OMP Booth will showcase innovation, a collection by Normann Copenhagen, a Danish furniture brand distributed under OMP. It introduces Mat Chair, an exploration of how to create a contemporary shell chair using materials with a lower environmental impact than the industry norm.
Redefining Material Norms. The Mat Chair collection challenges conventional furniture production by introducing highly renewable, durable materials—hemp and eelgrass—as alternatives to traditional plastic shell chairs. Designed for circularity, Mat is the result of extensive research, prototyping, and testing, culminating in an innovative chair that prioritizes material responsibility without compromising aesthetics or functionality.
Mat Chair Collection: An Innovative Production Process
The production of Mat Chair follows a carefully engineered process to ensure durability and recyclability. The shells are crafted using a compression-molding technique, in which hemp fibers or a blend of hemp and eelgrass are bonded with a fully recyclable binder. This method creates a strong yet lightweight shell that maintains the materials’ natural tactility. The shells are then cut to size, hand-sanded for smoothness, and finished with a VOC-free linseed oil for durability.
Mat Chair Collection: Harnessing the Power of Hemp and Eelgrass
Mat Chair is available in two variations: one made from pure hemp fibers, offering a lighter tone, and another incorporating eelgrass, which provides a darker, natural hue. Both materials are sourced responsibly—hemp from European farms and eelgrass collected along the Danish coastline. These natural materials not only reduce material waste but also add a unique texture and aesthetic to the final design.
Mat Chair Collection: The Challenges and Rewards of Material Innovation
Creating a 3D shell chair using natural fibers required overcoming numerous challenges, particularly in securing high-quality hemp and eelgrass fibers that met strict durability and aesthetic requirements. Unlike traditional materials, these fibers exhibit natural variations, making each Mat Chair unique in tone and texture. Despite these hurdles, the investment in material innovation has resulted in a groundbreaking design that sets new standards for responsible furniture production.
Mat Chair Collection: A Step Toward a More Thoughtful Future
With Mat Chair, Normann Copenhagen embraces the future of furniture production by combining timeless design with responsible material choices. By continually refining production techniques and fostering partnerships that prioritize circularity, we aim to push the boundaries of innovation and contribute to a more resource-conscious industry.
Explore high-quality, popular flooring styles and award-winning European design products for your living spaces at the OMP booth. Visit us at Booth No. F517 at architect’26, the 38th largest architectural technology and construction product exhibition in ASEAN, from 28 April – 3 May 2026, from 10.00 – 20.00 hrs., IMPACT, Bangkok.
