from recycled plastic collected across Europe. The shaping of the products is done in Italy, with considerable manual labor. Thanks to precise sorting, cleaning and grinding during the recycling process, the material used in all products is free of harmful chemicals and 100% safe. The speckled appearance of the products is a striking eye-catcher and a recognizable result of recycling: a conscious choice to make waste material look beautiful. Rounded edges and smooth, silky surfaces make the furniture pleasant to the touch and easy to clean.

In the words of founders Vanessa Yuan and Joris: “Plastic toys use plastic more intensively than other consumer goods. Our goal is to free the ecosystem from the sea of plastic waste. Because we use innovative technologies created for plastic reuse, there is no need to add any pigments or resin to the material.”

Kids collection. Photo: Arne Jennard.